John Liddle

I am Georgina Nolan, Senior Coroner for Newcastle and North Tyneside.

On 25 th May 2023 I commenced an investigation into the death of John Michael Liddle, aged 44. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 10 th January 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was Road Traffic Collision. The medical cause of Mr Liddle’s death was 1a) Blunt head injury.

On the night of 3 rd May 2023 John Michael Liddle was riding his pedal cycle southwards along the A694 Lockhaugh Road, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. His cycle lights were illuminated and he was wearing a yellow cycling jacket. As he moved out towards the centre of the road to take the turn into Sherburn Park Drive he was hit by a minibus travelling behind him who was overtaking. Mr Liddle suffered unsurvivable head injuries and died at the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne on 21 st May 2023.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows.  – (1) At the time of the collision the area of the A694 upon which Mr Liddle was cycling was subject to a 40 miles per hour speed limit; (2) The speed limit on this area of road has now (temporarily) been reduced to 30 miles per hour; (3) The road is within a residential area; (4) The road encompasses bends and junctions; (5) There have been a number of other collisions along the stretch of road involving pedal cycles, pedestrians and motor vehicles; and (6) A 40 miles per hour speed limit is unsafe for this stretch of road.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and/or your organisation have the power to take such action.