Credit Suisse Boss Dodges Charges After Cyclist Kills Pensioner at 29mph
Brian Fitzgerald, a Credit Suisse vice president, has escaped prosecution after a fatal collision with 81-year-old retired teacher Hilda Griffiths in London’s Regent’s Park. Fitzgerald was cycling at up to 29mph in a 20mph zone with a Peloton group when he hit Griffiths, who later died from severe head injuries.
Speed Limits Don’t Apply to Cyclists, Court Rules
Despite the tragedy, Fitzgerald faced no legal action due to a loophole in UK law. Since speed limits only apply to “mechanically propelled vehicles” equipped with speedometers—like cars and motorcycles—cyclists are exempt from these restrictions.
“There is no legislation allowing for the prosecution of cyclists who exceed regular speed limits,” confirmed Detective Sergeant Ropafadzo Bungo in court.
Fitzgerald’s defence argued Griffiths stepped into the road without checking for traffic, contributing to the crash. They also highlighted the legal gaps around cycling speed limits.
Family Demands Tougher Rules for Speeding Cyclists
Griffiths’s family called for urgent action to control dangerous cycling speeds near vulnerable pedestrians. Their plea for a prevention report to avoid future deaths was refused by assistant coroner Jean Harkin.
The Muswell Hill Peloton Club, which Fitzgerald rode with, expressed condolences and promised to prioritise road safety going forward. Yet, concerns grow over the lack of clear laws holding cyclists accountable when deadly crashes occur.
