Glasgow riders - an appeal

BoardinBob

Following on from the Pollok thread, the walkers on the trails are very frustrating. Culture and Sport Glasgow are responsible for the park and the trails therefore I would encourange anyone that uses the trails to appeal to them to remedy the problem.

http://www.csglasgow.org/

info@csglasgow.org

Here is the email I've sent them today

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I wish to raise concerns regarding the lack of adequate signage informing non-cyclists of the existence and nature of the purpose built cycle trails within Pollok Park. As a cyclist with over 10 years experience I was a regular user of the trails in the park, however more and more encounters with walkers, dog walkers and joggers on the trails led me to more or less stop using them a couple of years ago. Any time I encountered non-cyclists on the trail I endeavoured to explain to them in a polite manner the nature of the trails and the risk posed to themselves and the cyclists. Reactions to this ranged from complete silence with blank vacant stares to a tirade of abuse and foul language. Having analysed the risk I decided the threat of a serious accident outweighed the benefits of a purpose built trail less than 5 minutes from my home and I ceased from using the trails.

I was recently pleased to discover there had been extensive work done to the trails to remedy drainage problems, improve the surface to make the trails more sustainable and the introduction of a new “Black” graded section with technical features demanding a high level of rider skill. I visited the trails on Sunday March 15th to see the work undertaken and I’m happy to say the work appears to have been very successful. It was with dismay however that I noted the continued lack of signage informing park users of the dangers associated with walking on the trails. There were several other cyclists using the trails that day ranging from novices to experienced riders. These experienced riders are tackling the trails at high speed. On 6 separate occasions within a 2 hour period I encountered joggers, walkers and dogs on the trail. Not beside the trail, actually on the trail itself. There are absolutely no warning signs informing them that they should not be on these trails. While the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 has improved access to the countryside for everyone, the trails within the park fall under Chapter 2, Subsection 6 of the act, “Land over which access rights not exercisable”. I wish to highlight this section in particular:

Land over which access rights not exercisable
(1) The land in respect of which access rights are not exercisable is land—
(e) which has been developed or set out—
(i) as a sports or playing field; or
(ii) for a particular recreational purpose;


As these trails are way-marked and defined they fall under the definition of land developed for a particular recreational purpose, therefore signage should be erected informing the public of this. If this is not done, it is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs. On too many occasions I have encountered walkers when rounding a blind corner at high speed, narrowly avoiding an accident. As you have graded the trails Green, Blue, Red & Black, it is to be expected that a certain level of skill is necessary to ride each trail and it should be fully expected that highly skilled riders will cycle at higher speeds. Furthermore, as this has now been registered as an issue with you, in the event of a serious accident Culture & Sport Glasgow and Glasgow City Council could be held liable as they neglected to act when they were forewarned about the potential dangers and failed to take an appropriate course of action to mitigate the risk.

Cycling is a booming sport in Scotland but the central belt remains bereft of decent purpose built off road cycling trails and to have these facilities in the middle of a major city is a real bonus. They will only attract users though if they feel safe and confident on the trails which to my mind, they do not at the moment. If you visit any purpose built trail such as Carron Valley, Glentress or the other “7 Stanes” centres, you will see excellent signage at start and end of trails coupled with signage along the way warning walkers to stay off the trails. This along with education of park users would ensure a safe and harmonious environment for all park users. One person I spoke to informed me the park ranger had personally told her she could walk on the trails, which is incorrect under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. You would not walk across a football field or a tennis court while a match was being played and I fail to see why anyone would walk on a cycle trail.

The park is a wonderful place with a wide range of facilities for everyone to use but safe access to the cycling trails is being hampered by the points I’ve highlighted. I would appreciate your comments and feedback on these issues and your proposals to remedy the problems.

Yours sincerely

Bob Millar

BoardinBob

Now that they've been made aware, if someone was hurt, they could sue the arse off them and their public liabilty insurers would have a field day.

iga

Great letter Bob. I live 5 mins from the park as well and although I don't mountain bike I can see how this is an accident waiting to happen. But isn't the park the responsibility of Land and Environmental Services?

Glasgow City Council
Land and Environmental Services
Cycle Unit
Richmond Exchange
20 Cadogan Street
Glasgow
G2 7AD

BoardinBob

iga wrote:

Great letter Bob. I live 5 mins from the park as well and although I don't mountain bike I can see how this is an accident waiting to happen. But isn't the park the responsibility of Land and Environmental Services?

Glasgow City Council
Land and Environmental Services
Cycle Unit
Richmond Exchange
20 Cadogan Street
Glasgow
G2 7AD

From what I've been told, they GCC transferred responsibilty to S&C

chaz_27

Knowing Glasgow City Council it will take them about a two years to eventually put up decent signs. :x

My mum's complained about things to the council previously(lack of wheelie bins etc) and to really get them to finally act you need to send about 20 letters but your letter was great and should hopefully get a hard hitting message across