Tributes paid to man who died after three cyclists struck by car in Inverclyde

Tributes have been paid to a man who died after three cyclists were struck by a car while on a training ride in Inverclyde.

Emergency crews were called to the A8, Greenock Road, between Woodhall Roundabout in Port Glasgow and the roundabout for the B789 Main Road in Langbank after a blue Ford C-Max Zetec struck three riders at around 7.05pm on Tuesday.

A male cyclist, aged 46, died at the scene. Two other cyclists, two men aged 37 and 27, were taken to hospital.

Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club said it was one of their members, Iain McTavish, that died whilst on a training cycle with the group.

They paid tribute to “one of cycling’s good guys”.

The post read: “Today we’re all reeling from the awful news yesterday. Iain McTavish was killed yesterday evening whilst riding with the bunch.

“This will take a long time to sink in and process, but for now, suffice it to say that we are devastated at the loss of one of cycling’s good guys. Here he is at the forefront of the Thursday bunch.

“RIP Iain.”

The driver of the Ford, a man aged 33, was also taken to hospital but has since been released.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A man has died following a crash on the A8 in Port Glasgow. Around 7.10pm on Tuesday, September 8, we received a report of a collision involving a blue Ford C-Max Zetec and three cyclists on the westbound carriageway, between the Langbank and Woodhead roundabouts.

“Emergency services attended, and a male cyclist, aged 46, died at the scene.

“Two other male cyclists, aged 37 and 27, were taken to hospital.

“The male driver of the Ford vehicle, aged 33, was also taken to hospital but has since been released. The A8 has reopened and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

Scottish Cycling also paid tribute, describing Iain as a “vital member of the Scottish Cycling community”.

They said: “We are heartbroken to hear that Iain McTavish has passed away after he and two other riders were hit by a car on a training ride last night.

“Iain was a vital member of the Scottish Cycling community, a member of Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club, a stalwart of the Renfrew bunch and Georgetown TTs.

“Iain was the only person to have attended every round of Track League last year and stood as rider rep on their committee. A reliable and friendly face that you knew would be at the meet point of a ride even if nobody else showed up.

“The messages highlighting his positive influence on so many people are already pouring in, and his loss will be felt heavily in the West of Scotland.

“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.”