Probe into cyclist death continues
News comes as results of bike survey revealed
The procurator fiscal is considering whether or not to press charges or order a FAI in relation to the death of Perth cyclist Margaret Loudon.
Margaret (75) was killed on Saturday, July 7 in Bridgend after a collision with an HGV.
A report has been submitted to the Crown Office.
However, the PA understands the police have not recommended bringing any criminal charges in their report.
A spokesperson for the Crown Office said: “The procurator fiscal has received a report in connection with the death of a 75 year old woman, following a road traffic collision on the A93 Main Street, Perth, on July 7 2018.
“The investigation into the death, under the direction of Scottish Families Investigation Unit, is ongoing and the family will be kept updated in relation to any significant developments.”
The news came in the same week a study revealed more than two thirds of people living in Perth would like to see more money spent on improving cycle lanes.
The Bike Life report, carried out by Sustrans Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council, found 69 per cent of those surveyed would like to see more protected roadside cycle lanes built, even if this meant there would be less space for other road traffic.
More than 1100 residents were interviewed on their cycling habits, satisfaction and the impact of cycling in the city, and 67 per cent said cycling safety needed to be improved.
Neil Mack (46) from Perth travels 10km on his bike every day to travel to and from work, and says it is quicker and more convenient than travelling by car.
He said: “The Inchs and the Lade
Andy Keba, head of strategic partnerships with Sustrans Scotland, and Cllr Lewis Simpson launch the Bike Life provide good, traffic-free access to the town centre but coming from the north the two bridges crossing the River Tay can be heavily congested.
“As a daily commuter, I can cycle 10km to work in around the same time it would take me to drive.
“And when Scone Palace hosts events cycling is considerably quicker.
“Travel time is a key benefit of cycling as is the positive impact on my physical and mental health.”
The study also found 66 per cent think more people riding bikes will improve the city, and 69 per cent would like to see more money spent on cycling.
Currently only one per cent of Perth residents usually cycle to and from work.
One person who cycles regularly to and work is Strathmore councillor Lewis Simpson.
The keen cyclist and ‘Bike Life champion’ said: “Cycling has a clear positive impact to make for the city and its communities.”
Bike Life also calculated that 824,000 trips were made by bike in Perth over the last year, bringing £3.9 million in benefits to the city, such as vehicle costs, health, travel time and congestion.
This also means 209 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions are saved annually, which is the equivalent to the carbon footprint of 27 people.
Cllr Angus Forbes, convener of environment and infrastructure at Perth and Kinross Council, said: “The council is looking at ways to develop more opportunities for cycling in Perth city centre to improve access by all forms of transport and our partnership with Sustrans is informing how that moves forward into the future.”
Cyclist Margaret Lowdon, who was killed on her bike in Bridgend