Private land riding and parking

millionairmind

Some area in England, in city center have private land is open to public. As a courier rider we get told to get off our bike. Normal commuter cyclist do use the same way as us. It’s a big road walking wastes a lot of our time. And it’s empty mostly during off peak. These SIA badge holders come and they talk to us disrespectfully saying we need to get off our bike and what not. We argue back because they are shouting + hundreds of cyclists go through their. Most deliveries and pick up are in the private land. We can’t avoid it.

1. They have a few signs with cyclists dismount. What legal actions can they take?
Can they ban us?
Can they confiscate our bikes?

If they ask us our names and detail. Do we have to give?

princeofpounds

Depends on the exact legal status of the land. In particular, whether there are rights-of-way existing over that land.


However, presuming that the land is wholly private (And in England), the rough picture as I (a total layman) understand it is:




- They can ban you, but in itself this does not have the force of the law. Trespass in itself isn't a criminal offence in England but you do leave yourself open to civil liability if your trespass causes any damage (for example, if you inure a staff member cycling). They can also obtain an injunction against you accessing their premises, which would carry the force of the law, but it's unlikely they would go so far for minor annoyances.


- They can take reasonable action to remove you from their premises. That can extend to using proportionate force, if you try to force your way in.


- They can't take your bike. But if they do, it doesn't mean they have committed theft unless they intend to permanently deprive you of the bike.


- You don't have to give any ID.


For what it's worth, it may be the easy option for you but as a regular pedestrian in a similar space the courier riders are often a selfish pain, who weave at speed through the plaza making it unpleasant for anyone else (despite rarely making any physical contact). It also doesn't help the reputation of cyclists in general. I'll leave it to you to judge your own conscience on that one, as I am in no position to judge you or your specific circumstances.