Following a recent, serious cycling accident involving a student riding his bicycle down Widcombe Hill, the Security Department wishes to remind students about road safety. The scene of the accident was on Widcombe Hill outside Macauley Buildings and it occurred when a cyclist was unable to ride round the sharp, right hand , downhill bend causing him to collide with a wall from which he sustained a serious head injury.
That particular bend on Widcombe hill is notoriously dangerous and has seen a number of bicycle accidents in recent years; the Council has tried to mitigate the risk to road users. A hazard indicating sign that flashes a warning has been erected before the bend and in the past the road surface has had attention to make it less slippery than the normal tarmac but it is now degrading. Please slow down for this dangerous bend.
Cyclists are reminded of their obligations outlined in the Highway Code. In particular, ensure that you wear a cycle helmet, wear appropriate clothing (eg. light coloured or fluorescent which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light) and ensure that, at night, your bike has a white front and red rear lights lit. Finally, when approaching a junction to the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you out of the side road.