Cyclist died after crash with walker

Brian Drury

Brighton Argus Thursday 28 October 2004:

Cyclist died after crash with walker

by Sam Thomson

A teacher died after cycling down a steep hill and running into a man
walking his dog, an inquest heard.

Andrew Faulding was riding down Coldean Lane, Brighton, on a clear
summer's morning when he ran into Graham Durrant.

The 32-year-old teacher, of Walpole Terrace, Brighton, was thrown into
the air on impact and landed several metres down the road.

Despite wearing a protective helmet, Mr Faulding suffered severe head
injuries.

The inquest, held at Brighton Magistrates Court yesterday, heard he
was unconscious when he arrived at the Royal Sussex County Hospital,
Brighton, at about 10.30am on August 16.

His condition deteriorated and he died the next day.

PC Mark Forshew, of Hastings police, told the hearing he was driving
north along Coldean Lane when he saw Mr Durrant emerge from woods
beside the road carrying his white West Highland terrier under his arm.

He said: "I was concerned because the pedestrian didn't seem to look
where he was going.

"I felt something was going to happen because he walked out at such a
quick pace.

"The cyclist tried to swerve into the middle of the road but it was
too late."

Michael Hooper was driving in the same direction with his wife and saw
the incident in his rear-view mirror.

He said: "As we drove up the road, I saw this chap step out from the
woods. We carried on driving and saw the cyclist coming towards us.

"I remember having the feeling of impending doom. Then I saw them
collide. It was like they exploded."

Mr Durrant suffered a broken nose and fractured sternum.

He was knocked unconscious in the collision.

He told the hearing he remembered pausing and looking in both
directions before trying to cross the road.

Mr Durrant said: "I looked up and saw a car turning right and then
looked down before I stepped out.

"That's the last thing I remember before being woken up by the
ambulance chaps."

Sergeant Marc Clothier, of Brighton and Hove road traffic department,
said a full investigation into the accident had concluded that no one
should face prosecution.

He told the hearing: "Both parties were unable to avoid the collision.

"Although Mr Faulding took evasive action, he did not have the time or
the distance to do anything."

Mr Faulding had been teaching at a school in Hove for two years.

He had been due to move next month to a school in St Albans, where he
had been appointed head of economics.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Dr Matthew Orde said
"I am drawn by the evidence to conclude this was simply a very sad
accident.

"I offer my sincere condolences to all Mr Faulding's family and
friends."

soup

Brian Drury popped their head over the parapet saw what was going on
and said

> He told the hearing: "Both parties were unable to avoid the
> collision.

Surely the "walker" could have stepped back or stopped .
It is "easier" to change velocity whilst walking than it is cycling.

> Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Dr Matthew Orde
> said "I am drawn by the evidence to conclude this was simply a very
> sad accident.

**** like this makes me very angry the "walker" swore on oath
that he had looked before stepping in front of the cyclist so either
he was lying to the court ;had some sort of death wish or simply
hadn't seen the cyclist, from the report it is not clear what the
cyclist
was wearing;whether the "walker" was looking into the sun or give
any reason why the "walker" didn't see the cyclist.



--
yours S

Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione

Julesh

Brian Drury wrote:

> Brighton Argus Thursday 28 October 2004:
>
> Cyclist died after crash with walker
>
> by Sam Thomson
>
> A teacher died after cycling down a steep hill and running into a man
> walking his dog, an inquest heard.
>
> Andrew Faulding was riding down Coldean Lane, Brighton, on a clear
> summer's morning when he ran into Graham Durrant.
>
> The 32-year-old teacher, of Walpole Terrace, Brighton, was thrown into
> the air on impact and landed several metres down the road.
>
> Despite wearing a protective helmet, Mr Faulding suffered severe head
> injuries.
>
> The inquest, held at Brighton Magistrates Court yesterday, heard he
> was unconscious when he arrived at the Royal Sussex County Hospital,
> Brighton, at about 10.30am on August 16.
>
> His condition deteriorated and he died the next day.
>
> PC Mark Forshew, of Hastings police, told the hearing he was driving
> north along Coldean Lane when he saw Mr Durrant emerge from woods
> beside the road carrying his white West Highland terrier under his arm.
>
> He said: "I was concerned because the pedestrian didn't seem to look
> where he was going.
>
> "I felt something was going to happen because he walked out at such a
> quick pace.
>
> "The cyclist tried to swerve into the middle of the road but it was
> too late."
>
> Michael Hooper was driving in the same direction with his wife and saw
> the incident in his rear-view mirror.
>
> He said: "As we drove up the road, I saw this chap step out from the
> woods. We carried on driving and saw the cyclist coming towards us.
>
> "I remember having the feeling of impending doom. Then I saw them
> collide. It was like they exploded."
>
> Mr Durrant suffered a broken nose and fractured sternum.
>
> He was knocked unconscious in the collision.
>
> He told the hearing he remembered pausing and looking in both
> directions before trying to cross the road.
>
> Mr Durrant said: "I looked up and saw a car turning right and then
> looked down before I stepped out.
>
> "That's the last thing I remember before being woken up by the
> ambulance chaps."

Didn't suffer any memory loss then! I can never actively recall any of
the times I've looked when crossing the road and I'm sure I do it every time
>
> Sergeant Marc Clothier, of Brighton and Hove road traffic department,
> said a full investigation into the accident had concluded that no one
> should face prosecution.
>
> He told the hearing: "Both parties were unable to avoid the collision.

Really!
>
> "Although Mr Faulding took evasive action, he did not have the time or
> the distance to do anything."
>
> Mr Faulding had been teaching at a school in Hove for two years.
>
> He had been due to move next month to a school in St Albans, where he
> had been appointed head of economics.
>
> Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Dr Matthew Orde said
> "I am drawn by the evidence to conclude this was simply a very sad
> accident.

Caused by a stupid numpty walking into the road without looking!
>
> "I offer my sincere condolences to all Mr Faulding's family and
> friends."
>

For which I'm sure they are really grateful.

No news about the dog? I guess it must be OK then

I WILL try to calm down now!

JulesH

Tumbleweed

"Julesh" <canned_lunchmeat@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Kwvgd.7847$cn.443@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Brian Drury wrote:
>
>> Brighton Argus Thursday 28 October 2004:
>>
>> Cyclist died after crash with walker
>>
>> by Sam Thomson
>>
>> A teacher died after cycling down a steep hill and running into a man
>> walking his dog, an inquest heard.
>>
>> Andrew Faulding was riding down Coldean Lane, Brighton, on a clear
>> summer's morning when he ran into Graham Durrant.
>>
>> The 32-year-old teacher, of Walpole Terrace, Brighton, was thrown into
>> the air on impact and landed several metres down the road.
>>
>> Despite wearing a protective helmet, Mr Faulding suffered severe head
>> injuries.
>>
>> The inquest, held at Brighton Magistrates Court yesterday, heard he
>> was unconscious when he arrived at the Royal Sussex County Hospital,
>> Brighton, at about 10.30am on August 16.
>>
>> His condition deteriorated and he died the next day.
>>
>> PC Mark Forshew, of Hastings police, told the hearing he was driving
>> north along Coldean Lane when he saw Mr Durrant emerge from woods
>> beside the road carrying his white West Highland terrier under his arm.
>>
>> He said: "I was concerned because the pedestrian didn't seem to look
>> where he was going.
>>
>> "I felt something was going to happen because he walked out at such a
>> quick pace.
>>
>> "The cyclist tried to swerve into the middle of the road but it was
>> too late."
>>
>> Michael Hooper was driving in the same direction with his wife and saw
>> the incident in his rear-view mirror.
>>
>> He said: "As we drove up the road, I saw this chap step out from the
>> woods. We carried on driving and saw the cyclist coming towards us.
>>
>> "I remember having the feeling of impending doom. Then I saw them
>> collide. It was like they exploded."
>>
>> Mr Durrant suffered a broken nose and fractured sternum.
>>
>> He was knocked unconscious in the collision.
>>
>> He told the hearing he remembered pausing and looking in both
>> directions before trying to cross the road.
>>
>> Mr Durrant said: "I looked up and saw a car turning right and then
>> looked down before I stepped out.
>>
>> "That's the last thing I remember before being woken up by the
>> ambulance chaps."
>
> Didn't suffer any memory loss then! I can never actively recall any of
> the times I've looked when crossing the road and I'm sure I do it every
> time
>>
>> Sergeant Marc Clothier, of Brighton and Hove road traffic department,
>> said a full investigation into the accident had concluded that no one
>> should face prosecution.
>>
>> He told the hearing: "Both parties were unable to avoid the collision.
>
> Really!
>>
>> "Although Mr Faulding took evasive action, he did not have the time or
>> the distance to do anything."
>>
>> Mr Faulding had been teaching at a school in Hove for two years.
>>
>> He had been due to move next month to a school in St Albans, where he
>> had been appointed head of economics.
>>
>> Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Dr Matthew Orde said
>> "I am drawn by the evidence to conclude this was simply a very sad
>> accident.
>
> Caused by a stupid numpty walking into the road without looking!

Yet had he walked into the path of a car, no doubt we'd see lots of blame
apportioned here for "speeding motorists"?
:-)

--
Tumbleweed

email replies not necessary but to contact use;
tumbleweednews at hotmail dot com

Tony Raven

Brian Drury wrote:
>
> PC Mark Forshew, of Hastings police, .....
>
> .... said: "I was concerned because the pedestrian didn't seem to
look
> where he was going.
>
>
> Mr Durrant ......
>
> ......told the hearing he remembered pausing and looking in both
> directions before trying to cross the road.
>
>
> Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Dr Matthew Orde
said
> "I am drawn by the evidence to conclude this was simply a very sad
> accident......
>

....caused by a numpty walking out into the road without looking and
then denying it in court IMO.

Tony

Paul - xxx

Julesh vaguely muttered something like ...
> Brian Drury wrote:

>> Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Dr Matthew Orde said
>> "I am drawn by the evidence to conclude this was simply a very sad
>> accident.
>
> Caused by a stupid numpty walking into the road without looking!

Is that what you'd be saying if same stupid numpty had walked in front of a
car ? I seriously doubt it, not that it'd get reported in URC anyway, but
if it did it'd be cries of 'speeding motorists' ...

Maybe the cyclist was also travelling too fast for him to stop in distance
he could see to be clear ...

Why do people try to apportion blame when they know only what a newspaper
(whatever) reports ?


--
Paul ...
(8(|) Homer Rules !!!
"A tosser is a tosser, no matter what mode of transport they're using."

Zog The Undeniable

Paul - xxx wrote:

> Maybe the cyclist was also travelling too fast for him to stop in distance
> he could see to be clear ...

You can't allow for people suddenly appearing out of the bushes, or your
speed would have to be 0mph.

Paul - xxx

Zog The Undeniable vaguely muttered something like ...
> Paul - xxx wrote:
>
>> Maybe the cyclist was also travelling too fast for him to stop in
>> distance he could see to be clear ...
>
> You can't allow for people suddenly appearing out of the bushes, or your
> speed would have to be 0mph.

"He said: "As we drove up the road, I saw this chap step out from the
woods. We carried on driving and saw the cyclist coming towards us."

Suggests it was more than 'suddenly appearing' .. but again, none of us
really know.

All I'm suggesting is that the constant 'cyclist has an accident, but it
wasn't his fault' posts seem to use the same, or similar, arguments that
cyclists use to decry other road-users with ..

--
Paul ...
(8(|) Homer Rules !!!
"A tosser is a tosser, no matter what mode of transport they're using."

Julesh

Paul - xxx wrote:
> Julesh vaguely muttered something like ...
>
>>Brian Drury wrote:
>
>
>>> Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Dr Matthew Orde said
>>>"I am drawn by the evidence to conclude this was simply a very sad
>>>accident.
>>
>>Caused by a stupid numpty walking into the road without looking!
>
>
> Is that what you'd be saying if same stupid numpty had walked in front of a
> car ? I seriously doubt it, not that it'd get reported in URC anyway, but
> if it did it'd be cries of 'speeding motorists' ...
>
> Maybe the cyclist was also travelling too fast for him to stop in distance
> he could see to be clear ...
>
> Why do people try to apportion blame when they know only what a newspaper
> (whatever) reports ?
>
>
As far as I'm concerned if he had walked out in front of a car (speeding
or otherwise) he would still be a stupid numpty - but a possibly a
stupid numpty that would have personally suffered the result of his own
actions. The eyewitnesses seem to be in agreement that he simply didn't
look. This doesn't surprise me as, in my experience, too many people
seems to listen for motor traffic, rather than looking to see if there
is any risk of being killed by a quiet something, before stepping out
into the road

The report also seems to imply that he stepped out of woodland onto the
road so it's possibly he was not visible until unavoidable. I quite
agree with the point (argued at length in this group) about safe
stopping distances but this is generally discussed in relation to
visible hazards.

I totally agree with your point that trying to analyse road accidents on
the basis of newspaper reports is futile. As a cyclist, motorist (cycle
miles this week = 0, car miles this week = 720 [1]) and pedestrian any
loss of human life on the roads saddens me[2].



Julesh


[1] Half term - kids - distant relatives in need of visiting.
[2] And isn't this Usenet - the spiritual home of accurate and reasoned
debate?

Mark Thompson

> Surely the "walker" could have stepped back or stopped .
> It is "easier" to change velocity whilst walking than it is cycling.

I'm guessing the walker did, which was why the cyclist hit. The report
said the cyclist swerved, and I presume the ped unfortunately moved the
same way.

Regards the smidsy, the cyclist may have been hidden by the car, or the
walker was looking for cars rather than bicycles. Smidsy's are
surprisingly easy to do.

Danny Colyer

Julesh wrote:
> ... in my experience, too many people
> seems to listen for motor traffic, rather than looking to see if there
> is any risk of being killed by a quiet something, before stepping out
> into the road

Ditto my experience.

> The report also seems to imply that he stepped out of woodland onto the
> road so it's possibly he was not visible until unavoidable. I quite
> agree with the point (argued at length in this group) about safe
> stopping distances but this is generally discussed in relation to
> visible hazards.

I feel compelled to point out that deer have a habit of doing much the
same thing in wooded areas. If a cyclist riding down a steep hill was
killed in a collision with a deer that had suddenly emerged from woods,
would people be saying that it's all the deer's fault for being a stupid
numpty?

Legally I would think it's entirely the cyclist's fault, after all peds
always have right of way. Morally I think I'd have to place most of the
blame with the ped, who should have known better than to step into the
road without looking. If it /had/ been a deer then I'd view the matter
somewhat differently, as you wouldn't expect a deer to know any better.

Ultimately, ISTM that the cyclist was riding too fast for the
conditions. One can reasonably expect to have to stop quickly when the
road passes through woodland, because you never know what wildlife might
appear. If it's a deer, a badger or a boar, the chances are it'll do
you some serious damage if you hit it.

It's hard to condemn a cyclist for going fast downhill in an area where
it sounds like peds wouldn't usually be expected, though. How many of
us would really be able to resist the tempation to get up a bit of speed?

> I totally agree with your point that trying to analyse road accidents on
> the basis of newspaper reports is futile.

Very true.

--
Danny Colyer (the UK company has been laughed out of my reply address)
<URL:http://www.speedy5.freeserve.co.uk/danny/>
"He who dares not offend cannot be honest." - Thomas Paine

Tony Raven

Paul - xxx wrote:
>
> Is that what you'd be saying if same stupid numpty had walked in
front of a
> car ? I seriously doubt it, not that it'd get reported in URC
anyway, but
> if it did it'd be cries of 'speeding motorists' ...

Yes, if he shot out of the woods into the road without looking.

>
> Maybe the cyclist was also travelling too fast for him to stop in
distance
> he could see to be clear ...
>

It would seem that he could see it to be clear until numpty shot out of
the woods and into the road.

> Why do people try to apportion blame when they know only what a
newspaper
> (whatever) reports ?
>

In this case there was at least on policeman who saw it happen and said
that numpty didn't look. The other driver implies but doesn't say the
same thing. Its only numpty who thinks he managed to look without
seeing.

As I said just my opinion

Tony

Andy Leighton

On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 23:50:46 +0100,
Danny Colyer <danny@speedy5.freeserve.giggle> wrote:
> Julesh wrote:
> > The report also seems to imply that he stepped out of woodland onto the
> > road so it's possibly he was not visible until unavoidable. I quite
> > agree with the point (argued at length in this group) about safe
> > stopping distances but this is generally discussed in relation to
> > visible hazards.
>
> I feel compelled to point out that deer have a habit of doing much the
> same thing in wooded areas. If a cyclist riding down a steep hill was
> killed in a collision with a deer that had suddenly emerged from woods,
> would people be saying that it's all the deer's fault for being a stupid
> numpty?
>
> Legally I would think it's entirely the cyclist's fault, after all peds
> always have right of way. Morally I think I'd have to place most of the
> blame with the ped, who should have known better than to step into the
> road without looking.

Well I have seen people who when they see a bike bearing down on them
first take a step forward than step backwards. This can make it to
avoid them if you are trying to second guess them.

> Ultimately, ISTM that the cyclist was riding too fast for the
> conditions.

Not necessarily, we do not know if the cyclist tried to stop or if he
could have stopped in time (although that seems unlikely - but I do not
know the hill or the speed the cyclist was going). The way the article
was written implies that he tried to avoid the collision by trying to
swerve around the pedestrian. Of course still the cyclist's fault.

--
Andy Leighton => andyl@azaal.plus.com
"The Lord is my shepherd, but we still lost the sheep dog trials"
- Robert Rankin, _They Came And Ate Us_

David Hansen

On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 18:34:55 +0100 someone who may be "Brian Drury"
<briandotdruryatdsldotpipexdotcom> wrote this:-

>Brighton Argus Thursday 28 October 2004:

> Despite wearing a protective helmet, Mr Faulding suffered severe head
>injuries.

Then it wasn't protective.

Is it just this journalist that is an idiot, or are the editors as
well?


--
David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E
I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government
prevents me by using the RIP Act 2000.


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