Glaswegians call for action on E-bikes as pressure mounts over danger deliveries

Hundreds of have called for more to be done over the growing danger from electric bikes in the city. have joined calls from cabbies for action to be taken against the food delivery delivery bikes which they been seen driving dangerously through the city centre and surrounding areas. It comes as concern has been growing in the city some riders can be seen driving against the flow of traffic and mounting pavements while wearing black clothing which restrict visibility – creating a danger to pedestrians and alike.

Police statistics revealed through a freedom of information request in September show that since 2020 there have been 1803 incidents involving Pedal Cycle or Electric Bikes across Scotland. Of these, 30 have been fatal with a further 713 described as ‘serious. ‘ Dangerous incidents in Glasgow have included the bikes being driven over the Kingston Bridge and through the Clyde Tunnel.

Shocking shared in May 2022 showed a food delivery driver cycling traveling down the left hand lane pedalling through the tunnel alongside a vehicle. The phone footage was captured by the car passenger, who expressed their amazement at the sight. reported in July how another food courier was spotted again traveling through the tunnel as it moved alongside vehicles.

In another incident in , a driver was arrested after concerned members of the public reported seeing a rider on the M8 motorway. And according the BBC a Glasgow student was injured after being struck by a speeding food delivery courier travelling the wrong way. After falling from his bike he was reportedly taken to hospital with a torn kidney.

Since sharing calls for more to be done about E-bikes – hundreds of angry Glaswegians have written to Glasgow Live to share their experiences with the delivery riders. One local wrote: “I witnessed one at George Square mounting the pavement to avoid the red light. He then hit and knocked over an old gentleman and didn’t even stop to check if he was ok.

The police and the council need to start hammering down on this but I won’t hold my breath. ” A second said: “As a bus driver in the city on the dangerous x19 run along the Broomielaw I can tell you they are an absolute menace. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets killed.

I’ve seen them knock down and hurt a pedestrian at the four corners. These electric bikes are heavy and fast yet no high visibility, most of them don’t have working lights and no insurance. I think it’s time the laws we’re changed regarding these bikes.

” A third said: “I remember a few months ago that I was walking on Victoria Road and there’s a pedestrian crossing just outside bank of Scotland. He didn’t even see me so I shouted at him to watch out and he hurled abuse at me. They also go through red lights, they go from road to pavement back to road, it’s ridiculous and they don’t hear anything as they have music or earphones in.

How dangerous is that?” A fourth added: “One came flying out of Glasgow Green right in front of my car. Had to emergency stop I was half an inch from hitting him. They are a danger and it’s high time something we done about them.

” Another said: “Two passed me last week. Overtook me in the Clyde Tunnel with no lights, they were going well over 40 miles per hour…. probably the fastest i’ve ever seen.

” Glasgow cabs previously backed calls to tackle the growing danger from ‘reckless’ delivery drivers. A spokesperson for Glasgow Taxi said: “The number of illegal electric delivery bikes has been a growing problem for some time and it was inevitable that action would have to be taken. It is unfortunate that someone had to be injured before action was taken.

Anyone who frequents the city centre, including taxi drivers, will have seen these bikes being driven recklessly, against the flow of traffic, on pavements, particularly at night. ” “The most extreme examples have even seen these bikes being ridden on the Kingston bridge and Clyde tunnel. The riders are seldom without a phone in their hand, wearing clothing which restricts their vision and paying little attention to other road users.

“These are not really bicycles they are electric motorcycles without the incumbent legal requirements. Any action must be viewed as positive. “.