A FRONT line worker was left with metal tacks in his bike tyres after a spate of mindless attacks.

The nurse is one of multiple cyclists left with damage to their bikes after a series of incidents where thugs have dropped pins on a cycle route.

Now a cycling campaign group has called for an end to what is says is "dangerous and anti-social" actions.

Thomas Cornwallis, Co-Convenor of Go Bike, said: "The dropping of tacks on used cycle-ways and shared paths is not a ‘cheeky prank’ and laughing matter.

"It is both dangerous and anti-social, particularly in places like along canals where people could end up in the water and get seriously injured or worse.

"We understand the potential for conflict with more people cycling for exercise or essential travel, and that is why we support the need for space for distancing to allow people safe and accessible routes and areas on our streets.

"It's vital now that local authorities expand their programme to encompass yet more streets to help people make the right choices for how they get about easily, safely and with distance."

Cyclists have repeatedly reported tacks being scattered along the cycle path from Milton to Bowling.

The pins can pierce bike tyres - but are also a threat to animals and children.

The nurse, who travels by bike to a Glasgow hospital, said: "It's super dangerous.

"It can cause you to lose control, hurting other path users, can strand people away from home, especially young or novice cyclists, and injure dogs badly."

Cyclist Allan Faulds had his bike damaged by tacks as he cycled along the canal from Kelvindale to Bowling.

He said: "There seems to have been a spate of tackings on that route.

"Last weekend when I was passing through Clydebank on my return leg, I noticed at least a dozen cyclists off the side fixing punctures.

"A few minutes later I realised I had two tacks in my front tyres.

"I managed to make it home before deflating, but was pretty raging."

In response to a tweet about the problem, several people contacted Allan to say this is happening regularly.

He added: "Later in the week I had someone actually specifically message to warn of tacks at Bowling that day and yesterday when I was coming up for Dalmuir Drop Locks, a walker stopped me to warn someone had tacked that area as well.

"Obviously, it's a massive inconvenience and upset for cyclists who are just trying to keep on top of both their mental and physical health as best we can at the moment, but it's a big risk for others as well.

"It could easily be dogs stepping on the tacks or walkers, especially if it's a small child with thin shoes.

"Even if it's targeting cyclists, it's massively irresponsible behaviour that's putting everyone using those routes at risk."

Go Bike is asking anyone affected to report incidents to Police Scotland.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police Scotland have been made aware about tacks being put on the cycle path between Bowling and Milton over the past two weekends.

"Anyone who has any information in relation to this incident is asked to call police on the 101 number, quoting the reference number 0951 of May 3, 2020."