Fears of 'fatal accident' risk on new Glasgow bike lanes

The GMB Union and Councillor Paul Carey have raised concerns that mechanical sweepers are not being used in the upkeep of the lanes because they too big to fit the narrow passages. They argue that the cleansing department staff are currently manually maintaining some temporary and permanent bicycle lanes. 

Glasgow City Council, however, say a 'very small amount of tasks' may be done manually but their preferred method for cleaning the cycle lanes is using a road sweeper.  The local authority added that there is no issue with mechanical sweepers accessing either permanent or temporary cycle lanes to do work. 

The GMB union has called for the installation of speed signs at every corner on the new and temporary lanes while members manually manage debris on the lanes by hand. 

READ MORE: Collisions involving cyclists in Greater Glasgow sees increase

The calls come after one worker was nearly struck by a cyclist in the East End. 

Union representative Chris Mitchell said: “If a cyclist comes around a bend on one of these cycle lanes at 20 to 30 miles per hour and hits any of my members, there is cause for a potential fatal accident inquiry. 

“There will be either a death of a cyclist or one of my members or the potential for both to be knocked into oncoming traffic. 

“This is a major concern for workers – a number of my members have complained to me about the speed that cyclists come around the corners at while they are cleaning the lanes.  I think the authority should have thought about this before implementing the new lanes – why can’t a mechanical sweeper fit into them?”

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A statutory consultation process had previously been held by the local authority before the implementation of the lanes – which is open to unions and members of the public to respond to. 

Mr Mitchell added: “There should have been a risk assessment. Any time that the cleansing department are having to clean the lanes manually, there should be some kind of signage up to warn cyclists to slow down and be aware of workers maintaining the cycle lanes.”

Councillor Paul Carey – who represents Drumchapel and Anniesland – said a number of his constituents have come to him with similar worries.

He said: “At the inception of this project, I pointed out that the council must consult the local community groups and community councils which they failed to do so before stream-rolling through.

"Whilst I support the idea to get people out more on bikes particularly during this pandemic, I was astonished to find out that the £7.5 million bike lanes could pose a risk to people using them."

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “Staff safety is an absolute priority and concerns in relation to working on the roads are always taken seriously.

“We have already indicated to the union that where concerns have been identified we can introduce appropriate traffic management measures at those locations to ensure staff are safe in the course of their work. However, there is no issue with mechanical sweepers accessing either permanent or temporary cycle lanes to do work.

“Mechanical sweepers are always our preferred method for servicing these areas, although a very small amount of tasks may require to be done manually.

“In those circumstances, staff have access to high visibility clothing and appropriate signage to warn other road users that work is under way.

“We have not received any direct notification from staff of an incident on the London Road pop-up lane and neither have we been made aware of collisions between cyclists and our staff.”