Christopher William Gibbs · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 12th October 2017, an investigation was commenced into the death of Christopher William Gibbs, born on the 9th January 1987.

The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on the 22nd March 2019.

The Medical Cause of Death was:

1a Head and Chest Injury

The conclusion of the Inquest was Road Traffic Collision.

On the 3rd October 2017 Christopher Gibbs was cycling home from work along the A338. At approximately 10.15pm he was struck from the rear by a courier van travelling in the same direction and died at the scene from the injuries he sustained in the collision

1. During the inquest evidence was heard that:
I. That the A338 road is a main arterial route linking Ringwood to Bournemouth and Poole and is the main route taken by traffic entering from the east of the county to Bournemouth. The road stretches for approximately 10 miles and consists of long straight sections and open sweeping bends. There is no change in the speed limit and no exits off the 10 mile stretch of road.
II. The A338 is a dual carriageway. The eastbound and westbound traffic is separated by a solid concrete barrier. There is a maximum speed limit of 70mph. Cyclist are allowed on the carriageway. There is vegetation on either side. There is no highway lighting.
III. The driver of the courier van stated that he did not see Mr Gibbs. Mr Gibbs was riding with correct lighting on the front and rear of his bike. Mr Gibbs was correctly positioned in the road as was the driver.
IV. Witnesses expressed surprise that in light of such a fast, busy and unlit road there appeared to be little protection to vulnerable road users particularly cyclists.
V. The space between the rumble strip marking the edge of the inside lane of the carriageway and the adjoining grass verge contains debris from the road and is an unsafe space to cycle.

2. I have concerns with regard to the following:
I. There is no cycle lane on either side of the carriage way.
II. There are no warning signs to drivers making them aware of the potential presence of cyclists. Warning signs at the east bound carriageway near the Blackwater junction and westbound carriageway soon after the Ashley Heath roundabout would prompt such consideration by drivers in what would then be an unremarkable 10 mile drive. Such information would hopefully be at the fore front of drivers minds as they commenced this 10 mile section of his/her journey.