Alarming video shows cyclist's near-miss with reckless driver on Edinburgh road

An Edinburgh resident has shared hair-raising footage of a cyclist almost being hit by a dangerous driver in the north of the city.

Cyclist's near-miss with car on West Harbour Road, Edinburgh picture: supplied

Dr Mark Hartl was cycling to work on West Harbour Road when a cyclist in front of him was nearly struck down by a car at about 10.20am on Tuesday.

The Edinburgh resident caught footage of the frightening moment on camera which shows a black car turning off West Harbour Road onto nearby Waterfront Avenue and almost hitting the cyclist up ahead.

The video has been slowed down right at the point where the car is turning, showing how close the vehicle was to knocking the cyclist off his bike.

Speaking about the near-miss Dr Hartl said: “I don't want imagine what could have happened if there had been traffic coming down Waterfront Ave.

"The gentleman in front of me was a bit shaken, but unhurt. I stopped and had a quick chat with him.”

Dr Hartl regularly cycles in Edinburgh and said cycle paths should be introduced in the area to prevent accidents happening on West Harbour Road.

"We really need a cycle path connecting lower Granton Road to Silverknowles Esplanade,” he added.

"It's a very poor stretch of road, but it doesn't excuse the reckless driving, of course.”

Dr Hartl has since posted the video on Twitter which has prompted an angry response from people on social media.

Replying to the post commenter Neil Thompson said: “That’s horrendous. That person should not be driving.”

Others urged Dr Hartl to report the incident to police.

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