A CLOSE friend of a 72-year-old cyclist killed on the A38 is appealing to motorists to be extra vigilant of bike riders using busy A-roads.
The appeal came just days after record-breaking cyclist Patrick Kenny lost his life following a crash on the A38, near Claymills, on Friday.
The father-of-three, who has cycled more than 910,000 miles in his lifetime but was hoping to reach his target of a million, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics after his bike and a dark blue BMW collided on the southbound carriageway.
The pensioner, of Spring Lane, Whittington, was a qualified timekeeper for Burton-based Mercia Cycling Club. He was also a member of Birmingham St Christopher Cycling Club, the 300,000- mile Cycling Club, as well as the Trike Association.
Peter Rose, press secretary for Mercia Cycling Club, said Pat was one of the ‘best and most experienced’ cyclists he had ever known.
Mr Rose, who survived a serious road accident 10 years ago which left him with severe head injuries and a broken collar bone, said: “I knew Pat very well, he was a great friend, and this accident is very tragic. It’s a great loss.
“The A38 isn’t the best of roads to cycle along and I know Pat had a number of accidents on the carriageway before.
“He was one of the best and most experienced cyclists I knew, but a lot of motorists don’t expect to see us cycling on the A38.
“I want to take this opportunity to appeal to drivers to be extra careful and to keep their eye out for cyclists.
“It’s also very important cyclists wear helmets, but if a car comes at you at speed, the chances of survival are very slim.”
A spokesman for the Tricycle Association, who described Mr Kenny as a ‘phenomenal rider’, also wanted to appeal to drivers to be aware of cyclists.
He said: “We are all very shocked by the tragic news of Pat’s death.
“Drivers need to be extra alert and on their guard for cyclists. Accidents do happen, but they can be avoided if motorists slow down and simply look where they are going.”
The 44-year-old BMW driver was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving but released on bail while police carry out their investigations.
Investigating officers, from Burton Police, want to speak to passing motorists who may have seen the cycle or BMW prior to, or at the time of, the crash.
Anyone with any information should ring PC Richard Davies or Sergeant Nigel Roberts on 0300 123 4455, quoting incident number 384 of January 21.
People can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
