A WOMAN was knocked down by a cyclist in a “hit and run” incident while out walking her dog.
Lesley-Anne McLuckie, 67, of Broughty Ferry, has spoken about the incident to warn other pedestrians about the dangers from people on bikes — especially in her home town.
The retired primary school teacher said she was walking along the Esplanade in the Ferry when she was hit.
She added: “It’s quite a narrow part of the path and I’d stopped for a moment to watch my dog.
“I went to walk on and the next thing I knew I was on my back on the path.
“I hurt my head when I fell but it was the shock that really got me.
“I didn’t see it coming at all and didn’t know what had hit me.
“He didn’t even stop to help me up or to check if I was OK.
“He just shouted that ‘it’s a cycle path’ aggressively before continuing on. I didn’t think it was, though.
“The cycle path goes through the park and, either way, I thought cyclists have a duty of care.”
She described a bike as “a dangerous weapon” when it’s ridden near pedestrians.
Lesley-Anne added: “Accidents happen, that’s not the issue.
“It’s the fact he didn’t even stop to check I was OK and then called me a rude name. He might have been late for work but there’s no excuse for this. It could have been a lot worse and the next time it might be.”
Ferry councillor Kevin Cordell said: “I am concerned to hear this may not be an isolated incident. I will be raising the safety concerns involved with the relevant council officers and maybe further signage or markings could help.
“But all path users must be aware of their own responsibility to ensure their activities don’t endanger other path users.
“There is room enough for everyone. We all want to enjoy the Ferry safely.”