Cyclist on Bristol pavement knocked over a four-year-old girl
A FOUR-year-old girl suffered a head injury when she was hit by a cyclist on a pavement near her home – but police are not taking any action against the rider involved.
The family of Olivia Churchill, of Longwell Green, watched in horror as she was sent flying by the man in his 20s.
The young girl was knocked over and her forehead was cut open.
She was taken to Frenchay Hospital and needed five stitches but her family are dismayed that no further action will be taken against the cyclist involved.
Police have said there is insufficient evidence the cyclist did anything wrong, and his mother told the Evening Post it was a "complete accident".
Natalie Churchill was walking with daughters Olivia and Hollie, seven, home from Barrs Court School at about 3.30pm on September 28.
They were just 10ft from their house in Frampton Court when the cyclist emerged from a path to the cul-de-sac.
"He came round the corner at a ridiculous speed," said Natalie, 30.
"It knocked Olivia 5ft and I've never seen blood like it.
"Olivia was petrified and she's not been the same since.
"The scar will fade, but it's the fact she's going to have it for the rest of her life.
"At the time the cyclist was saying 'sorry, it was an accident', but he's not come round to apologise since."
Two police officers spoke to the cyclist and also took a statement from Natalie.
The Highway Act 1835 states it is an offence to cycle on the pavement, now punishable with a £30 fine.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1991, it is an offence to ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner.
But the Churchills received a letter from Avon and Somerset's Collision Support Unit stating: "I write to advise you that the police have decided to take no further action against the party involved. The decision was taken after careful consideration of all of the circumstances and evidence.
"However, it will be reconsidered if any further significant evidence is brought to our attention."
When the Evening Post visited the home of the cyclist yesterday, his mother said he did not want to comment but was very upset about what had happened and that it was a "complete accident."
She said police had warned him about cycling on the pavement.
Not happy with police closing the case, Natalie said: "At the time, there were skid marks on the pavement.
"The police have the name and address of the cyclist, we showed them where it happened, I don't understand what more evidence they need.
"In the city centre there are loads of signs saying don't ride on the pavements or you'll be fined, yet out here it's not being policed."
126 Comments
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by Ron, Bristol
Monday, November 08 2010, 10:19AM
“2 things we now all know:
1. This was an accident;
2. Don't generalise about cyclists. They are not all bad.”
by Dan, dahhnsaff
Saturday, November 06 2010, 6:08PM
“have you not heard of frost damage?
Mark, Bristol
I think its worth bearing in mind that yes frost does indeed play a part. However the vibration from heavy vehicles can flex and vibrate the ice crystals and loosen the tarmac. They've done some very limited research on this (Asphault Association people iirc).
Most road damage doesnt come from ice, however as we're not usually cold enough. It comes from poorly repaired roads. Tyres then chew up and chip off tarmac. The weight of vehicles can also cause a rutting over time.
You have to think of tarmac (much as with ice and glass) as more of a slow moving liquid than a solid surface.”
by Mark, Bristol
Saturday, November 06 2010, 9:31AM
“@Fred
have you not heard of frost damage?”
by Dan, dahhnsaff cyclist
Friday, November 05 2010, 8:35PM
“@Mrs B, Bristol
I'm not sure how to take that comment.
Anyway.. A guy on one of the forums I was reading a while back said something like 150 people a year die as a result of having to leave the pavement and walk in the road because of pavement parkers.
Right, as to this nipper who knocked the lil girl over. Shame on you, son. What the heck were you thinking? From a legal standpoint the Police probably took no action as this was not by a road (the 1835 act specifically states that footways must be beside a road), however there are other provisions in law they could have used against him. It usually takes a more experienced officer to know which laws to use.
I'll also add that I hope the family dont have any problems with the little one as a result. They have every right to take the lad to court and would most probably be successful.”
by Mrs B, Bristol
Friday, November 05 2010, 8:07PM
“It seems to me there are more cyclists, cars, vans etc on the pavements than actual pedestrians. So because pedestrians are the minority, why don't they walk along singing and shouting and warning other vehicles that they are there. Therefore, no more "accidents" would happen! Or better still, maybe pedestrians could walk in the gutter alongside the roads - they would be safer there!”
by Hugh Jass, on the pavement where I belong...
Friday, November 05 2010, 4:11PM
“Christ...this is still going on??”
by Sammie, Bristol
Friday, November 05 2010, 11:42AM
“*YAWN*
Rachel, Rachel, Rachel, good point, *BUT* you really should know how this website operates by now. . . .
If there is one bad cyclist then all cyclists must be mad, the way it goes I am afraid.
Just learn to ignore people like
George/Ron/Alex/Roger/Trev/Tony/Onlooker/Juraj/Dan/Mike Ford/Ann plus a load more . .
It seems the sensible comments are more likely to come from Jamie, The Hedgehog, Hannah & Sam BS3”
by However, Whatever
Friday, November 05 2010, 11:12AM
“Still haven't looked up the definition of subsidy have you?”
by Fred, Bristol
Friday, November 05 2010, 10:54AM
“A cyclist's taxes go on maintaining the roads, as do a motorists..
Motorists wear the road at a faster rate.. If the roads were used by cyclists only, then we'd barely need to maintain the roads.. As it is, roads are heavily maintained because of the wear caused by motor vehicles, and billions are spent on them each year... This money comes from the taxes we ALL pay..”
by However, Whatever
Friday, November 05 2010, 10:45AM
“Fred - I've finally managed to wipe away the tears, of laughter, and suggest you look up the definition of subsidy.
Only a cyclist could think that by paying less, using a service but not wearing it down as much counts as a subsidy to others. Brilliant.”