Cyclists report near-misses and injuries in north Edinburgh gang attacks
Several incidents have been reported on Chancelot Path and surrounding bike routes in northern Edinburgh
Walkers, cyclists and runners in north Edinburgh say they have been left scared of using local cycle paths after a spate of attacks and abuse by gangs of youths.
Several residents said stones, logs and even bicycles had been thrown at them on Chancelot Path near Bangholm Recreation Ground in recent weeks, with one man reporting he had been attacked three times in one week.
Eric Holligan, who was assaulted while cycling on Chancelot Path last Tuesday, said his injuries could have been “life threatening”.
The 74-year-old, who was cycling towards Granton at the time, said: “I suddenly became aware of noise from stuff hitting the track and then felt an impact on my shoulder. Thud. I stopped and could see and hear probably four boys that were roughly early teens.”
He continued: “I inspected the damage later on, I was aware of having a painful shoulder. Despite having a fairly thick fleece, two pullovers and a t-shirt my skin had been ruptured and my t-shirt was bloodied.
“I realised that the missile that hit me must have been a sizeable stone and that, had it hit my head, it was potentially life threatening. Waves of shock and anger have subsequently flowed though me.”
He said he has been left with a large scab on his shoulder, and the assault has exacerbated a previous injury.
Another resident, Ian Davies, said he experienced a near-miss when a log was thrown at him at the five paths junction in the same area.
“I managed to swerve and slam on my brakes as it arched through the air and it just hit the front tyre of my bike,” he said.
“It would’ve been bad if it had hit me.”
The 57-year-old, who cycles regularly to relieve stress, added: “I’m very cautious about cycling on the roads and regarded the cycle paths as the perfect safe alternative route to navigate around a lot of Edinburgh.
“It is a real asset to the city to have these old railway tracks to get around on. I’ve tried to navigate the entire city on the cycle tracks on the old railway lines. It’s a really good way to explore.
“It’s a huge shame if this is not the case now, if they have become hostile due to feral youths being allowed to take them over.”
He said he’d like to see more policing in the area to intercept groups loitering on the paths.
Residents have also reported similar incidents at the nearby Victoria Park.
Sarah Gale, from Newhaven, said she uses Chancelot Path, Hawthornvale Path and the park to cycle to and from work in Old Town, and regularly runs the same route.
She said she’d had “multiple encounters” while running and cycling on Hawthornvale Path with gangs of youths on bikes wearing balaclavas.
“They jump out at me, shout and swear, telling me to f*** off,” the 44-year-old said. “Luckily there’s been nothing physical yet.”
“I sometimes cycle home late after working as a tour guide in town, so I might be on Chancelot Path and into Victoria Park up until 10:30pm.
“On one of those late nights, there was a pack of them on the main path on Victoria Path, all on scooters and wearing all-black. It was a big nope - I just went the long way around them.
“I wear skirts and use a pink helmet which I think makes me a particular target, and cycle on an electric white Pendleton bike. It’s all very girly.”
She also said her husband’s car had recently been pelted with eggs by a group of teenagers in balaclavas near the entrance to Victoria Park.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of anti-social behaviour on cycle paths in the Leith and Drylaw areas of Edinburgh.
“Enquiries remain ongoing. Anyone with concerns or information can contact Police Scotland on 101.
“Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”