Finally we have justice, say family of tragic Wetherby cyclist

Brian Colling’s car made contact with cyclist Darren Greaves, 38, from Wetherby, while trying to overtake on the B1224 near Wetherby, on the afternoon of October 17, 2013.

Mr Greaves, who was cycling towards Wetherby, fell from his bike and was hit by another car. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.

Colling, 64, also from Wetherby, was found guilty of causing death by careless driving at York Crown Court on June 5. Last week he was sentenced to a community order of 120 hours of unpaid work, disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £3,500 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

In a statement released by North Yorkshire Police, his family said: “After several months of waiting for justice for Darren, we have finally received that. We would like to thank North Yorkshire Police who have supported us throughout. Darren lives with us every day.”

Traffic Sergeant John Lumbard, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “The verdict sends a clear message to drivers regarding the responsibility they have towards vulnerable road users, in particular cyclists.

“The Highway Code gives strong guidance within the rules for drivers: overtake only when it is safe to do so, give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would a car when overtaking, and take into account any wobbles or swerving by cyclists who may be trying to avoid potholes or defects in the road.

“When approaching cyclists, drivers need to be prepared to slow down and if necessary follow the cyclist until there is a safe opportunity to overtake.

“If there is oncoming traffic then drivers should show patience and not try to squeeze through the gap. Neither should drivers attempt to overtake cyclists on bends where the view ahead is obscured.

“Following the guidance given in the Highway Code will only add a few seconds to a journey, but the consequences of attempting to pass a cyclist at the wrong time could be very serious.

“We need to make the roads as safe as we can, and following the Highway Code will go a long way to achieving this.”