Death of a cyclist

THE distraught partner of the Dunfermline cyclist killed on the notorious Grange Road between the city and Rosyth has called for it to be closed down. Luisa Palminha (33), of Buchanan Street, said it was “not fair” that another life had been lost on the road after the death of policewoman Kirsty Allan last year. “Something needs to be done about this road. It’s not fair that the man I love has died because of this. It should be closed forever.”

Brian Taylor (29) was heading to work at Stephen’s bakery in Primrose Lane, Rosyth, when he was involved in a collision with a car travelling in the opposite direction, at around 1am on Saturday. The driver of the silver Rover escaped with minor injuries but Mr Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene.

Grange Road has become notorious as an accident blackspot for both pedestrians and drivers, with around 40 accidents, including two fatalities, since 2002. A council poll of more than 3000 residents in 2002 showed 58 per cent were in support of a traffic ban. However, the proposal attracted more than 60 individual objections and more than 1000 people, mainly from Rosyth, signed a petition against it.

[ So the council sided with the vociferous minority rather than the safety-seeking majority. ]

André Sarafilovic, managing director of Stephen’s, told the Press his staff were in “absolute shock” at the sudden death of their colleague.“When he cycled to work he took all necessary precautions for a cyclist and wore a high-visibility vest.”