Karen Clayton · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 8th January 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Karen Clayton dob 10th January 1965. The investigation concluded on the 30th June 2015 and the conclusion was one of Accidental death. The medical cause of death was 1a Traumatic subdural haematoma.

On the 2nd January 2015 at Moss Lane, Altrincham, Mrs Clayton was riding her bicycle in a designated cycle lane. As she traversed the brow of the railway overbridge, she was confronted by a group of youths walking in the cycle lane. The youths made efforts to step off the cycle lane but were prevented from doing so by the narrowness of the lane; a collision then took place between the cyclist and one of the pedestrians. The cyclist fell to the ground and sustained what proved to be fatal head injuries.

1. At this location there is mixed traffic, being pedestrian, bicycle and motor. There is insufficient room for all these different forms of traffic to be effectively segregated.(Trafford)

2. Although this is a “one way” route for most traffic, the cycle lane allows for bicycles to travel in a contra flow. This is inherently confusing and dangerous for the cyclists and other road users.(Trafford)

3. The signage in the immediate area is unclear and possibly confusing(Trafford)

4. Because of the location of the Supermarket and the lay out of the road, there is an obvious crossing-place via the cycle path. Not to use this route by pedestrians intending to walk to the railway station would involve them in crossing the road twice.(Trafford)

5. The guidance in the “Highway Code” and elsewhere relating to the fact that pedestrians should not walk in a cycle path, is weak and needs to be re-written and reinforced. (Secretary of State for Transport)