Environment / Warning after another motorbike tyre punctured by thrown-away vape
ANOTHER motorcycle driver has spoken out about the dangers of vapes being thrown on the road after one punctured her tyre in the Gulberwick area last week.
Vaila Smith said she was thankfully able to control her bike after the tyre blew and could carry on until she stopped.
But she said the end result could have been much worse.
The issue of discarded single-use vapes causing danger on local roads was previously reported by Shetland News last year after a biker similarly suffered a burst tyre. In that instance the driver was also able to pull in safely.
The type of the vape in both incidents was the same – ElfBar.
Smith’s puncture happened last week as she was taking her bike for a run south through Gulberwick.
She said it “could have caused a serious accident”.
“I had just come through the temporary traffic lights in Gulberwick so the traffic had not reached full speed when the tyre blew out,” Smith said.
“Had we have been going 60mph or around a bend the outcome could have been very different.”
Prior to that youth worker Laura Hughes had spoken out about the number of discarded vapes she picked up on walks around Scalloway.
Youth worker keen to see councillors back campaign to ban single-use vapes
Members of an eco youth group which met in Scalloway also wrote to all councillors asking them if they would consider joining other Scottish local authorities in calling for a ban.
There are both environmental and health concerns over disposable vapes, as well as their use by children.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
