Cycling UK Forum

As far as Glasgow is concerned attacks on cyclists are rare but do happen. I would make a point of avoiding routes along canal banks and old railways after late evening unless you know the area. Obviously a tourist won't.

In Glasgow I would always avoid at night for example the Sustrans route along the Clydeside at Glasgow Green. A red light area and hotspot for robberies.

On the other hand I commuted along a section of the Forth and Clyde Canal between the north of Glasgow and Bishopbriggs for a few years with only one minor incident. About 10pm 3 teenagers spread out to block the towpath and stop me. I didn't stop.

I've had more problems since changing to an on road commute in a different part of the city. Three times in a year I've had to swerve to avoid neds entering the road to try and attack me (or threaten to). The most recent incident was apparently because he objected to the brightness of my front light, a 1 watt LED.

These incidents were 10pm (1) and between 1130 and midnight. During the day I've never had a problem on or off road.

I suspect most routes anywhere in the UK would be OK during in the day. Unless anyone knows different?

iaincullen wrote:Three times in a year I've had to swerve to avoid neds entering the road to try and attack me (or threaten to). The most recent incident was apparently because he objected to the brightness of my front light, a 1 watt LED.

Do you know if they were drinking?

I'd hate to think they do this kind of random pointless violence just for fun. They're like feral creatures

bikely-challenged wrote:

iaincullen wrote:Three times in a year I've had to swerve to avoid neds entering the road to try and attack me (or threaten to). The most recent incident was apparently because he objected to the brightness of my front light, a 1 watt LED.

Do you know if they were drinking?

I'd hate to think they do this kind of random pointless violence just for fun. They're like feral creatures

Two incidents involved adults who I think they had been drinking. The other time was a group of 6 or 7 13-15 yr olds. I think this one was just for fun as they laughed when I swerved over 3 lanes to avoid them. Feral creatures just about covers it. They were reasonably sober but any laugh could have included an assault.

This happened in the area last weekend. By all accounts a totally unprovoked random attack. Again late at night.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/gla ... 677759.stm

I now avoid that route going home at night. There is a pinch point where any neds heading into the town centre from a scheme have to use a road under a motorway. For me that.s an uphill section making avoiding manouvers less effective due to lower speed.

Not to decry or belittle anyone's experiences, but are we at risk as "Cyclists"?

Many of these incidents woul have happened as pedestrians or performinhg any daily task such as getting out of a car in a car park or to shop.......... Is it simply a sad indictment of Society?

Cunobelin wrote:Not to decry or belittle anyone's experiences, but are we at risk as "Cyclists"?

Many of these incidents woul have happened as pedestrians or performinhg any daily task such as getting out of a car in a car park or to shop.......... Is it simply a sad indictment of Society?

I agree. Cyclists are not more at risk than any other group. In many circumstances I would suggest it is safer to cycle through a dodgy area than walk through as there is less chance of casual attacks from pedestrians due to a cyclists speed.

Cycle tourists may be at a (slightly) increased risk due to a lack of local knowledge. Even this should be minimal though if not riding late at night in urban areas.

iaincullen wrote:This happened in the area last weekend. By all accounts a totally unprovoked random attack. Again late at night.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/gla ... 677759.stm

One of the male suspects was thought to be aged between 20 and 30 years old, 5ft 7in tall, of a stocky build and wearing a white tracksuit.

Classic ned attire and always to be avoided.

Agree with Cunobelin's comment regarding society.

What do you call a Ned in a white tracksuit................ The Bride?

What do you call a Ned in a suit ........ The defendant

(Please not in the interests of equality please feel free to replace Ned with your chosen feral tribe)

glueman wrote:Unless they're well used Sustans type trails can make riders feel vulnerable. Near built up areas you are better off on the roads.

I agree. I ride a lot of sustrans routes alone and really enjoy the mixed road, and varied offroad surfaces, in remote parts of the UK. I am not afraid of riding A roads but they are also not my idea of a good time when out on a bike. But, when entering a major town I abandon segregated routes and use the main roads through the town. My perception is that main roads will be safer and easier to navigate. although I doubt there is any evidence to back up that feeling.

More importantly on tour I also feel you get a better impression of a city from the main road rather than from backstreets and paths. That said, in my own town, I am grateful for segregated paths which make my commute both quicker and easier by avoiding a dreadful one-way system.

geocycle wrote: My perception is that main roads will be safer and easier to navigate. although I doubt there is any evidence to back up that feeling.

This is what I have found also. On my E2E navigating through Exeter, Bristol, Chester, and Liverpool using a 1:250'000 map the only time I had a problem was when I tried to follow a signposted cycle route into Bristol.

This took me through the usual lanes, parks, cul-de-sacs etc. Nice enough cycling, but half the speed and twice the distance of the main road. Miss one signpost and you are lost. I soon switched back to the fast, well surfaced and well signposted main roads.

So navigation - no contest. For safety - all else being equal a busy main road will be safer than a deserted cycle path.

I just wanted to mention the British Waterways incident report scheme. If there are spots of the canal where you've had trouble, just go to their website, download the incident report form, fill it in and send it to them.
Alternatively, call them on 01923 20 11 20.
They're a terrible organisation - speaking as a liveaboard narrowboater, I trust them as far as I can throw them - but they should know about all of this, so at least they know they're lying when they say everything on the network is working properly.