Son calls for action against off-road bikes after his father's death

David Gow, 79, died on February 12 last year as a result of the incident on Balmore Road, north Glasgow.

The Scottish Parliament is debating the use of off-road bikes this week.

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Craig Gow, 47, of Parkhouse, said he supported efforts to introduce strict controls on the sale and use of off-road bikes before someone else had to suffer the “pain and suffering” he and his family had to endure.

Mr Gow said: “Do more people need to be killed before action is taken?

“The day my father died was a dark night. If it hadn't been my father, it would have been someone else.

“He was my father. Someone else will be killed and his family will have to go through the pain and suffering that I am going through.”

“The people on these bikes, whether off-road, e-bikes or scooters, seem to have no idea about safety. There needs to be some regulation before someone else dies.”

“It is the elderly and the very young who are most at risk and will suffer.”

He said it was a widespread problem and posed a challenge for police.

READ MORE:Tributes paid to pensioner who died in Glasgow's Balmore Road

Mr Gow added: “Something has to be done. These bikes are constantly on the road.”

“This is not only the case in our area. From talking to other people, I know that it is like this everywhere.

“These are mainly off-road bikes, but also electric bikes and bikes with motor assistance.

“They are too easy to buy, there is no control.

“It’s as easy to get one of these bikes as it is to buy a bike with pedals – if you have the money.

“No insurance or license is required.

“And it’s almost impossible to control this.”

Bod Doris, SNP MP for Maryhill and Springburn, has pushed through a debate by MPs on the misuse of off-road vehicles at Holyrood this week and is calling on the Scottish Government, local authorities and Police Scotland to join a UK Department for Transport task force to tackle the nuisance and dangers posed by such vehicles.

Doris said: “Irresponsible use of off-road vehicles is a growing problem in our communities.

“At best they are a nuisance to the population, at worst they cause serious injuries and cost human lives.

“Sadly, that was certainly the case in Maryhill and Springburn. I am grateful to the Gow family for sharing their story of David Gow's tragic death with us and for their support ahead of Wednesday's parliamentary debate.

“I hope that the debate will help build partnerships between all levels of government to take action to combat this growing threat. This includes a careful review of the registration requirement for such vehicles.”

“Many who use off-road vehicles do so sensibly and responsibly. However, far too many do not, putting themselves and others at great risk.”

Two men, aged 23 and 24, have now been arrested and charged in connection with the incident that led to Mr Gow's death.