Unsafe intersection claims moped rider-
- Author: Wayne (---.maine.rr.com)
- Verified User: waynebroderick
- Date Posted: 12-17-02 20:23
http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=57711&command=displayContent&sourceNode=57238&contentPK=3252216
Parents are pissed. I bet trike would be too. I wish I had some happy x-mas moped stories.... this is getting glum. I'll find others tomorrow.
-Wayne
Highways experts today pledged to investigate the safety of a busy crossroads after a young man was killed just yards from his home.
The move comes as his family today told how they feared there would be an accident at the junction.
The family of trial biker Karl Cody were devastated when the 22-year-old was knocked from his moped and killed in Burton Road, Lincoln.
Dad Peter (49), from nearby Turner Street, described his son as incredibly popular, sensible and a highly talented cyclist. The engineer had warned before the tragedy that drivers would learn about the dangerous junction with Rasen Lane "the hard way".
He said: "It is notorious. Every time I cross it I say to whoever is with me how dangerous it is."
People living and working near the junction next to the Plough Boy pub said the crossing was well known as an accident blackspot.
Mal Casement, charity shop leader at the St Barnabas Hospice Charity Shop next to the junction, said: "It was just a matter of time. Drivers screech around the corner and it terrifies you."
Wilson Street resident Brian Ashton said: "I've lived here all my life and I can say that junction is terrible.
"It's an awful accident blackspot."
Alan Curtis, pub landlord at the Plough Boy, said: "People around here would be in favour of installing a crossing or lights. It's potentially dangerous."
Nearby residents called for traffic lights or a roundabout to be installed to prevent another tragic accident - and dubbed a new roundabout nearby "a waste of time and money".
Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership spokesman Steve Batchelor said an investigation into the junction would be carried out because of the crash.
"Before this tragic collision occurred there had only been one slight injury from a collision in the last five years," he added.
The row over road safety along Burton Road came as tributes for Mr Cody flooded in and flowers were placed at the roadside.
Girlfriend Nichola Hodson (20) said: "He would light up the room with just a smile and his cheeky grin. He was loved by so many people and was everyone's friend."
Best friend Lewis Clark (20) said: "He was more of a brother than just a friend. I know wherever he is now he is happy and free."
His employer at a Lincoln cleaning firm, Alastair Nicoll, said colleagues were stunned into silence by the death.
"He was without a doubt the most popular employee," he said. "He was mad about push bikes and he showed up to work one day on a mono-cycle."
Owner John Crick, from F &J Cycles in Spring Hill, where Mr Cody spend most Saturdays, said: "He would always go out of his way to help and would expect nothing in return."
Karl's mother Sandra said: "The shock has not passed and I feel so numb. I keep expecting him to come through the door."
Dad Peter added: "He was a bright lad. We have always been a close family. Everybody just thought of us as Karl's parents.
"He was incredibly well known and incredibly liked."
He said his son had been at the centre of the trial biking and skating culture in Lincoln since its beginning.
A plea from the family to make sure a skate park Karl supported was completed has been taken up by Lincoln City Council leader Ric Metcalfe.
He said: "We will redouble our efforts as this will be a fitting tribute to one of the young people who provided much leadership and determination."
Brother Steven (21) was too upset to comment.
Police are continuing an investigation into the accident, which happened just after 6pm on Thursday.
Any witnesses should call police on (01522) 882222.
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