Cycle News Thursday, October 07, 2004

Safety calls after cyclist killed

AN HORRIFIC accident on one of Suffolk's busiest and most dangerous roads has prompted safety bosses to warn cyclists of the dangers of using dual carriageways.

A man died yesterday after the accident on an A14 slip road at the east of Bury St Edmunds. He was 53.

Terrance Neeson , of Rougham, died at the scene after his bike was in collision with a Mercedes heavy goods lorry just after 7am. He was believed to be cycling to work at GB Seeds in Ingham.

Peter Monk, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for public protection, said: "We are constantly looking at giving cyclists different routes and informing them that roads, like the A14, are not necessarily the quickest.

"It is unusual to see cyclists on the A14 and it is quite dangerous but we are not in a position to preclude them.

"The message we are continuously getting across is that motorists should be aware of cyclists while riders should realize what all the hazards are."

The accident caused five hours of jams during yesterday's peak time rush.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency, which maintains the A14, said: "There are no restrictions for cyclists using the road but clearly they should cycle carefully and be aware it is a busy through route and lorries will be using it."

Bury St Edmunds MP, David Ruffley called for answers surrounding the safety of cyclists on the A14.

Mr Ruffley said: "My thoughts at this time are with the family and friends of the cyclist.

"There are a lot of cyclists in the town and I now want to know what the provision for them is on roads like the A14."

A spokesman for Suffolk police confirmed the coroner had been informed of the death and a post mortem examination would be carried out.

Anyone with information about the accident should contact Pc Joe Skippen at Bury St Edmunds Traffic Unit on 01284 774153.

(Source: http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/Content/news/story.asp?datetime=05+Oct+2004+19%3A32&tbrand=ESTOnline&tCategory=News&category=News&brand=ESTOnline&itemid=IPED05+Oct+2004+09%3A32%3A15%3A033)