A POLICE operation has targeted cycling on the pavement in Sale after an elderly woman was seriously injured.

The 72-year-old was knocked over by a teenage cyclist as she stood on the pavement waiting for a bus on Cross Street.

She suffered extensive damage to her face and was taken to hospital where she was also treated for bruising after landing on her hip.

She may also need reconstructive work on her teeth.

The 17-year-old had been cycling on the pavement and had briefly turned away when the collision took place.

He has been given a court summons for careless cycling on the pavement.

The teen was said to be ‘very shaken’ after the incident and had sent the victim flowers to apologise.

On August 11 and 12, Sale Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) took part in a special operation in Sale Town Centre to stop people cycling in pedestrianised areas.

They gave 19 fixed penalty notices, one summons and stopped 25 people for various cycling offences.

Inspector Laura Burgess, from Sale Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the operation was undertaken to highlight the dangers of cycling on pavements and make people aware.

The town centre was targeted due to the large number of vulnerable elderly people and young families who frequent it.

She said cyclists should get off their bike and walk pushing it beside them in pedestrianised areas or cycle on the road - making sure they are wearing the right equipment.