Edinburgh City Council has pledged to review safety in the city’s main street following the death of a cyclist and criticism over the lack of segregated cycle lanes alongside tram tracks.
Malaysian student Zhi Min Soh died last week following a collision with a minibus after falling from her bicycle on Princes Street in the city.
Zhi Min Soh. Photo - Police Scotland
It has been reported that her bicycle became stuck in tram lines. Police Scotland are investigating the incident.
A council spokesperson said: 'We remain deeply saddened by last week’s tragic accident. Our thoughts are with Zhi Min Soh’s friends and family.
'In light of this, and notwithstanding Police Scotland’s ongoing inspection, we will carry out a road safety assessment of the area, considering all users and aspects of the junction and its approaches.
'This will include consultation with key stakeholders and any findings that could lead to safety improvements will be carefully considered.'
Cycling groups have pointed out that they asked for segregated cycling infrastructure to be installed when Edinburgh’s controversial tram network was created.
John Lauder, director of Sustrans Scotland, said: ‘During the consultations and design phases of the tramworks we emphasised the importance of integration of the new trams with existing and future cycling infrastructure and taking the opportunity to improve the streets hosting the tramline.
‘In this regard, we echoed concerns made by other cycling and pedestrian groups of potential hazards to cyclists and pedestrians along tram tracks and emphasised the importance of segregated cycling infrastructure.
'We are disappointed to say that this did not result in significant action, especially segregated cycle lanes.’
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