Child cyclist dies after losing control of bike and hitting car

Posted: October 25, 2015

Posted in: Bicycle Accidents Road Traffic Accidents Wrongful & Accidental Death 

A seven-year-old girl died in May after losing control of her bike and putting herself into the path of an oncoming car in North Somerset. April Reeves was hit by the car when out for a cycle with her mother in Locking on 28 May. It was heard during the inquest that she “wobbled” and swerved onto the A371 where a car hit her at 60mph; she was killed “instantly”.

Following the death, April’s family have called for changes to be made to the road, including the installation of a grass verge and a speed limit reduction from 60mph to 40mph to improve cyclist safety. Avon and Somerset Police told the inquest that there was nothing that the driver could have done to prevent the accident as it happened within the space of a couple of seconds.

Plans already organised at time of accident

Mr Reeves said that if a grass verge had been in place between the main road and the path, his daughter would still be alive. North Somerset Council said that safety improvements had already been organised when the accident happened, but sadly had not been implemented in time to save April’s life. Plans include a wider cycle and pedestrian path to be created, which would include a strip of grass between the road and footpath “where space allows”.

A spokesperson from the council said that there had been no decision made as of yet with regards to the speed limit.

If you have suffered an injury on the road, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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