Under consideration PE2292: Prevent dangerous motor and powered bikes travelling illegally or dangerously on path networks

Background information

People in Edinburgh are lucky to have a fantastic paths network. People of all ages can get about the city by walking, wheeling, or cycling, in large part in green corridors linking different parts of the city.

However, navigating these routes has become increasingly dangerous, given the number of people riding motorised or powered bicycles at high speed. Anyone involved in a collision at speed on a path is going to be injured – doubly so if they are a young child or vulnerable.

Bikes that can be propelled without pedalling, those with motors over 250W, or those assisting speeds beyond 15.5 mph are not allowed on paths under current legislation, yet police lack the resources to enforce.

To give people confidence to walk their local paths means giving Police Scotland resource and instruction from the Scottish Government to match the concerns of residents have raised, locally and with their MSPs.