Yobs target cyclists with trip wires and bricks

In recent months, a number of cyclists have been thrown from their bikes by lengths of washing-line fixed between trees or lampposts in the north of the city.

In the latest incident, one biker also had a brick thrown in his face, causing serious injury.

At least three of the evening attacks have taken place on a stretch of cycle path close to Craigleith Retail Park over the last two months, but it is feared many similar incidents may not have been reported to the police.

Cycling lobby groups today called on the council to ensure there is better street lighting for off-road paths, and urged police to regularly patrol the areas and use CCTV to catch those responsible.

The local authority has invested thousands of pounds in creating an extensive network of off-road cycle routes in the city, to ensure bikers don't have to ride on busy roads. The paths are widely used throughout daytime, but have proved dangerous to ride on once darkness falls.

Stuart Smith, 43, from Davidson's Mains, was cycling home from work last Tuesday night when he was attacked.

"I was about 200 metres short of Davidson's Mains bridge when I spotted one of the lights wasn't working on the path," he said.

"Then I was struck with something on the side of my face, and I saw the silhouette of somebody running away. I looked down to see half a brick, and just in front of me was a length of washing-line across the path. There was also a small uprooted tree.

"Since Christmas, there have been quite a few barricades put in the way of cyclists and there are bits of washing-line still tied to lampposts along the route.

"I always take precautions around that area, and although it won't stop me using the cycle path, I wouldn't let my daughter use it and I now carry some cutting pliers. Other cyclists have chosen to take their chances with the potholes and traffic on the roads."

Mr Smith, who reported the incident to Drylaw police, was treated for his bruised and swollen face at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Another keen cyclist - Maggie Wynn, co-ordinator of the Try-Cycling in Edinburgh initiative - was recently thrown from her bike by a trip wire in the same area of the city.

The 41-year-old from Davidson's Mains said: "I was heading to a meeting at around 6pm, but I didn't spot that a length of washing-line had been fixed from one lamppost to a bollard at knee height.

"I wasn't badly injured, but I was quite shaken and it could have been a lot worse. The cycle paths are lovely during the day, but they are not inviting at night.

"The council needs to have more lighting, and should cut back the vegetation. I would also like to see more police officers patrolling the route." The city's transport leader, Councillor Andrew Burns, said: "We will investigate the lighting on this cycle path to see if we can do more to protect users.

"We are keen to promote cycling in the city. It is essential cyclists feel safe when using the routes and we will do everything possible to ensure this happens."

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Lord Provost and local councillor for Drylaw, said: "It is disgraceful that individuals have taken to this very dangerous behaviour. It is unacceptable. I have recently requested a meeting with the local community police to look at preventative measures to resolve this issue."

A police spokeswoman said: "We take this very seriously and encourage anyone who has been involved in similar incidents to get in touch."