The number of cyclists killed on Aberdeenshire roads is higher than anywhere else in the country.
Figures from the Scottish Government reveal there were nine fatal accidents involving cyclists between 2001 and 2006, nearly twice the number for any other local authority area.
Highland, Angus and Edinburgh were the next highest, with each recording five deaths over the six-year period.
In total 65 people were killed in Scotland.
Nearly a third of the 32 local authority areas experienced no fatalities in that time.
The figures were sought by the Grampian branch of national cycling organisation CTC, which is calling for Aberdeenshire Council’s draft road safety strategy to include more provision for cyclists.
CTC spokesman Mark Hagger said: “If you analyse the cases it seems there is an issue of driver carelessness.
“It seems drivers need to take more care and be prepared to expect the unexpected.
“The strategy has no specific concern for vulnerable groups such as cyclists and pedestrians.”
Among the measures proposed by the group is a requirement for all learning drivers to spend time on a bicycle to experience north-east roads from a cyclist’s point of view. Members are also calling for a “redistribution of road space” to give more consideration to cyclists.
“We have invited the council to take the figures into account,” added Mr Hagger.
“In my view there is plenty more the Aberdeen city and shire councils could do.”
Stonehaven councillor Graeme Clark agreed more should be done to raise awareness of cyclists on north-east roads.
In October nine-year-old Wezlee Clark was killed when a car collided with his bicycle close to his home at Redcloak Crescent in the town.
“Nine fatalities is horrendous, it really is quite sad,” said Mr Clark.
“I knew there were a couple of deaths recently in Aberdeenshire but I didn’t appreciate there were more than the rest of the country.
“There is obviously a mentality in the north-east that people are driving too fast. They are not taking into consideration other road users. We have to share the roads. People are not aware enough of cyclists.”
But he said the onus was also on cyclists to use the roads responsibly.
“You hear these stories about them ignoring red lights,” he said.
“We have got to educate both sides here.”
He said particular efforts should be made to prevent children cycling in the dark without lights or high-visibility clothing.
A council spokeswoman said: “Safety on our roads is of significant importance and we will continue to look at ways to keep our roads safe for road users.”
