Jury recommends extra traffic lights at junctions in wake of cyclist’s death

The family of a cyclist killed in a collision with a truck said they hope her death can bring about safer cycling conditions for others.

Donna Fox (30) of Belgee, Naul, Co Dublin was cycling to work when she was fatally injured in a collision on September 6th, 2016.

A verdict of misadventure was returned at an inquest into her death and the jury recommended the installation of additional traffic lights to allow cyclists cross junctions safely.

Neil Fox said his sister was a "cautious, careful and conscientious" cyclist but said the family bear no ill feeling toward the truck driver.

“There was never any ill-will toward the driver. We wish him well. My sister would have wanted him to move on with his life,” Neil Fox said.

Ms Fox stopped at traffic lights at the junction of Seville Place and Sheriff Street Upper at 10.40am . She was travelling at 24km/h in the cycle lane moments before she pulled up at the lights, Dublin Coroner’s Court heard.

She was to travel straight ahead on her way to work at a pharmacy on Basin Street. She arrived at the lights just before the truck moved off to take a left turn. She came to a halt just ahead of the truck and as such did not see the driver indicate left just before making the turn.

Traumatic injuries

Ms Fox suffered multiple traumatic injuries after she fell beneath the wheel of the 12.5 tonne truck.

Forensic collision investigator Garda Damien Farrell said similar incidents were common.

The driver had only a few moments to spot the cyclist in his mirrors, the Garda said.

He said the cyclist’s position in this case was extremely dangerous as the curved style of mirror can cause images to be distorted.

Ms Fox was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries sustained as a cyclist in a collision with a lorry.

Gardaí sent a file to the DPP but no prosecution was directed.

Garda Farrell said according to the rules of the road, a motorist must not overtake a cyclist on the approach to a junction if the driver’s intention is to turn left.

A barrier has since been installed at the junction in a bid to separate traffic from the cycle lane, which has been repainted to enhance visibility.

The jury recommended that all major junctions be audited for cyclist activity with a view to enhancing the visibility of cycle lanes.

On behalf of the family, solicitor Dermot McNamara called on Dublin City Council to install bollards on all cycle lanes at busy junctions used by heavy goods vehicles.

“Cyclists are exposed to unnecessary dangers on a daily basis on city centre streets which provide them with a frightening lack of protection,” Mr McNamara said.