Cyclist killed on Portway son of former Bristol Lord Mayor

The cyclist killed in an accident on the Portway on Tuesday evening was the younger son of former Bristol Lord Mayor Peter Abraham.

His father paid tribute to his son, Nick Abraham, who was a 29-year-old climbing instructor.

He was hit by a car as he headed in the direction of the city centre at around 6pm on Tuesday.

Mr Abraham said his son had been "potty" about climbing and bouldering.

"Nick lived for climbing and outdoor pursuits," he said.

The veteran Conservative councillor, his wife, Pearl, their son Christopher and his wife, Melanie, are coming to terms with the tragedy at the family home in Avonmouth.

Mr Abraham told the Bristol Post: "We are totally devastated. We are all in complete shock."

He said Nick, who lived with his parents, had left the house at about 5.30pm on Tuesday.

"We don't know where he was going," he said.

Nick was hit by a red Seat Ibiza on the Portway between Clifton and Shirehampton. The Portway was closed in both directions after the accident.

Great Western Ambulance Service said paramedics and an emergency consultant had tried to save Nick, but he was certified dead at the scene.

The driver of the car was thought to be uninjured, but taken to hospital as a precaution.

Police investigating the cause of the accident said they initially believed the cyclist was a 17-year-old boy.

Councillor Richard Eddy, the leader of the Conservative group on Bristol City Council, said: "I was utterly shocked to hear of this appalling tragedy and our hearts go out to Peter, Pearl and the family in their dreadful loss.

"Nick was a fine young man, who had his entire life ahead of him, and this cruel snatching away at the age of 29 has stunned us all.

"I know that Peter and Pearl will find comfort at this awful time in the knowledge that they are in the thoughts and prayers of so many people who know and admire the family."