Cyclists a cause for concern on path

An angry Lambeg mother claims speeding cyclists using the Lagan Towpath are putting lives at risk.

The woman, who has regularly walked the towpath for the past three decades, has vowed not to return after she and her dog were struck in two separate incidents.

She claims that she has now been forced to use Wallace Park and that she will not return to her beloved towpath because it’s simply not safe.

On Saturday, her dog was hit in the face by a passing cyclist as she walked along the path along with her five year old son.

“Thankfully my son was walking on the other side,” said the mother. “I would dread to think what might have happened to him.

“The cyclist hit my dog and when I complained I was told that I should have got out of the way. I did not hear or see him.

“What did he expect me to do? He came up from behind and claimed that I should look where I’m going.

“I asked the cyclist to stop but he just cycled on.”

She claims that more and more cyclists are using the towpath as a training ground.

“Things have got so bad that I will not be back there. It’s not safe,” she said.

She fears that it will only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed.

Cyclists are speeding and endangering pedestrians walking close to the River Lagan,” she said.

“I saw an elderly lady last week who was nearly thrown to the ground and this upset me a lot. I have spoken to many dog walkers on the towpath and they too have said this is becoming a problem. Someone is going to be hurt or even thrown into the river.”

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