Driver 'was not to blame for cyclist's death' (3/4/11)

The husband of a cyclist who died after being hit by a car told the driver it was not his fault, an inquest heard.

Joan Wooldridge suffered fatal injuries in an accident on the A505 Causeway at the junction with Beech Lane, Pampisford, on April 3.

An inquest in Huntingdon heard on Thursday that Joan had turned right across the road, following her husband who was also cycling, and failed to see the car approaching on her right.

Coroner Dr Sam Bass read a statement from Joan’s husband David Wooldridge in which he said he told the driver after the accident: “I don’t blame you, it’s not your fault. Joan didn’t see the car.”

Mr Woodridge had signalled to turn right down a footpath by Beech Lane about six feet ahead of his wife and called back: “It is safe to go.”

Mrs Woodridge followed without checking over her shoulder and was hit by a Ford Fiesta, driven by 19-year-old Matthew Freeman from Royston.

Mr Freeman braked but his car hit the cyclist’s rear wheel knocking her off the bike. Mrs Wooldridge died at 9.30pm that evening at Addenbrooke’s Hospital from serious head injuries.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Dr Bass said: “The onus was on Mrs Wooldridge to have checked the road was clear before she made the manoeuvre.”