Investigation and inquest
On 08/06/2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Timothy Kevin ATKINS aged 48. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 26/10/2017. The conclusion of the inquest was:
Mr ATKINS Medical cause of death was 1a Severe head injuries.
I concluded that the death was due to an Accident.
Circumstances of the death
At about 17:28 hours on the second June 2017 Timothy Kevin ATKINS was riding his bicycle on the shared cycle/pedestrian pavement on the A2030, Eastern Road, Portsmouth, when he was in collision with another cyclist riding in the opposite direction. As a result, he fell into the carriageway striking the rear nearside corner of a passing motor vehicle and sustained severe and unsurvivable head injuries. He was pronounced deceased by the attending paramedics at 17:56 hours the same day.
Coroner’s concerns
The corner of the shared cycle/pedestrian pavement where the cyclists collided is a narrow pinch-point with poor visibility and no safety barrier. I am of the opinion that the highway authority should give consideration to improving cyclist and pedestrian safety at this corner.