A neighbour has called for safety measures to be implemented at a major junction for road users in Woodley and Earley after a cyclist was fatally injured there.
The crash involved a Hyundai i20 and cyclist James Sullivan at Shepherds Hill, the junction that serves as the meeting point of Woodley and Earley.
The incident occurred at around 4.45pm on August 29, with Mr Sullivan sadly dying of his injuries in hospital several days later.
A 24-year-old man from Slough was initially arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving.
Peter Wheat, who lives in the area, has called on Wokingham Borough Council, which is responsible for Shepherds Hill, to enact safety measures to prevent further crashes.
He did this at a full council meeting.
His request was answered by councillor Adrian Betteridge, the executive member for active travel, transport and highways.
Cllr Betteridge (Liberal Democrats, Barkham & Arborfield) said: “We should not accept the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads, in the country as a whole or in Wokingham.
“Road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are more vulnerable and are harmed more disproportionately.
“The police are investigating the collision, and council officers will work with the Police to understand the causes and any contributory factors.
“I cannot talk about that incident more at this stage, other than to express my heartfelt condolences and those of the Council, to the family and friends of the deceased.
He went on to explain that proposals for changes to junctions are drawn up following analysis of police data.
This data shows there were 10 reported crashes in the vicinity of the Shepherds Hill roundabout over the last five years.
Cllr Betteridge said: “These occurred at multiple locations around the elongated roundabout and had not in previous reviews identified a cluster requiring priority attention.
“However, in the light of the tragic incident and having discussed the general situation at the roundabout with you and officers, officers will look again at what changes could be made in the area, both at specific locations and in general.
“Changes which mitigate collisions in this area will be considered.”
Cllr Betteridge added that intoxication has been a contributing factor in some of the crashes reported at Shepherds Hill.
In a follow-up question, Mr Wheat asked whether the junction could be turned into a Dutch-style roundabout, which could involve a 20mph speed limit and priority measures for pedestrians and cyclists.
Cllr Betteridge replied that Dutch-style design has already been considered elsewhere in the borough and would not be ruled out if changes to Shepherds Hill are considered appropriate.
