Parents make appeal to drivers to protect cyclists

EMMA Burke Newman’s parents have spoken out and highlighted that their daughter did not deserve to die.

Despite this, the couple want Emma’s death to be a catalyst for change and are urging people to do their best to protect cyclists.

In a joint statement, they said: “Every individual riding a bicycle is someone’s child.

“Drivers, please ‘ get behind’ bike boxes, give cyclists space, and watch out at every junction, where most traffic fatalities occur. For your sake as well.

“No one wants to live with the consequences of having killed or injured a cyclist.”

Emma came to Glasgow full of optimism and excitement, they revealed.

“She was warmly welcomed by the people here,” Rose and John added. “She did not deserve to die or suffer in the manner that she did. Along with our overwhelming sadness is the senselessness of it all, knowing that the collision could, and should, have been prevented.

“We are very grateful for the support and sympathy we have received and hope the outpouring of love for our daughter will translate into greater care on the road for cyclists and other active travellers.”

Emma’s fatal collision occurred at a junction with advanced stop lines ( ASLs) – designated areas for cyclists at traffic- light controlled junctions.

ASLs are designed to provide cyclists with a safe space ahead of other traffic. However, Mowat and a bus had encroached into the ASL, depriving Emma of the protection it should have afforded.

Jodi Gordon, partner at

Cycle Law Scotland who is representing Emma’s family, added: “The desire for more prolific active travel along with campaigns to encourage more people to cycle in our cities and towns will ultimately flounder unless the roads are safer.

“This collision and this case were not just about one driver. The junction was a known blackspot for cyclists.”