Road safety fears for British long-distance cycle ride

Fears have been expressed about the safety of cyclists on a stretch of busy road during their September Lands End to John O’Groats attempt.

The Deloitte Ride Across Britain - a large, supported event that takes 800 people from the foot to the top of the UK – is planning on riding along the A82 on September 12 and 13.

The A82 is the primary A-road through the Scottish Highlands and, while scenic as it winds its way past the Glencoe mountain range towards Fort William, drivers often pass with speed.

The riders are due to ride 82 miles of the the road from Crianlarich to Fort Augustus but it is the 10-mile section between Onich and Fort William which is causing the most concern.

Stewart MacLean of the A82 Partnership told Herald Scotland: “Having discussed the logistics of 800 cyclists setting off from Hamilton over a period of one to two hours with organisers, I can only anticipate gridlock.

“There are no overtaking opportunities between Onich and Fort William.”

Organisers of the event say that police, councils and road departments are advised of the cyclists passing six weeks in advance.