Motorists in Tweed Valley urged to 'be kind' to cyclists during UCI World Champs
It follows complaints some were 'causing havoc' on the roads
Last updated 10th Aug 2023
Motorists in the Tweed Valley are being urged to “be kind” to cyclists.
The plea comes following complaints they're "causing havoc" on roads around Glentress during the UCI Cycling World Championships.
Organisers have pointed out they're entitled to be on the road - but, following the reactions they've witnessed from some drivers, they're advising the neighbouring multi-use path may be safer for the majority of visitors.
A statement released this afternoon from Ridelines MTB says: "We’ve seen some disparaging comments online about cycling teams and cyclists in general 'causing havoc' on the roads in the area when accessing Glentress. And given some drivers reactions we witnessed this morning, we’d like to make an appeal.
"Our message is that, as cyclists, we are allowed to use the road responsibly; we are not confined to cycle paths where available as is the common misconception.
"We’d also however say that advice on using the cycle (multi-use) path in this case will be safer for the majority of riders given the heavy event traffic.
"Given that the former is a fact, please be kind to any riders you see on our local roads. Not all of them will be familiar with our laws or etiquette.
"Please be kind and have some patience with the cyclists that are both attending as spectators and racing the worlds.
"Please consider your overtakes, closing speeds and give space to riders. The event will be over on Sunday."
READ MORE: Riders welcome support at first medal event of UCI cycling championships at Glentress
Many have welcomed some of the world's top athletes to the area - with some accommodation providers fully booked months in advance, in anticipation of the event.
And Kellie Harrington, who represented the USA in this afternoon's Junior Cross Country Olympic event at Glentress, is praising the welcome she's received.
She told Greatest Hits Radio: "This is my first race out of North America, and it was actually insane - the atmosphere, the crowd; everything that was happening out on course I couldn't help but smile, and just keep peddling."
Peebles mountain biker Emily Carrick-Anderson is also praising the home support, after representing Great Britain in the same event. The 18-year-old finished 28th in a field of more than 60 riders.
"That was so hard," she smiled. "The heat as well - you wouldn't expect it in Scotland - but, the only thing that really got me through it was literally everywhere you go there's someone cheering your name so it was pretty awesome."
The action continues here into this evening, with local mountain biker Isla Short among the Brits in action.
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