Letters / Shocked at behaviour of cyclist
The safety on our roads is so important for everyone. Just now, in the middle of the school holidays, our attention to safety ought to be at the forefront of our minds.
At 11am I was in a car driving up the Sound hill out of town. Coming towards us was a cyclist who we noticed initially as the cycle was wobbling all over the road.
As we got closer I was shocked to see the male cyclist in a dark hooded jacket/hoody had neither hand on the handlebars and was actually typing on his mobile phone.
He was absolutely paying no attention to the people walking or vehicles. The road conditions were wet.
Whilst in Aberdeen on many occasions I have seen this type of reckless behaviour. Often not just one cyclist but a group of them together. It is sadly all too common in the George Street and Union Street area. But never have I witnessed it here on Shetland.
Not only was this man, whom I think was in late teens or early twenties, putting his own life at risk but also others. He could have easily fallen over in front of our vehicle.
All too many accidents in remote and rural Scotland appear to involve young drivers. I don’t know the level of accidents that involve cyclists.
All cars have to keep a safe distance from cyclists but this morning with this one cyclist that would have been impossible. If it was you or if it was someone you know or care about a conversation about road safety is much needed.
That cyclist could so easy have gone underneath a vehicle. We can all help to make our roads safer for everyone.
Joyce Davies
Scalloway
