Brian Fitzgerald, a vice president at Credit Suisse, has escaped prosecution after colliding with and killing retired teacher Hilda Griffiths, 81, while cycling in a 20mph zone. The incident occurred as Fitzgerald was doing timed laps around Regent’s Park, London, with a Peloton group.
The collision, which resulted in Griffiths suffering severe injuries including bleeding in her brain and multiple fractures, ultimately led to her death. Despite the tragic outcome, Fitzgerald faced no legal repercussions due to a loophole in the law that exempts cyclists from adhering to speed limits imposed on motor vehicles.
According to reports, Fitzgerald was travelling at speeds of up to 29mph while cycling with the Muswell Hill Peloton Club. However, because speed limits only apply to “mechanically propelled vehicles” with speedometers, cyclists like Fitzgerald cannot be prosecuted for exceeding speed limits designated for motorists.
Detective Sergeant Ropafadzo Bungo confirmed in court that there is no legislation allowing for the prosecution of cyclists who exceed regular speed limits, as they lack the means to accurately measure their speed like drivers of motor vehicles.
During the hearing at Inner West London Coroners Court, Fitzgerald’s defense argued that Griffiths had stepped onto the road without checking for oncoming traffic, contributing to the collision. They also highlighted the absence of specific speed limits for cyclists and the lack of legislation to address their speeding.
Griffiths’s family, represented by Ellen Robertson, called for action to address the risks posed by cyclists ignoring speed limits, particularly in areas frequented by vulnerable individuals. However, their request for a prevention of future deaths report was rejected by assistant coroner Jean Harkin.
In response to the tragedy, the Muswell Hill Peloton Club expressed condolences to Griffiths’s family and reiterated their commitment to prioritizing road safety. Meanwhile, concerns persist regarding the legal framework governing cyclist behavior and accountability in cases of accidents resulting in fatalities.
