Cyclist hit by van in serious condition

A CYCLIST is in a serious condition in hospital after being hit by a van on the A96 between Elgin and Lhanbryde, police have said.

The incident happened around 9.50pm yesterday.

Grampian Police said the 29-year-old male cyclist was taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin where his condition remains serious.

The 47-year-old man driving the van was uninjured.

The road was closed for several hours while an investigation of the scene was carried out. Police want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them.

The incident happened one day after the Transport Minister met with cycling safety organisations, motorists’ interest groups and emergency services to discuss making the roads safer.

Schemes such as special traffic lights and 20mph zones were discussed at the summit on cycle safety in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

The event was convened by minister Keith Brown after 40-year-old Bryan Simons became the fourth cycling fatality in the capital this year when he was killed earlier this month.

Mr Brown said: “The Scottish Government has a leadership role in making our roads safer for everyone - including cyclists - and that involves co-ordinating, bringing people together, supporting and encouraging innovation.

“Nevertheless, when it comes to the actual delivery of road safety interventions, whether cycling-related or not, I know that this needs local knowledge and impetus.”