Police are investigating after an 80-year-old woman died when she was hit by a cyclist taking part in a charity ride on public roads called the Tour de Manc.
The male rider was overtaking a slower participant in last Sunday’s 124-mile event as it passed through the Pennine foothills town of Stalybridge when the pedestrian was struck, police believe.
According to one witness: ‘She stepped out, and the cyclist hit her.’
She was taken to hospital with serious injuries and tragically died on Wednesday, Greater Manchester Police have announced.
The cyclist – who remained at the scene – suffered minor injuries.
No arrests have been made, the force said as it appealed for witnesses.
Today Tour de Manc founder Danny Franks said everyone involved in the event was ‘truly devastated’ by the tragedy and they would be ‘co-operating fully’ with police.
The ride took place on largely public roads and was described as a ‘sportive’, with participants not officially timed.
The incident happened at about midday on Mottram Road in Stalybridge.
It comes amid plans to change the law to enable cyclists who cause fatal accidents to be jailed for life.
Ministers have pledged to close a loophole under which ‘archaic’ Victorian legislation is currently used to prosecute dangerous cyclists.
Mottram Road in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester where an 80-year-old woman died after being struck by a cyclist taking part in Sunday’s charity ride the Tour de Manc
Organisers said most sections of the four Tour de Manc routes – the longest of which covers 201km – were open to the public during the annual charity ride
In a statement, police said: ‘It is believed that the bike has gone to overtake another cyclist which was moving more slowly in-front.
‘As it has overtaken, it has collided with a female pedestrian close to the junction of Fern Bank.
‘The woman, aged 80, received serious injuries, and sadly died in hospital on May 7. The cyclist received minor injuries.
‘The cyclist remained at the scene and no arrests have been made.
‘As officers continue their investigation, they are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information to please come forward.
‘The cyclist was taking part in an event and officers are particularly keen on other cyclists who may have witnessed the incident or have footage to come forward.
‘This also includes anyone with dashcam, CCTV, mobile, or doorbell footage from the wider area.’
The Tour de Manc began in 2014 when Danny Franks came up with the idea of a charity ride passing through all ten Greater Manchester boroughs.
On its website he says: ‘Our idea was simple – to run epic cycling events which could also be used to raise significant funds for registered charities, as well as supporting cycling inclusivity for all.’
Sunday’s event began and finished at Bowlee Community Park in Middleton and comprised four different routes depending on riders’ fitness, the longest covering 201km.
According to the organisers, the ‘majority’ of the route was due to take place on open roads, apart from some roads temporarily made one-way for riders’ safety.
One hill-climb stretch was closed to other road users.
Posting on Facebook after Sunday’s ride, organisers praised participants, saying they ‘smashed it!’
‘From first light to finish line, the energy, the effort, the Manc spirit – it was unreal,’ they added.
‘Massive thanks to every rider, volunteer, supporter, and sponsor who made it one to remember.
‘Rest up, refuel, and wear those medals with pride. You’ve earned it!’
Today Mr Franks said: ‘Everyone at Tour de Manc is truly devastated to learn that a pedestrian has died after a collision with a cyclist on our charity sportive last Sunday.
‘Tour de Manc is a volunteer-run charity which since 2016 has organised 10 route-signed and marshalled rides.
‘Tour de Manc and riders on its 10 editions have raised huge amounts of vital funds for Greater Manchester charities.
‘Our heartfelt thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased, and we will be co-operating fully with all relevant authorities.’
The proposed Crime and Policing Bill would see death by dangerous cycling aligned with current motoring laws.
After many years of work by campaigners, the legislation would see cyclists who cause death by dangerous cycling face behind bars.
Grieving families of those killed by cyclists have welcomed the move.
