A man is to go on trial accused of causing the death of a “well-liked” Boddam cyclist two years ago.
Van driver Christopher Morrison is accused of colliding with Robert Cowie, 52, who died following the crash on the A90 Aberdeen to Peterhead road on December 2 2020.
The 40-year-old is facing one charge of death by careless driving, alleging he wasn’t paying enough attention to the road or adverse weather conditions prior to hitting Mr Cowie.
It is alleged the impact of the collision propelled the cyclist into the path of another vehicle, which also struck him.
Mr Cowie, who was from Boddam, died of his injuries in hospital some time later.
Appearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today, Morrison denied the charge against him.
A five-day trial will take place at Peterhead Sheriff Court in 2024.
The charge alleges that Morrison was driving his white Volkswagen Crafter van on the A90 road between Boddam and Stirlinghill Quarry at around 2.30pm when he caused the death of Mr Cowie.
It claims Morrison, of Hilton Drive, Aberdeen, drove without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users.
It further alleges that Morrison “failed to maintain proper observations” for others using the road who were ahead of him and that he failed to “sufficiently adapt” his driving to the prevailing weather conditions.
The charge ends by accusing Morrison of colliding with Mr Cowie and his bike, causing them to fall on the road and be struck by an oncoming grey Seat Ateca car.
Locals spoke of ‘tragic’ death
At the time of the incident, one resident described the death of Mr Cowie as “tragic” and “very sad news for the village.”
Recording Morrison’s not guilty plea, Sheriff Morag McLaughlin set the trial down for Peterhead Sheriff Court for April 22 2024.
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