Driver who hit man on zebra is let off... as victim was riding a bike

A CYCLIST knocked down by a car on a zebra crossing today sent a message to other riders after police said they would not prosecute the driver: “Learn the Highway Code.”

Retired Underground worker Peter Fernandes, 76, suffered bruising on his left side and an injured shoulder when he was sent sprawling by a car that failed to stop at the crossing in Boston Road, west London.

The driver was not arrested. Police investigated but later informed Mr Fernandes, below, they would not pursue a criminal case.

They said Mr Fernandes had breached rules 64 and 79 of the Highway Code, which prohibit cycling on a pavement and demand that riders dismount on a zebra or pelican crossing. He claimed they threatened to send him a “warning letter”.

In a message to other cyclists, Mr Fernandes said: “Don’t make the same mistake I did. I might be in the wrong but I was not aware cycling on a crossing is not allowed. I’m disappointed that the driver has not been prosecuted.”

Mr Fernandes, who has been cycling around west London for more than 30 years, said he did not take risks. He accepted he breached the code, but added it did not excuse the driver for not stopping on October 24 last year.

He said: “I don’t think justice has been served, I received a personal injury and I’m worried about the message this sends out to other drivers.”

The Met said: “A breach of the Highway Code, although not an offence in itself, may be used as evidence of a road user’s liability. Prosecutors will take a number of factors into consideration in their decision on whether or not to prosecute.”