Pedicab drivers quit streets to pay respects

RICKSHAW drivers across the Capital have decided to come off the roads this weekend as a mark of respect to a soldier who died after falling from one of the vehicles.

Christopher O'Kane, 26, from East Lothian, fell from a rickshaw in the early hours of last Sunday on Lothian Road and died hours later in hospital.

Greg Aitken, owner of Chariot Cabs, which runs about 20 rickshaws in Edinburgh, said the decision to halt operations was the "appropriate" thing to do.

Mr O'Kane had been travelling in one of his rickshaws when the accident happened.

He said: "I have decided out of respect to do it this weekend, and once again I convey my sympathies to the man's family."

Mr Aitken said he expected other owners of rickshaws, or pedicabs as they are also known, to also come off the city's streets over the coming days.

Mr O'Kane is to be honoured with a military funeral.