Kathy O'Hara, a 69-year-old cyclist from West Lothian, has described the frightening moment a driver overtook her on a blind bend, coming so close that she feared she would be knocked off her bike. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 17, as she cycled along Brucefield Park West towards Livingston.
Regular Ride Turns Terrifying
O'Hara, who cycles almost daily on that route and typically encounters little traffic, was aware of two cars behind her as she approached a blind corner. She did not signal for them to pass because of the limited visibility. However, the driver of the car closest to her 'went for it,' overtaking dangerously close.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, O'Hara said: 'I got the fright of my life - they were so close I’m surprised their wing mirror never clipped my shoulder. They immediately went in front of me and I was so afraid my bike started to wobble, and I thought I was going to come off. At my age, I’m not going to bounce, am I?'
Contrast with Considerate Driver
The second driver, in contrast, was courteous. O'Hara noted that after she allowed them to pass on a straight section, they flashed their hazards in thanks. She emphasised that most drivers are polite and that she always tries to move to the side of the road, despite the perilous potholes, to let them pass safely.
Call for Driver Responsibility
Despite her 60 years of cycling experience, the ordeal left O'Hara shaken but determined not to stop cycling. She is now more keen than ever to urge drivers to be responsible when sharing the road with cyclists. 'Not only was it dangerous, it was illegal. And at my age I don’t want a broken hip. So I think I’ll be investing in a camera for my bike now,' she said.
She added: 'I want drivers just to think, imagine if that person on the bike was a member of your family - how much room would you give them then? You wouldn’t want anything happening to them. I understand there’s a lot of ignorant cyclists out there that hog the middle of the road, but don’t tar us all with the same brush.'
Police Scotland's Safety Message
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, previously stated as part of a national safety campaign: 'Every driver has a responsibility to safely overtake cyclists. Cyclists are vulnerable on the road and drivers should be aware of how they can help reduce serious and fatal collisions. Police officers are out every day educating road users and carrying out enforcement, and we are part of a crucial partnership response to road safety.'
