A COLCHESTER cyclist has been left outraged after receiving a fine for cycling... in a bike lane. 

Colchester-based cyclist Helge Gillmeister was riding home from work along a path next to Southway.

However, her journey was cut short by a council warden patrolling the area, who handed her a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice.

This fine was issued under a Public Space Protection Order designed to prevent anti-social behaviour.

The warden claimed the cyclist was “riding on the footpath”, according to Helge, despite the path being designated as a shared-use cycle route since 2011.

Speaking to cycling website Road.cc, Helge said the road was "clearly" a shared path.

She added that she took photographs of all the signage and wrote a letter to the council.

She contacted local cycling campaigners as she feared the same may happen to other cyclist in the city.

Helge described the fine as “ridiculous” given there was shared-use signage just 30 yards away from where she was stopped.

But she was able to successfully appeal the fine.

This incident has inspired the Colchester Cycling Campaign to adopt a non-cooperation policy, which urges cyclists to refuse to give up their names and addresses if they are stopped by wardens for riding their bikes.

Campaigners have described the city as being "designed for cars". 

A spokesperson for Colchester City Council said: “We appreciate the Colchester Cycling Campaign bringing this matter to our attention.

“On this specific occasion, following a review of the circumstances surrounding the FPN, it was determined that a penalty notice was not appropriate.

“We will be reviewing our internal procedures to minimise the chance of similar errors occurring in the future.

“PSPOs are important tools to ensure the safety and enjoyment of public spaces for all users.

"We are committed to working collaboratively with Colchester Cycling Campaign and other stakeholders to ensure clear signage and consistent enforcement across the city.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to the cyclist involved.

"We are committed to providing safe and accessible cycling routes for everyone in Colchester.”