A Norfolk lorry driver has been found not guilty of killing a cyclist by careless driving.
Oxford University academic administrator El Len Tham, also known as Ellen Moilanen, was riding her bicycle in the bus, bike and cycle lane near Oxford Parkway railway station when she was killed.
James Lindsay, from Rackheath, drove into the 44-year-old during the morning rush hour of February 8 last year.
After the collision, Lindsay brought his lorry to a stop and got out to check what had happened, thinking that "something had fallen from the lorry" according to his later interview with police officers.
The 46-year-old was accused of causing the death of Ms Tham by careless driving but was found not guilty by the jury at Oxford Crown Court last Friday.
Lindsay admitted during the trial that there were always blind spots when driving a vehicle of that size, which was roughly 10m in length.
“It’s hard no matter where you are,” he said. “Whether it’s rural or a motorway or a city centre.”
“Does that vehicle create a risk when being driven?” asked defence barrister Ian Bridge.
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“Yes, I suppose it does,” Lindsay replied. “Always. Whenever it moves. Just being a large vehicle on the road. Being with smaller road users.
“Anyone could approach your blind spot, and if you don’t see it, you don’t see it.”
Lindsay also maintained he had no choice but to enter the bus lane before its end to reach his destination at Kidlington Park and Ride.
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The crash left Ms Tham with multiple injuries which suggested that a wheel of the lorry had driven over her at that point.
Reuben College, where she worked, said in a tribute: "Ellen will be fondly remembered as a friend to all, resourceful, funny, kind, to the point, and endlessly patient.
"Never could the college expect to have been blessed with such a wonderful colleague."
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