Relatives of ‘Experienced Rider’ Issue Road Safety Plea

A widow is urging drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists after her husband was killed in north-east London while riding to work.  

John Harold was fatally injured when he was involved in a collision with a van near the A12 roundabout in Redbridge.

The 52-year-old’s family have now joined their legal team at Irwin Mitchell in campaigning to reduce the number of motorcyclists killed on London’s roads.

Expert Opinion

"Although it is more than 18 months since John’s death the family are understandably still struggling to come to terms with how he died in such unexpected circumstances.

“Through our work we often see the consequences of what can happen when vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists, are involved in collisions. The number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured on London’s roads is disproportionately high to other road users.

“We will continue to support John’s family at this emotional time and encourage drivers to be more aware of bikers at all times to help reduce casualty figures.” Peter Lorence - Senior Associate Solicitor

It comes after the London Assembly revealed earlier this year that just one per cent of trips in the capital are made by motorcyclists, however, they account for 27 per cent of people killed or injured on the roads.

John, a father-of-four and grandfather-of-six, of Romford, was married to Mandy.

He ran a window cleaning business and was making his way to work in central London when the collision happened near the junction with Studley Drive at around 7am on 10 January, 2017.

Following the incident his family instructed specialist road accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the collision and support them through the inquest process.

An inquest at Waltham Forest Coroner’s Court heard that the road had three lanes, two for all traffic and a cycle lane. A car and a lorry in the two lanes had stopped to allow a van to turn right into Studley Drive. John, who was in the cycle lane - the inside lane - collided with the van.

Realising an impact, the van driver believed their vehicle and lorry had collided. They then ran over John, dragging him under the vehicle, as they made their way off the main road to pull over on Studley Drive, the inquest was told.

Giving evidence at the inquest the van driver said that they relied on nods from the motorists queuing in the traffic who left the gap to allow him to pass.

The inquest recorded a verdict of that John died as the result of an accident.

The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to bring any charges against the van driver.

After the hearing Mandy said: “John was a much-loved and committed family man who loved us all so much and it is still hard to believe that he is gone.

“The last 18 months have been a real struggle for our family. We cannot believe John is no longer with us. I cannot believe all the plans and dreams we had to grow old together have gone.

“John was an experienced and careful rider who had been riding bikes since 2007.

“It is difficult not to feel that his death could have been avoided. Too many motorcyclists are needlessly dying. It is so important that drivers pay attention at all times. I wouldn’t wish any other family to have to go through what we have since John’s death.”

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