A son whose father was killed after he was hit by an off-road bike in Glasgow has backed calls for tougher action on the use of unlicensed bikes.

David Gow, 79, died on February 12 last year following the incident on Balmore Road in the north of Glasgow.

The use of off-road bikes is being debated in the Scottish Parliament this week.

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Craig Gow, 47, from Parkhouse, said he supported efforts to introduce strict controls on the sale and use of off-road bikes before someone else suffers the “pain and hurt” he and his family have endured.

Mr Gow, said: “Is it going to take more people being killed before action is taken?

“The day my dad died it was a dark night. If it wasn’t my dad it would have been someone else.

“He was my dad. Someone else will be killed and their family will go through the pain and hurt I’m going through.

“The people on these bikes, whether it’s off road, or power assisted e-bikes  or scooters don’t seem to have any idea of safety. There must be governance before someone else dies.

“It is the elderly and the very young who are most at risk and who will suffer.”

He said it is a widespread problem and poses a challenge to police.

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Mr Gow added: “Something must be done. These bikes are up and down the road all the time.

“It’s not just in our area, from speaking to other people it’s everywhere.

“It is mostly off-road bikes but also electric and power-assisted bikes.

“They are too easy to buy, there’s no governance.

“It is as easy to get hold of one of these bikes as it is to buy a pedal bike, if you have the money.

“There’s no insurance or licence needed.

“And it’s nigh-on impossible to police.”

Bob Doris, Maryhill and Springburn SNP MSP, has secured a member's debate in Holyrood this week on the misuse of off-road vehicles, calling for the Scottish Government, local authorities and Police Scotland to be involved in a UK Department of Transport task force to tackle the nuisance and dangers of such vehicles.

Doris said: “The irresponsible use of off road vehicles are an increasing problem across our communities.

“At best they can be a nuisance to communities, at their tragic worst they cause serious injury and take life.

“Sadly, that has certainly been the case in Maryhill and Springburn. I am grateful for the Gow family for sharing their story regarding the tragic killing of David Gow and for their support ahead of Wednesday’s parliamentary debate.

“I hope the debate helps build a partnership approach between all levels of government to take action to help tackle this growing danger including carefully considering the requirement to register such vehicles.

“Many who use off-road vehicles do so sensibly and responsibly. However far too many do not and place themselves and others at great risk.” 

Two men, aged 23 and 24, have since been arrested and charged in connection with the incident that led to Mr Gow's death.