Walkers in Glenrothes are being tormented by cyclists on one of the town’s busiest pedestrians routes, a community leader has claimed.
Peter Scobie, chairman of Pitteuchar, Stenton and Finglassie Community Council, has told The Courier that at least one local child has almost been struck by bike riders near a local shopping complex, prompting claims that an accident is inevitable.
Mr Scobie said: “We’ve been getting quite a lot of complaints about the behaviour of cyclists.
“The problem extends from the Warout Woods, through Pitteuchar and the Glamis Centre, all the way down to Stenton Pond.
“The day before our last meeting a resident came forward, whose home backs on to the path in Pitteuchar, and he said his child had almost been knocked down by a cyclist.
“It’s not just kids that are doing this some of them are teenagers or older.
“They come blistering down that path and if people are walking they just don’t care.”
Glenrothes has an extensive network of cycle paths, which is being expanded further at the moment due to a £2 million investment in the system.
The existing routes clearly designate separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists, though congestion outside of residential areas is uncommon.
Of particular concern to Mr Scobie is a long stretch, almost half a mile, between Beaufort Drive and the Glamis Shopping Centre.
A number of smaller pedestrian paths connect with the cycle path at this point, while gates from dozens of properties back onto the route, requiring residents to exercise caution when leaving their gardens.
Mr Scobie has since started a campaign at the local community centre, warning both cyclists and pedestrians to show consideration for one another.
He has also contacted community police officers to raise his concerns.
“The stretch from Warout Woods through Pitteuchar is long and they get some speed up there,” he added.
“We’ve got to try something to stop this and if we can make any impression then it will be worth it.”
Fife Council, which maintains the town’s cycle paths, said that it had not noted any increase in reports of misuse of the routes.
However, Alison Irvine from the local authority’s access team, added: “The council doesn’t have specific rules or guidance on the use of cycle paths but we encourage everyone to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
“This applies to all types of paths, not just cycle paths, and ensures that everyone who has statutory access rights to Scotland’s outdoors take access responsibly.”