Neil Andrew Blood · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 12 August 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Neil Andrew Blood, aged 42. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 4 February 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was Accidental Death. The cause of death was given as 1a Chest injuries.

In July 2013 the deceased and various members of his family went to Jersey on holiday. He had purchased a new pedal cycle shortly before the holiday and took it with him. He had done some cycling on the island. On 31st July 2013 he went for a ride on his bicycle accompanied by a family member. Shortly before 1.15pm they were cycling along the pavement adjacent to a road known as Commercial Building near to South Pier Shipyard, St Helier when the deceased appeared to look behind him briefly and then almost immediately afterwards his bicycle wobbled as he seemed to lose control, his feet becoming stuck in the cleats of the bicycle’s pedals. The deceased was then observed to fall to its offside, off the pavement and under the side of a passing van and under the nearside rear wheel of the van. The deceased was treated promptly by local first aiders and paramedics but died of his injuries shortly afterwards at the General Hospital, St Helier, Jersey.

1. To Shimano Inc: I can do no better than to repeat the comments of my colleague, the Deputy Viscount of the Royal Court of Jersey, made in his letter of 30 January 2014 (copy attached).
2. To Department of Transport (UK): What oversight, control or legislation governs the supply of pedal cycle cleats and shoes, and what consideration has been given to the potential risks and dangers involved and what warnings should be supplied at the time of purchase?