New policy on pothole repairs 'will increase the risk of cyclist deaths', government warned

Coroner's report into death of elderly cyclist in Bury calls for change in policy

Pothole

(Image credit: Mark Bradshaw/Flickr)

A new policy on pothole repairs "will increase the risk of future deaths, in particular to cyclists", the Department for Transport has been warned.

In a report into the death of elderly cyclist Roger Hamer, who passed away in April 2016, one month following falling off his bike after hitting a pothole which was described as the "size of a dinner plate", the coroner criticised the new policy which will see potholes of less than 40mm not automatically repaired by highway authorities.

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.