Police Urge Cycle Path Safety

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and Dumfries and Galloway Council, have received reports of issues with the safe, shared use of the cycle paths in the region.

These cycle paths were identified as safe areas for recreational use away from busy roads and traffic. They are shared spaces used by pedestrians, cyclists and dog walkers alike.

Peter McCormick from Sustainable Travel with Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “We would remind dog users of their responsibility to keep their pets under control in a public place, and encourage a culture of mutual respect between all users of these facilities”

This was re-iterated by Community Safety Inspector Jim Hendrie, who said: “As a cyclist I know it’s important that we are clearly seen and use lights, bells and high visibility clothing whether on the roads or on cycle paths, to be seen and heard by others.

“We have a responsibility to safely use these shared spaces with pedestrians and dog walkers but I would agree with Peter’s observation and ask dog owners to keep their pets on a lead for their own safety as well as the cyclists”.