More path care needed after cyclist's death - coroner

Urgent action is needed to protect the lives of cyclists using a pavement alongside a main road in Surrey, according to a coroner's report.

The warning came after octogenarian John Bass died after falling from his bike following an incident involving a van on the A217 at Tadworth in December 2022.

Krestina Hayes, the assistant coroner for Surrey, has issued a prevention of future deaths report which said the footpath was less than half the width it should have been due to mud, grass and twigs.

A spokesperson for Surrey County Council (SCC), which is responsible for maintenance of the highway, said they will "respond to the coroner’s report following careful consideration of the concerns raised”.

Mr Bass, 80, who died of head and chest injuries at the scene, was described by the coroner as a "fit and active cyclist".

No arrests were made.

Ms Hayes cited a police investigation which identified the footpath from which Mr Bass fell as measuring 1.4m (4.6ft) in width.

However the pavement space where he was able to cycle was only 0.6m wide.

The Highways Authority confirmed in witness evidence that the highway is subject to a yearly inspection.

Mr Bass' family told the inquest that the footpath is used regularly by cyclists to avoid vehicles on the busy road, where the speed limit is up to 40mph.

A scheduled highway inspection took place by foot on 22 November 2022, just prior to the accident.

The inspection did not identify any safety defects meeting the intervention level set out in SCC’s policy.

Ms Hayes said: "In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.

"There is a risk to future pavement users if clear guidance is not provided to inspectors to identify safety concerns regarding vegetation growth on footpaths.

"I am concerned that the frequency of the inspections need to be reviewed."

Surrey County Council has been given until 3 July to respond to the report.

A spokesperson said their "deepest sympathies remain with John’s family and friends".

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