Family vow to make safer cycling Andrew’s legacy

A CAMPAIGN to bring safer cycling to Edinburgh has been launched by fundraiser Lynne McNicoll after her stepson was killed in a crash as he rode to work.

Andrew McNicoll, 43, passed away last Thursday as he cycled in Lanark Road.

Today his family vowed to bring something positive from his death as they launched a website in Andrew’s name so they can gather donations to invest in a campaign for safer cycling.

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Police are trying to determine whether Andrew was hit by an overtaking lorry, causing him to collide with a parked car.

Hundreds of heartfelt comments and several donations have already been left on www.andrewcyclist.com and Andrew’s family, including his partner Donna, have made their own tributes to the “brilliant, fun-loving” cyclist.

Today the family have asked people who attend the funeral this Thursday to wear brightly coloured clothing as a celebration of Andrew’s life. They will play five songs by his favourite artist, Queen, including Bicycle Race.

Donna, who shared a home with Andrew in Balerno, described what happened to her partner of three years as her “worst nightmare”.

She said: “I wouldn’t wish what I’m going through on anyone. Andrew and I have had so many discussions about his safety and he continually tried to assure me he was doing everything he could to be safe, including taking longer, safer routes.

“My fear was always that someone would knock him off his bike and under a car – now my worst nightmare is reality and he’s been taken from me. We need to make cycling safer in Edinburgh.”

His father, Ian, who set up It’s Good 2 Give! charity with Lynne, said: “Losing my son is indescribable. He was such a fit, healthy young man.

“He just loved getting out on his bike whether it was to cycle to work as he did last Thursday or to get out on to the hills for some mountain biking with friends.

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“It seems beyond cruel that he lost his life doing something he loved so much. I want to find something positive to focus on, something Andy would have wanted and he definitely would have been right behind our campaign for safer cycling.”

Susan, Andrew’s sister, added: “My brother loved cycling and I can only hope that his tragic death can bring about safer cycling in Edinburgh. I wouldn’t want any other family to go through such a sad loss. I have two boys and want them to be able to cycle safely on the Edinburgh roads in the future.”

Lynne explained that the family would talk to cycling experts before deciding how to invest donations, but she said they had discussed campaigning for a lower speed limit in Lanark Road.

She said: “We’re hoping for a meeting with councillors next Monday. We’re going to add the messages of support to Andrew’s website and we’re grateful for all the support we’ve received. Chris Hoy re-tweeted us, which should help us get the message out.”

Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, the city’s transport leader, said: “I hope people who hear about the fund will contribute in any way they can. It seems the right thing to do and I wanted the council to show it’s support.”

Andrew’s funeral will be held at Mortonhall Crematorium Main Chapel on at 10am. Family flowers only.

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