Cyclists in Glasgow bring workers a cuppa and cake to thank them for building cycle path

Cycling campaigners and local residents in Glasgow yesterday brought tea, coffee and cakes to workers installing a cycle path in the south of the city to thank them for their efforts.

The workers were treated to rolls, cakes and tattie scones as well as biscuits under the initiative, which was organised by the Friends of South City Way campaign group.

Group organiser Joel Cooney said: “We were looking for a way to pay tribute to the great work being done by contractors and thought ‘who doesn’t like a cuppa?’

“It’s meant to be a bit of fun but it highlights the vital need for separated cycle paths on busy shopping streets like Victoria Road away from motor traffic.

"We believe the South City Way will provide this protection, enabling more people to feel confident enough to cycle here.”

Among those in attendance was Patrick Harvie, co-convenor of the Scottish Green Party.

He said “I was delighted to join up with other cycling campaigners to show our thanks to the people who are building new, high quality routes in Glasgow. This must be the way forward for Glasgow, if we want people to be safe enjoying the healthiest, cheapest, lowest carbon way of getting about.”

Iona Shepherd, co-convenor of GoBike, the Strathclyde Cycle Campaign commented “We are fully supportive of the cycle tracks going in on Victoria Road and hope that the full South City way demonstrates an equally safe space for people on bikes.

"We wanted to come out today to thank the people putting the lanes into the ground for us, and really enjoyed sharing a cup of tea and a roll with them.”

She urged Glasgow City Council to take cyclists' needs fully into account when planning future schemes.

"We would like to see all see schemes in Glasgow moving forward from here considering active travel similarly," she explained.

She added: "We have concerns that plans shortly to go public on Byres Road may not provide protection for people choosing to travel on bike, which would be a major step backwards in achieving a city-wide network that could allow people to consider choosing active travel.”