Warning after verdict in bike death man

A coroner also warned drivers to be cautious after recording an accidental death verdict at the inquest into the death of father-of-two David Widdows.

Mr Widdows, 60, from Askham Lane, Acomb, died from severe head injuries last March after falling when the door of a parked car swung open in front of him.

The car, parked in Front Street, had been driven by Mr Widdows' close friend and bowling partner Greg Love.

Coroner Donald Coverdale said: "This is a warning to cyclists that when you are riding close to parked cars it might happen that a car door could open in your path. They should be prepared for that.

"It is also a reminder to motorists to check and double check that nothing is behind when opening the door."

Mr Widdows was described as a fit man who cycled frequently.

Police investigators told Mr Coverdale that his bike had been roadworthy, and that inspection of the car door suggested that he had not come into contact with it.

Mr Coverdale said: "It seems as Mr Widdows came close to the car the door was opened. Mr Widdows fell to the ground. It is not absolutely clear whether there was any impact between Mr Widdows and the car door, but I would think on the balance of probabilities that there was no contact. I think that the door was opened rather suddenly and Mr Widdows was surprised."

Mr Love said he had checked his rear-view mirror before opening the door.

Mr Coverdale said: "It seems to me very likely that Mr Widdows was in Mr Love's blind spot at the moment when he opened the door.

"Mr Love said he looked in the driver's rear mirror, but it should be instinctive to have a good look over the shoulder."

After the inquest, Mr Love said: "I know the family very well and my sympathies are very much with them. It has been a very trying 12 months and I am pleased that it is over."

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