Cyclist Andy Tallis was knocked off his bicycle by a hit and run driver at the junction of George Borrow Road and The Avenues in Norwich. Photograph Simon Parker
North Norwich cyclist calls for more safety on Avenues junction
Rosa McMahon
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
9:14 AM
A cyclist from north Norwich who was a victim of a hit-and-run crash is calling for more to be done to improve safety at the junction.
The junction of George Borrow Road and The Avenues in Norwich where cyclist Andy Tallis was knocked off his bicycle by a hit and run driver. Photograph Simon ParkerAndy Tallis, 26, a technician at the University of East Anglia, says this is the third accident he has had at the junction between the Avenues and George Borrow Road, south of the city and said he was lucky to only have minor cuts and bruises.
The regular cyclist was forced off his bike on his route towards Bluebell Road a red Renault Clio pulled-out of the George Borrow Road junction “without looking”, clipping his back wheel.
The car failed to stop to help Mr Tallis who was forced onto the ground, and now the daily commuter says something needs to be done to improve safety for cyclists.
He said: “I think there needs to be a stop sign, or just extra signs in the area.
“It’s quite simple that cars are not looking and just pull straight out.”
He added: “I have had three accidents in the area, and my colleagues wife, Suzanne Northwood, broke her nose at the same junction in December.
“Cycle routes are very badly designed and it must be remembered that bikes are vehicles as well, and we need decent cycle-ways.”
A spokeswoman for Norwich City Council said: “Currently at this junction on the Avenues, we have an off-road shared use cycle path, along with a 20mph speed limit and traffic calming.
“We are keen to ensure that cyclists feel as safe as possible around the city and would be more than happy to meet with him [Mr Tallis] to discuss what has happened and see if we can make any further improvements.”
Norfolk police said they have passed the incident on to the collision unit to see what further steps can be taken.
Other News Articles
- Woolwich attack: Cobra meeting after suspected terrorists kill man in street
- Mustard video: Martial arts expert sees off two burglars in Lakenham described as Lord of the Rings lookalikes
- Who will pay for the infrastructure in Greater Norwich’s growth ambitions?
- Missing Norwich woman Emma Belka came home at 6am today
- Driver apologises after boasting about hitting Norfolk cyclist
- Mustard video: Beer lovers cheer return of Great Yarmouth’s historic Lacons brewery
- Police appeal for witnesses of serious two-car crash in Norwich
- New free school in Norwich given approval
- Photo gallery: Act now or risk losing our wealth of Norfolk and Suffolk wildlife, experts warn
- Pet-nesday picture gallery: Could you re-home one of these adorable animals?
ADVERTISEMENT
6 comments
Junctions in general are a prime location for accidents. Drivers simply don't "give way" to traffic, especially if it's smaller than them ( cyclist, motorcyclist). The midset seems to be "cyclist = slow", they simply don't judge the closing speed correctly. At those crossroads especially and where practicable it would pay to take a primary position past the junction so there's some space if they do decide to pull out. But in general, cars drivers shouldn't be trusted with boiling a kettle let alone the intracasies of actually looking where they're boody going!
Report this comment
frank young
Thursday, September 13, 2012
As a car driver there are good and bad cyclists. For the bad cyclists you only need to watch cars trying to turn left at the Avenue road Colman road (towards U.E.A.) and cyclists still try to overtake on the inside as cars start to turn. There is a cycle lane up to the lights, but you need eyes checking the inside allways to avoid the idiots who continue to try their luck.
Report this comment
Rorping
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Noah Vale - your right. We should remove all warning signs. We should start with speeding signs as those who speed will do so regardless of signs. foxey - that's why shared cycle lanespublic paths are a stupid idea. Its maybe why he was cycling on the road to begin with,.
Report this comment
monkeynuts
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
What makes you think someone who doesn't see a cyclist is going to look at a roadsign?
Report this comment
Colonel Grumpfuttock-Horseposture (retired)
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Im a cyclist and regular user of this particular peice of road but I struggle to support this guy. There is a cycle lane, and if he was using it, then he is required to give way. If he wasn't using it, and the car pulled out without look, as claimed, thats dangerous driving but changes to the junction cannot and will not legislate for dangerous driving. Cycle lanes are poorly provisioned in Norwich, but the Avenues is one of the best with offroad cycle paths.
Report this comment
Crazy
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
I have been knocked to the ground by a cycle on the path flying round a corner,can understand, with this man how awful it is but cycles are a menace to pedestrians on the path also.I like him will never forget that day,and it is still going on.
Report this comment
foxey
Tuesday, September 11, 2012