'Why are cyclists ignored?': Cycling campaign group urge for regular clean up of bike path

Signs reading ‘Welcome to Glasgow City Council’s Soft Play in the Bike Lane’, in reference to piles of leaves on the path, and ‘Welcome to Glasgow City Council’s Swimming Pool in the Bike Lane’, referring flooding and ice that is often seen on the path, have been placed along the Shields Road stretch of the path. 

The South West City Way, which stretches from Shields Road to West Street, is a dedicated cycling lane created as part of Glasgow City Council's 'City Way' project to implement safer cycling on roads. 

In previous years, cycling activist group GoBike have campaigned for the upkeep of the path, which they say is often overlooked.  

Iona Shepherd, a spokeswoman for GoBike, said: “The problem with leaves clogging up the South West City Way and the ice that covers it in the winter is not a new one.  

“We really need a regular schedule of leaf clearing, in the same vein as the council’s gritting schedule, to help keep the path safe for cyclists.” 

Iona, a keen cyclist in the are herself, says that there have been numerous occasions where she has seen cyclists have to dismount to be able to pass safely. 

She said: “The South West City Way and other bike lanes similar to this in the city are really the motorways for cyclists, and it would be unthinkable for the council to ignore these important routes for drivers so why are cyclists ignored? 

“There shouldn’t have to be signs put up to embarrass the council into taking action.   

"All we are asking for is a regular upkeep of the lanes which they have created, especially now when people have been asked not to use public transport where they can.” 

In response, a Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “We are aware of issues with drainage and leaves on this stretch of the cycle route and we have been working to address these problems. Four additional drains have been built, which will help surface water to clear more easily, and further engineering measures are being pursued that will help minimise the risk of localised flooding on the route. 

“We do undertake proactive work to clear leaves from road surfaces around the city and prioritise locations where we get significant build-ups of leaves. The build-up of leaves on this part of the route has been cleared and we are looking at how we can expand our resources for more proactive work in future. 

“We are fully committed to supporting the growth of cycling in the city and significant investment is being made in creating and maintaining safe infrastructure for cycling.”