Second Essex cyclist killed in a week

Brian Ward of Ongar became the second cyclist in a week to be killed on roads in the Epping district.

The 70-year-old died in hospital after a collision with a Mercedes van last Thursday afternoon while out cycling with fellow members of Hainault Roads Club.

The Essex Today website reports that the club's general secretary, Bill Godfrey was riding behind Mr Ward. "We had finished our ride, been to lunch and were on the way home," he said. "We were coming down the hill and making sure there was plenty of space between us."

"There is a blind bend and when I came around the corner Brian was on the road. Two or three of us were trying to speak to him but he wasn't conscious."

Mr Ward had been a member of the club for 10 years and was its time-trials secretary. "He was a very nice person, hardworking and very efficient in his role," said Mr Godfrey.

Following the accident at Houblons Hill, Epping, Mr Ward was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow where he died from his injuries.

The van driver, a 52-year-old from Harlow, was unhurt.

Mr Ward's death came a week after Steven Rodway, 38, from Brentwood, was killed as he cycled along Ongar Road in Stapleford Tawney.

Although the Essex Today report focuses on the need for cyclists to take more care, Essex Police senior traffic manager Adam Pipe struck a more balanced tone with road.cc.

He said, “The key is for all road users to show each other more respect. It’s great for everyone that more and more people are taking up cycling but with the roads getting so busy I believe it’s time we had a change of culture in this country.

“Look at the way cyclists are treated in Holland – they have the right of way there far more than cyclists in this country. I believe changes will eventually be made to the Highway Code but that’s a long way off. For now, everyone needs to show other road users more respect."