Parents of Reading Cyclist Begin Court Battle after Collision Kills Son

• Cycling Claims

18 September 2009

On 3rd July 2008 Anthony Maynard, an experienced cyclist and member of Reading Cycling Club, was on a training ride with friend David Ivory, 39, heading towards Nettlebed, near Henley on Thames. 

While riding along the dual carriageway, a blue Ford Transit van collided with Mr Maynard and his bike, catapulting him from the bicycle and causing him to sustain fatal injuries.  His friend, Mr Ivory, sustained injuries to his spine, contusions to his chest and bruising to his abdomen, including his liver and kidneys as he was thrown from his bike on to a grass verge.

Following the accident, the police and CPS refused to prosecute the driver involved, who claimed he did not see Mr Maynard as the sun was in his eyes.  However, David Ivory and Anthony’s parents, David and Susan Maynard, have now issued civil proceedings.

Paul Kitson, solicitor at Russell Jones and Walker, representing both parties, said:

“Both cyclists were in view of the driver for a considerable distance before the collision. The presence of the low sunlight is not an excuse for colliding with two cyclists who were properly positioned in the road in single file. The motorist did not use his visor or wear sunglasses.”

Debra Rolfe, Campaigns Coordinator at CTC – the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation, who are financially supporting the Maynard’s claim said:

“So far justice has not been done and that is why CTC is supporting David Ivory and the Maynard family to take this further. Time and time again, we see motorists being completely let off because they say they just didn’t see a cyclist. It is just not acceptable. All road users who endanger others should expect to face justice, like in the case of cyclist Darren Hall who was sentenced last week to 7 months imprisonment after colliding with a pedestrian, who later died.”

David Maynard, the deceased’s father, said:

“Cycling was Anthony’s passion. It’s tragic that whilst enjoying a summer ride, the carelessness of a motorist has robbed us of our precious son. I cannot understand why the police and/or CPS took no action against the motorist. I am very disappointed that after 13 months neither the motorist nor his insurers have admitted liability. It is now therefore necessary to issue civil proceedings."

Proceedings have been issued in the Reading County Court.  The trial date is likely to be Spring 2010.

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