@gmpolice go nuclear on bike riders

I dont often have a go at the fuzz: difficult jobs and all that. True, they don't always endear themselves to the Great British Public but then, that's not really what they're for is it.
But I have to record my disgust, yes DISGUST dear reader, with their actions in fining 400 riders in ten days in Manchester for 'dangerous' riding.
According to the article in the South Manchester Reporter, dangerous activities included: jumping red lights, riding on the pavement, using a mobile when riding and dangerously weaving in and out of traffic.
My considered view on this list of offences is: what a load of shite. 
Under the guise of making cyclists aware of danger, 400 riders got £80 on the spot fines or could opt to have them waived in return for attending a cycling course at a fire station of all places.
The pcso (whatever that is) quoted in the article said - apparently without trying to sound patronising - "Many cyclists we spoke to were not aware of the danger they put themselves in...". Really, I bet they did.
I reckon the conversation went something like this: 

Plod: Evenin' all: are you aware that riding like that is dangerous?
Rider: No, because it isn't.
Plod: Ah, another one of the 'many'

Put brakes on: gettit?

Dont get me wrong, cycling can be dangerous, very dangerous but I'm not sure I know a single cyclist who is not acutely aware of their vulnerability on our roads and what we all need is protection from the law not having it whacked over our heads under the banner of safety.
To me this is a clear symptom of more riders and no improvements in infrastructure.
They even had one of those annoying names for the operation.  This one was called Grimaldi when it should have been called Operation Coppi. Poor show all round.