Call for Action Marks Road Safety Week

The devastated partner of a Cambridge cyclist who died following a collision at a notorious crash hotspot in the city last December is using this year’s Road Safety Week campaign to call for more to be done to reduce risks in the area.

School caretaker Stewart Milne suffered fatal injuries when he was understood to be involved in a collision with a car on Trumpington High Street during his ride home from work on the evening of December 12th. The father-of-three was aged 44.   

An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned, while a police investigation is ongoing.

Following the collision, Stewart’s partner Carrie-Anne Hardingham, instructed serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office to provide them with support and help them gain answers regarding the incident.

Almost a year on from his death, Carrie-Anne is calling for more awareness during Road Safety Week. 

Taking place from November 19th, this year’s campaign is based around the theme of ‘Bike Smart’ and is calling for road users to do more to protect those who travel on two wheels.

Carrie-Anne added: “Stewart was a wonderful man and losing him and has been incredibly hard on us all. 

“One of the most devastating aspects of his death has been realising that Trumpington High Street is an area where collisions are sadly very common. While nothing will ever bring Stewart back, we are determined to fight for serious action to be taken to reduce the numbers of incidents which occur in this area.

“No other family should have to suffer as we have and, with Road Safety Week’s theme of ‘Bike Smart’, it seems like the time for action is undoubtedly now.”

As of yet, it is not yet understood how the collision occurred until the police investigation concludes. 

Neil Whiteley, the Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office who is acting for Stewart’s loved ones, said: 

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“Less than a year on from this incident, Carrie-Anne remains understandably devastated by the loss of Stewart.

“While police investigations are still ongoing, Carrie-Anne is keen for more to be done to improve safety around Trumpington High Street. The area can be very busy due to the traffic coming from the M11 to Cambridge city centre and crashes are sadly all too frequent here.

“This is an area where school children, shoppers and commuters come together and cyclists and pedestrians are very exposed.

“We are calling for the local authority responsible for the highways to review a number of concerns in the area, including poor lighting, worn road markings and appropriate signage for drivers to watch their speed.

“Cyclists are very exposed in the main road especially northbound close to the junction with Shelford Road. The whole area needs to be surveyed with a view to considering investment in changes.

“Considering the theme of this year’s Road Safety Week, it feels like the right time to speak out on the issue and call for something to be done to improve safety in this area.” Neil Whiteley - Partner & Director of Legal Services - Personal Injury

Matthew Danish, Camcycle trustee, added: “We support Carrie-Anne and her call for the local authorities to help protect people walking and cycling along Trumpington High Street. 

“It is a dangerous road with very narrow and hazardous cycle lanes. Before any further tragic deaths occur the road should immediately become a 20 MPH zone, while planning should be started to design safe and accessible walking and cycling infrastructure to replace the current terrible conditions.”

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