Safe Speed Forums

Cyclists are calling for speed limits on a busy bike path where a woman commuter was left unconscious after a hit and run collision with another rider. Anne Tuffney, a mother of two, broke her collar bone in the crash that happened when the other cyclist clipped her front wheel as he overtook at speed. He rode on without stopping and police are appealing for witnesses to the accident on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path on July 19.

The accident is the latest in a series of incidents on the same cycle path and an online petition has now been launched calling for a 10mph speed limit during rush hour. Ms Tuffney, 49, is still recovering from her injuries and could be off work for up to eight weeks. Her life was saved by her cycle helmet. She said: “I was aware of the cyclist coming up behind me very fast. I had time to realise that he was far too close to me, when his bike collided with mine. “The next thing I remember is looking up at a sea of faces and someone removing my bike, which was tangled up in my legs.”

Ms Tuffney says she frequently has to ask riders to slow down. She said: “I have constantly shouted at people who are going to fast. I even saw two men crash head on because they would not give way to each other. “In my experience it is not yobs in baggy jeans that are the cause, it is people on their racing bikes on the way to work. Most cyclists are careful and considerate but there are a few using cycle paths like race tracks.”.

Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash. A spokesman said: “An injured person was found on the cycle path on Friday July 19. She had an injured collar bone. Police inquiries are currently on going and we are appealing for witnesses.” The online petition calls for a speed limit of 10mph at busy times and outside schools. Claire Day, who started the petition, say Bristol’s cycle paths are “mayhem” at rush hour.