The BBC has reported this morning that an inquest is to be opened on Sunday’s terrible accident in North Wales.

Several websites have sent out a call for club cyclists to wear black armbands in memory of the Rhyl CC riders killed last Sunday. Black insulating tape will do. But let’s do it, whatever.

The media response to the deaths has been, on the whole, sympathetic and there has been a widespread support of the driver who was driving on the “11th deadliest road in Wales” and condemnation of the conditions and the local authority, after it has been alleged that the Police had asked them to re-grit the road following another accident earlier in the day on the same stretch of road.

In the aftermath there has to be some more pressure on the government and local authorities for a full review of road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, as this accident clearly demonstrates the devastation a car can cause to people at a “moderate” speed regarded as being safe by the motoring lobbys.

Despite the fact all the cyclists killed were wearing helmets, The Times still managed to predict that the crash would “increase pressure” on the call for cycle helmet compulsion… how very helpful.

Some more reactions:

“We don’t accept that this was an accident. This was an incident that could have been avoided.”
British Cycling chief executive Peter King

“Why didn’t they grit the road?”
The Sun (of all papers)

“We are spreading the word to all club riders on Sunday to wear black arm band in rememberance of those who have lost their lives in such a tragic way.”
said Julie Dominguez of www.veloriders.co.uk

Nicole Cooke, who has been riding on the roads since she was 12, said she was “absolutely devastated” about the accident and said drivers should be better educated on road conditions.

She said to the BBC: “I know from cycling to school since in was twelve on a bike. I really know the difference between driving conditions and how it affects a bike.”

Links:
• The Times letters page (the letter from Simon Arbuthnot is particularly abhorent)
• The Sun
• BBC news
• British Cycling – Book of condolences