Motorcyclist Fatally Injured When 4X4 Pulled Out In Front Of Him

The widow of a motorcyclist killed when he was hit by a 4X4 has spoken for the first time about her loss.

Clive Burdett was fatally injured when his Moto Guzzi motorbike was involved in a collision with a Land Rover Freelander on the A61 Upper Sheffield Road in Barnsley. 

Following the incident in November 2017, the 49-year-old’s family instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help investigate the crash. 

Clive’s widow, Janine Harding, has now joined her legal team at Irwin Mitchell in urging motorists to be aware of motorcyclists on the roads. 

It comes after the Freelander driver pleaded guilty to causing the collision in which Clive, of Mexborough, sadly died. 

Glen Whitehead expert personal injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, including Janine and her and Clive’s son, said:

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“The last few months have been an incredibly difficult time for Clive’s family as they have tried to come terms with his death which occurred in such unexpected and terrible circumstances.

“Through our work we often see the consequences of what can happen when vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists, are involved in collisions.

“While nothing can make up for the loss of Clive, Janine and the rest of the family hope that his death can act as a warning to motorists of the devastation they can cause families through a lapse in concentration. It is vital drivers pay attention and show consideration to fellow road users at all times.” Glen Whitehead - Associate Solicitor

Clive, originally from Cheltenham, moved to Mexborough in 2002. He met Janine in 2005 and the couple married in 2006.

Clive was riding home from his job as a payroll administrator at Barnsley Hospital on 15 November, when the collision happened near the junction with Knowle Road in Worsbrough. 

The Land Rover pulled out from Knowle Road into Clive’s path.  Clive suffered multiple head, spine and pelvic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Clive had previously worked with St John Ambulance and had received a certificate for advanced bike riding. Clive had also completed speed awareness courses and even ridden with the police in a rider awareness course.  

Janine, 47, said: “Clive was a special husband and a great dad. Our family is still in total shock as to how Clive went to work as normal but never returned home.

“Clive was such an experienced and careful rider and would never take unnecessary risks. You never think something like this will happen to your family.   

“It is difficult not to feel that his death could have been avoided. It is crucial that drivers pay attention at all times and I feel I should do everything I can to let drivers know how important it is that they think about motorbikes.  I wouldn’t wish any other family to have to go through what we have since Clive’s death.” 

Amanda Fitzpatrick, 30, of Barnsley, pleaded guilty to Causing Death by Careless Driving when she appeared at Sheffield Crown Court.  Sentencing has been postponed until December.

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