Video: Van driver has to swerve to avoid cyclist on wrong side of the road

Footage has emerged of a female cyclist riding on the wrong side of the road on the B945 in North-East Fife. An oncoming van is seen swerving to avoid her.

The Evening Telegraph reports that the incident occurred a few miles south of the Tay Road Bridge.

Duncan Dollimore, senior road safety officer at Cycling UK, said:

“While it is unclear how the woman cycling found herself in such a position, in her own interest and that of the other road users, she should not have been cycling on the wrong side of the road.

“Her actions put not just herself at risk, but also — as the footage shows — others. Cycling UK encourages all road users — whether driving or cycling — to behave sensibly and most importantly safely on our roads without taking risks like this.”

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Tay Bridge head councillor Tim Brett said that the B945, the main route into St Andrews, was a busy road. “The speed limit has been reduced on roads in the area, particularly around Drumoig, to 40mph and 50mph in some stretches.

“I hope the police were contacted because that is totally irresponsible of the individual — who knows why they were doing it?”

Cycling campaigner, Bez, gave one possible explanation why the cyclist might have decided to ride where she did.

I'm sure we all agree this isn't smart. But remember where pedestrians are advised to walk on roads with no footway.https://t.co/Zp0BLMlhZ0

— Bez (@beztweets) April 12, 2017

 Sandy Allan, road safety manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Scotland, emphasised the need to be vigilant when driving on country roads.

“The Highway Code is a set of rules for the road intended to keep us safe and applies to all users. We should be aware of these and respect them regardless of the circumstances and personal perspective. Other road users anticipate certain courses of action.

“This particular incident emphasises how driving on country roads can be unpredictable no matter how well you know a particular stretch. You never know what might be around the corner.”