News / Crime
Warning to cyclists following attacks on Bristol & Bath Railway Path
A cyclist has spoken out to warn others after he was attacked by a gang of teenagers near Brixton Road on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.
The 42-year-old, who wishes to remain anonymous, says he was ambushed at around 10.25pm on Tuesday night by the group, who kicked him to the ground and threatened him with a thick chain lock, before stealing his bike.
This is just one of a number of reported attacks that have taken place along the Bristol & Bath Railway Path in the last week, sparking fears among cyclists on social media.
is needed now More than ever
On Saturday, witnesses saw a gang pull a knife on cyclists in broad daylight.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the “affray” that happened on path near Stepney Road at 4.15pm.
Photo of a knife posted on social media and thought to be that used in ambush on the cycle path.
A police spokesman said: “A knife was produced and a cyclist sustained a shoulder injury after coming off their bike. Officers attended and enquiries continue.
“We’ve also had a report of a man being robbed of his bike on the cycle path between the turnings for Croydon Street and Brixton Road at about 10.20pm on Tuesday.
“The cyclist was knocked from his bike by a group of about 15 boys and young men, aged between 14 and 20, who threatened him, took his bike and then made off onto Brixton Road.”
The victim of Tuesday’s attack works as a mental health support worker and says he regularly cycles along the route.
Describing the ordeal, he said: “I was attacked and kicked off my bike by a gang of approximately 15 teenagers.
“Whilst in a thorn bush, I was threatened by someone wielding a thick bike chain lock. My black Dawes 201 hybrid bike was stolen, but I managed to get away with just a few scratches and bruises.
“I want to give the message to cyclists: please don’t cycle down this bike path alone until they’re caught and be very wary of large groups who block the path.
“The last thing I want is to put people off using the bike path, as it’s a great asset to the community and one of the reasons I moved to East Bristol.
“Unfortunately though, this is going to make people think twice about using the bike path which means more cyclists using dangerous main roads without cycle lanes.
“It will certainly make me reconsider using the bike path until police have caught the perpetrators. It’s also likely to make me wary of large gangs which is a shame as I’ve always felt very safe in Bristol. I don’t want 15 teenagers to ruin it for 450,000 Bristolians.”
Police have asked anyone who can help with information about either of the two incidents to get in touch via www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101 quoting the following crime reference numbers:
For the attack on Saturday, August 4, quote the reference: 5218174388.
For the attack on Tuesday, August 7, quote 5218177081.
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
