MSPs have called for action in Scotland to crackdown on the dangerous use of off road bikes and motorised bikes.

Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, made the call during a debate in Holyrood.

Because regulation of the bikes is reserved to Westminster he called for a working group to be set up in Scotland to deal with issues like policing and enforcement while lobbying for the law to change.

It is hoped a bill at Westminster introduced by former MP Anne McLaughlin will be taken up by the government to have off-road bikes registered.

READ NEXT:Son calls for action on off road bikes after dad was killed

Following the death, however, of 79 year-old David Gow in the Parkhouse area of north Glasgow, Doris said the Scottish Government must also act where it can.

(Image: Police Scotland)

(Image: Scottish Parliament)

He said: “I ask our Scottish Government to ensure that a working group is established on the matter in Scotland. Many aspects of road safety, education, policing and enforcement are devolved.

“I am sure that Police Scotland and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities could be key partners in any working group, along with various other organisations.

“If there is to be UK legislation, such a group would help to inform the Scottish context in that regard.”

While recognising there are many legitimate riders and uses for the bikes, he outlined the risks posed by irresponsible riders.

READ NEXT: Masterplan to breathe new life into historic Glasgow area

He said: “I will be blunt. There is a third group: those who, for whatever reason, just do not seem to care.

“Sometimes, a lone rider can cause nuisance or danger, at other times, they are in larger groups, which can increase the risk to the community’s safety and can also be hugely intimidating.”

Other MSPs echoed his concern and call for action.

Annie Wells, Glasgow Conservative MSP, said: “Where I live, I can look out of the window every night and see quad bikes and unlicensed motorbikes jumping about with no lights on them, with riders wearing no helmets just zooming about the place.

“They have no regard for public safety or for the safety of any other vehicle users.”

She said it is a problem, particularly in parts of Glasgow.

READ NEXT:John Swinney makes admission on free school meals for all pupils

Wells added: “Aside from being a public nuisance, the problem has often resulted in criminal offences being committed and in people being hurt or even, in the case of Mr Gow, being killed.”

Jim Fairlie minister for agriculture and connectivity, responded for the Scottish Government.

He said: “The Scottish Government takes very seriously the misuse of off-road vehicles, and we will continue to work with Police Scotland and local partners to seek to eradicate that misuse.

“I am very open to establishing a working group, in conjunction with my colleague Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety and others, to try to find solutions in order to prevent another unnecessary tragedy such as the one that was suffered by the family of David Gow.”