POLICE have released the video footage of the moment a cyclist was sent spiralling into the air after being struck by a car in Coventry.
The 71-year-old sustained a bleed on the brain, a broken shoulder and a broken ankle and spent five days in hospital.
The driver of the Citroen C3 Flair, Thomas Freeman, aged 29, has now been jailed for a year following the collision on May 6 on Wildcroft Road at the junction with Brookside Avenue.
Freeman, of Torrington Avenue, Coventry, admitted causing serious injury by careless driving.
He was also banned from driving for two years when he appeared at Warwick Crown Court, following a probe by our Traffic Investigations Unit (TIU).
Video footage
Officers have released the footage (below) after the agreement of the victim who wanted to highlight the responsibility drivers have to more vulnerable road users.
T/Sgt Jordan Keen, from West Midlands Police TIU, said: “This was an appalling piece of careless driving which left the cyclist badly injured.
“She is an experienced cyclist and a member of a local cycling club, but it’s clear from the footage that Freeman’s careless driving when crossing the junction meant she stood no chance.
“I hope that drivers who see this footage know that they have a responsibility to more vulnerable road users out there, such as cyclists and pedestrians.”
Operation Triton
He added the force took road safety seriously and had launched ‘Operation Triton’ – a dedicated scheme aimed at tackling dangerous driving and improving safety on the region’s roads.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “Our primary mission is simple yet crucial – to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. We also aim to disrupt and deter criminals who abuse the road network.
“We are working with communities and partners, including local councils, charities and Transport for West Midlands, to create safer roads for everyone.
“Our proactive approach involves active patrolling of key areas, enforcing speed limits, and protecting our communities from the hazards of excessive speed and other road-related issues.”
