a day ago
Family mourns beloved cyclist killed by young driver who 'failed to see him' at junction
The family of a cyclist struck and killed by a young driver who failed to see him is continuing to press for road improvements and licensing changes to improve safety.
Alan Preston, a devoted Walsall fan and father of two, sustained serious head injuries when new motorist Alfie Swann pulled out in front of him as he cycled along the A452 Chester Road to the junction with Lazy Hill, near Stonnall.
His former wife Jayne has spoken of her family's lasting heartbreak. "Alan lived for two more weeks after the crash but was in a coma and there was nothing they could do for him so we had to say goodbye. It was devastating."
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She has since been fighting for changes to the junction where the crash occurred after discovering it had been the scene of four major crashes since 2002. She is also lobbying for stricter driving rules for young drivers like Alfie, who had only passed his driving test months earlier.
Nationally, there have been calls for graduated licences as a way to ease newly qualified drivers into driving solo. Jayne spoke to BirminghamLive at the recent RoadPeace annual ceremony remembering victims of road tragedies, held at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield.
Alan, 58, an experienced cyclist and member of Pelsall Cycling Club, was knocked off his bike by Swann, who admitted he had looked both ways but not seen him. The 19-year-old had only passed his test in November 2022, a few months before the crash.
He remained at the scene until police arrived, cooperated in interviews and later pleaded guilty to causing Mr Preston's death by careless driving. He received a two-year community order.
The Preston family and Aldridge-Brownhills MP Wendy Morton have lobbied since for more safety measures on the road, including traffic lights.
Said Jayne: "It is a really busy road and the junction is badly built and a hazard. The impact on all the family has been enormous.
"My health has been hugely affected, and his mum never got over it, she died soon after. It's really hard; he left two grown-up children, and they miss him very much."
The RoadPeace ceremony, held earlier this month, annually marks the sad roll call of people who have died in vehicles, on bikes, walking or scooting on our roads network.
Behind the event is RoadPeace, a charity that is a pillar of support for the families and friends of road crash victims. The turnout of around 200 people was a stark reminder of the urgent need to 'turn the tide on road violence' in the West Midlands and beyond.
Said RoadPeace: "The Ceremony of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum is one of the most poignant moments in our calendar.
"It brings together bereaved families, friends, and all those affected by road trauma. It is a day of reflection, love, and solidarity, a chance to remember those we have lost, to be alongside those who continue to grieve or recover, and to renew our shared commitment to making roads safer for everyone.
"We are deeply grateful to all who joined us in paying tribute and in keeping the memories and experiences of their loved ones alive."
