Improvements call after cycle death of Caitlin
ACORONER has called for Cornwall Council Highways to take action over a stretch of road that claimed the life of a 14-year-old cyclist.
An inquest in February heard how an accomplished cyclist, Caitlin Swan, died while out riding with her mother, Victoria, in December, 2019.
Penair School pupil Caitlin, from Truro, was an experienced bike rider, who regularly enjoyed long rides and took part in national events such as the Dartmoor Classic.
She was kitted out in full high-visibility kit but fatally lost control on Tubbon Hill, on the outskirts of Stithians, after being forced to slow down quickly as a VW Transporter van in front of her slowed to walking pace to turn into a tight junction at Trebost Lane.
Caitlin lost control of her bicycle, collided with the rear of the vehicle, and fell into the path of an oncoming vehicle, sustaining catastrophic head and neck injuries.
An inquest report has now been made public, in which coroner Stephen Covell warns there is a risk of future deaths unless measures are put in place.
In the report sent to Cornwall Council Highways and contractor Cormac, Mr Covell said: “The matters of concerns are as follows – there are no signs on Tubbon Hill to warn road users of the junction with Trebost Lane, notwithstanding that the junction is only visible between 75 and 50 metres away for a road user descending the hill and that any vehicles negotiating the acute left turn into Trebost Lane are likely to be almost stationary in the road at some point.
“In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (Cornwall Council Highways and Cormac) have the power to take such action. In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action which may include a review of road signage.”
Following the inquest, Caitlin’s family shared a statement expressing their thanks for the £8,860-plus raised in her name from a online fundraiser and funeral donations. The money will go towards The Little Princess Trust, the Marine Conservation Society and DDRC diving healthcare charity.
The statement said Caitlin was one of the youngest scuba divers in Cornwall. “She would help anyone out and do anything for anyone. She was an amazing girl and left a massive hole in our lives,” her family said.