‘Dangerous’ speeding warning at Rowlands Gill following cyclist’s death

A coroner has issued a warning about an “unsafe” speed limit on a stretch of road following the death of a man.

John Liddle was hit by a minibus on the A694 at Lockhaugh Road in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, and died 18 days later from head injuries.

Newcastle and North Tyneside senior coroner Georgina Nolan said the speed limit of 40mph (around 65km/h) was too high after a number of “other collisions” on the stretch.

Gateshead Council has been contacted for comment.

The coroner’s concerns were expressed in the Prevention of Future Deaths report – a document issued when the coroner believes that action should be taken to avoid future deaths.

Liddle, who lived in Rowlands Gill but was from Sunderland, was 44 when he died in May last year.

Ms Nolan said he had his bike lights on and was wearing a yellow cycling jacket at the time of the accident.

As he moved towards the middle of the road to turn onto Sherburn Park Drive, he was hit by a minibus that had overtaken him behind him.

He died a few days later at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

Following the investigation, which ended on Friday, Miss Nolan produced her report.

She said the road passed through a residential area with bends and junctions and although the speed limit had been temporarily reduced to 48mph, at the time of Mr Liddle’s death it was 40mph.

“The 40mph speed limit is dangerous on this stretch of road,” she said.

Gateshead Council has 56 days to respond, setting out what action it intends to take or explaining why it is not taking any action.