Tributes paid as dedicated cyclist dies in fall from bike

A FATHER-OF-TWO who died suddenly after falling from his bike while on a cycling club outing has been praised as a “committed family man” who was “dedicated” to his sport.

Thomas Anderson, 48, from Torphichen in West Lothian, was cycling on a country road between Rotmell and Dunkeld in Perthshire on Saturday evening when he fell from his bicycle at around 6.45pm.

He was airlifted to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow but later died of his injuries. The incident is being 
investigated by Tayside Police, who said no other cyclists were involved and that a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal. Officers could not confirm if Mr Anderson was wearing a cycling helmet at the time of the accident.

Tributes to Mr Anderson flooded in over the weekend, with fellow cyclists at Falkirk Bicycle Club, where he was captain, describing him as a “committed family man” who was “devoted” to his family. A club statement said: “Falkirk Bicycle Club regret to have to announce the death of Tom Anderson, Club Captain and long-term member of the club.

“Tom and his wife Katie Wylie have ridden with the Falkirk Bicycle Club for over ten years and Tom was not only a captain who led by example but who inspired others through his cheery manner and dedication to his sport.

“Tom was also a committed family man. He and Katie met through cycling and Tom was a devoted father to his two young daughters.

“As a father he encouraged his daughters in their own choice of sport whilst as a cyclist he participated in everything from top level amateur racing through to leisurely cycling holidays abroad with his wife. His club-mates were always impressed by his encyclopaedic knowledge of Scotland’s roads and owe him a great debt for the practical help and inspiration he brought to the club.”

Mr Anderson is believed to be from Glasgow originally.His wife is a teacher at Lornshill Academy in Alloa. Mr Anderson was a stay-at-home father to the couple’s two young daughters. He recently organised a ride in aid of the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children.