Tram tracks cyclist killed
Cyclist, 24, dies after falling under minibus when wheel stuck in rail
Woman, 24, dies after falling under minibus as bike wheel gets stuck in capital’s tram tracks
A CYCLIST died yesterday after her wheel got stuck in tram tracks and she fell into the path of a minibus.
The 24-year-old suffered horrific injuries in the rush-hour accident in Edinburgh city centre.
She died in the city’s Royal Infirmary.
The tragedy happened at the junction of Princes Street and Lothian Road at about 8.30am.
The woman was struck by a 16-seater minibus, belonging to Rabbie’s Tours, which was taking a tourist party on a day trip to the west Highlands.
Cycling safety campaigners who have repeatedly highlighted the dangers of the capital’s tram tracks to those on bikes were outraged.
In May 2015, Patrick McGuire, a partner with Thompsons Solicitors who represent 141 cyclists suing the city council over injuries caused by tram tracks, warned: “To my mind, it’s absolutely inevitable that unless something happens, we will see a death on the streets of our capital city.”
Last night, McGuire said: “Almost two years ago to the day, I spoke out about the need for urgent action to be taken by the council to make the tram lines safer for cyclists because if it wasn’t, we would be facing a fatality.
“No action was taken to make these safety improvements. This awful accident is heartbreaking and all the more so because this should not have happened. “Other UK cities with tram systems have nowhere near the level of accidents that Edinburgh does. “Those with responsibility over this matter must take a long, hard look at themselves.” Social media posts reflected the horror and anger over the tragedy. Rob Flett tweeted: “This is utterly horrific, especially so if tram tracks are a factor in this poor woman’s death.” Another Twitter user said: “The tram tracks that (the city council) have been repeatedly told will kill someone have killed someone. People should be jailed for this.” A spokesman for Rabbie’s Tours said: “We are deeply saddened and our thoughts and sympathies are with the woman’s family and friends. We are giving our full assistance to the police officers investigating the incident.
“We are also supporting our colleague involved in the incident, who is extremely shaken and upset.”
A council spokeswoman said: “We were very saddened to hear of the tragic accident. Cycle safety is of utmost importance to the council and we have gone to every effort to raise awareness of the impact of the trams on all road users.
“Cyclists are advised to take care when travelling near the tram tracks.
“The council advises: ‘Anyone cycling near to and around the tram tracks should take care while they get used to them, especially in wet weather conditions. It’s best to cross the tracks as close to a right angle as possible and to take extra care to avoid getting wheels caught in between the rail grooves.’”
Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.