CYCLING activists will join the council to look at safer routes for cyclists forced to take dangerous diversions during the closure of Glasgow Green.

The decision to team up with officers of Glasgow City Council was made after campaigners presented a petition to keep the National Cycle Route 75 open during public events in Glasgow Green including TRNSMT.

Council officers say it is not possible to keep the route open but are willing to work with the group to look at different options. Petitioners presented their case to councillors.

READ MORE: Cyclists want council to stop closing popular route during Glasgow Green events like TRNSMT

Bob Dowie, principle petitioner, said: “During these events the National Cycle Route 75 is unfortunately closed and creates a lot of problems for cyclists and walkers.

“We want cycle routes to stay open and we have 105 signatures backing our petition.

“This is a long-distance cycle network which does not just connect the East and the West of the city but all of Scotland.”

Mr Dowie then revealed that during a summer’s day 215 cyclists used this route, passing through the Saltmarket entrance, every hour.

Concerns were also raised about lack of signage available to cyclists offering a diversion route.

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Mr Dowie went on: “Glasgow Green is a public right of way. We have the right to go through here. We are often not given prior warning about the closures. Diversion signs are missing or are very poor.

“Some of the roads which are used as a diversion, including Ballater Street and London Road, are really not appropriate for cyclists.”

An officer from Glasgow City Council told members they needed to close Glasgow Green during these events for health and safety reasons.

So far in 2019 the Green has been closed to cyclists nine times because of an event.

A report will be brought back before committee in due course.