http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=150242006
Yobs target cyclists with trip wires and bricks
ALAN RODEN TRANSPORT REPORTER
CYCLISTS in the city are being targeted by thugs with trip wires as they
ride on secluded paths.
In recent months, a number of cyclists have been thrown from their bikes
by lengths of washing-line fixed between trees or lampposts in the north
of the city.
In the latest incident, one biker also had a brick thrown in his face,
causing serious injury.
At least three of the evening attacks have taken place on a stretch of
cycle path close to Craigleith Retail Park over the last two months, but
it is feared many similar incidents may not have been reported to the
police.
Cycling lobby groups today called on the council to ensure there is
better street lighting for off-road paths, and urged police to regularly
patrol the areas and use CCTV to catch those responsible.
The local authority has invested thousands of pounds in creating an
extensive network of off-road cycle routes in the city, to ensure bikers
don't have to ride on busy roads. The paths are widely used throughout
daytime, but have proved dangerous to ride on once darkness falls.
Stuart Smith, 43, from Davidson's Mains, was cycling home from work last
Tuesday night when he was attacked.
"I was about 200 metres short of Davidson's Mains bridge when I spotted
one of the lights wasn't working on the path," he said.
"Then I was struck with something on the side of my face, and I saw the
silhouette of somebody running away. I looked down to see half a brick,
and just in front of me was a length of washing-line across the path.
There was also a small uprooted tree.
"Since Christmas, there have been quite a few barricades put in the way
of cyclists and there are bits of washing-line still tied to lampposts
along the route.
"I always take precautions around that area, and although it won't stop
me using the cycle path, I wouldn't let my daughter use it and I now
carry some cutting pliers. Other cyclists have chosen to take their
chances with the potholes and traffic on the roads."
Mr Smith, who reported the incident to Drylaw police, was treated for
his bruised and swollen face at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Another keen cyclist - Maggie Wynn, co-ordinator of the Try-Cycling in
Edinburgh initiative - was recently thrown from her bike by a trip wire
in the same area of the city.
The 41-year-old from Davidson's Mains said: "I was heading to a meeting
at around 6pm, but I didn't spot that a length of washing-line had been
fixed from one lamppost to a bollard at knee height.
"I wasn't badly injured, but I was quite shaken and it could have been a
lot worse. The cycle paths are lovely during the day, but they are not
inviting at night.
"The council needs to have more lighting, and should cut back the
vegetation. I would also like to see more police officers patrolling the
route." The city's transport leader, Councillor Andrew Burns, said: "We
will investigate the lighting on this cycle path to see if we can do
more to protect users.
"We are keen to promote cycling in the city. It is essential cyclists
feel safe when using the routes and we will do everything possible to
ensure this happens."
Councillor Lesley Hinds, Lord Provost and local councillor for Drylaw,
said: "It is disgraceful that individuals have taken to this very
dangerous behaviour. It is unacceptable. I have recently requested a
meeting with the local community police to look at preventative measures
to resolve this issue."
A police spokeswoman said: "We take this very seriously and encourage
anyone who has been involved in similar incidents to get in touch."
--
Tony
"The best way I know of to win an argument is to start by being in the
right."
- Lord Hailsham