Glasgow cyclist filmed shouting abuse at elderly woman on ‘accident …

A cyclist has been caught on camera calling an elderly woman a "c***" after being told to dismount from his bike on a pedestrian footpath.

The incident is one of several to have taken place on Shields Road ^[1], Pollokshields, since it was closed for a year to allow Network Rail ^[2] to replace the bridge that runs over the railway line. While the road is closed to vehicles, cyclists are still able to use the narrow footway if they dismount.

A local community centre manager has described the situation as an "accident waiting to happen" with cyclists ignoring the signage and instead weaving through pedestrians. With many elderly people using the route to go to and from the community centre, he fears it won't be long until someone is seriously injured.

In a video shared with Glasgow Live, one cyclist is politely told that he "should be walking" between the points where the road is out of use. He responds saying he "frankly doesn't give a f***". He then goes on to say "what the f*** am I supposed to do here then? and that he "doesn't care" about elderly pedestrians.

He then calls Bill Lawns, who is filming, a "double-chinned w******" before telling an elderly woman to "shut your f*****g mouth c***".

Bill, who manages the Nan McKay Community Hall, said: "When the bridge closed and cars were redirected for the year - no one suspected that pedestrians and cyclists would have to share a short stretch of pavement. The total disregard for older people has been disgraceful.

"We have heard for a number of years now that cyclists demand cars to give them space and to stop blocking cycle lanes. Yet it's not the same when it comes to considering the needs of older people. They are on a pavement that is not designated a shared space.

"They don't consider that when older people see them coming they get stressed and anxious. They may have hearing difficulties walking difficulties or have poorer eyesight. The motorised bikes are terrible, especially if they come from behind.

"About 20% of cyclists now dismount and walk the short distance but when others are asked to dismount they have used every swear word or get told to mind their own business. This is now a small subculture of maniacs who have given themselves the entitlement to do as they please.

"Network Rail by their inaction is allowing this behaviour and whenever the police turn up they see nothing wrong as the hypocrites get off and walk. It's an accident waiting to happen.

Cyclists have been told to dismount on the footpath (Image: Supplied)

"We've got several videos of people giving us abuse for asking them to dismount. I've been called a 'fat c***"', and I've been told to 'shut the f*** up'. One man was swearing at an elderly woman.

In other pictures and videos shared with Glasgow Live, dozens of cyclists can be seen ignoring signs to dismount and continuing over the bridge. One can be seen overtaking a woman in a wheelchair.

Bill added: "They just do not care. It takes me less than two minutes to walk the bridge part and the most I have counted is nine cycling, four dismounted and walking and a whole load of pedestrians.

Cyclists have been overtaking wheelchair users (Image: Supplied)

"It's worse at peak times, especially in the morning. I am all for cycling and active travel, but there are cyclists out there showing a blatant lack of respect for pedestrians."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We encourage everyone using the shared walkway to act responsibly, respectfully and with consideration for others.

“We know that a road closure of this length is disruptive for the local community as well as road users, and we’re keen to minimise the impact whilst still delivering the repairs to the bridge as efficiently as possible.

“There will be a safe walking route for pedestrians, and access for cyclists who dismount, for the duration of the work programme.”

References

^{^} Shields Road (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
^{^} Network Rail (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
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