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Crash cyclist loses damages case Crash cyclist loses damages case
(about 3 hours later)
A West Lothian cyclist who sued a fellow bike rider after blaming him for a crash during a Sunday morning outing has lost a £370,000 damages claim.A West Lothian cyclist who sued a fellow bike rider after blaming him for a crash during a Sunday morning outing has lost a £370,000 damages claim.
John Telfer, of East Calder, suffered head and spine injuries after he fell from his bike following a pile-up.John Telfer, of East Calder, suffered head and spine injuries after he fell from his bike following a pile-up.
The 47-year-old college lecturer raised an action at the Court of Session in Edinburgh against PE teacher Gordon Macpherson.The 47-year-old college lecturer raised an action at the Court of Session in Edinburgh against PE teacher Gordon Macpherson.
But a civil jury refused a claim over the accident on 15 June in 2003.But a civil jury refused a claim over the accident on 15 June in 2003.
The accident happened on the B8020 near Winchburgh, in West Lothian.The accident happened on the B8020 near Winchburgh, in West Lothian.
I just remember an almighty crunch at the back of my neck and I lost consciousness for a period of time John TelferI just remember an almighty crunch at the back of my neck and I lost consciousness for a period of time John Telfer
After 90 minutes jurors deliberating over the case returned a verdict rejecting the claim by a majority of eight to four on Wednesday.After 90 minutes jurors deliberating over the case returned a verdict rejecting the claim by a majority of eight to four on Wednesday.
Judge Lord Menzies told them that the system depended on members of the public bringing their "collective commonsense" to such cases.Judge Lord Menzies told them that the system depended on members of the public bringing their "collective commonsense" to such cases.
Mr Telfer and Mr Macpherson, 50, of Livingston in West Lothian, were part of a group of enthusiasts who met up regularly for weekend bike rides.Mr Telfer and Mr Macpherson, 50, of Livingston in West Lothian, were part of a group of enthusiasts who met up regularly for weekend bike rides.
On the day of the accident they were returning towards Livingston after a trip over the Kincardine and Forth Road bridges.On the day of the accident they were returning towards Livingston after a trip over the Kincardine and Forth Road bridges.
Proper controlProper control
Mr Telfer said the other cyclist was riding in front of him when he lost control after hitting a manhole cover and came off his bike. Other riders also fell.Mr Telfer said the other cyclist was riding in front of him when he lost control after hitting a manhole cover and came off his bike. Other riders also fell.
He said he had time to react and changed direction to avoid the fallen but went onto the verge.He said he had time to react and changed direction to avoid the fallen but went onto the verge.
He said: "Although I was breaking, the bike reacted in a fashion that it pitched me over the handlebars. He said: "Although I was braking, the bike reacted in a fashion that it pitched me over the handlebars.
"I just remember an almighty crunch at the back of my neck and I lost consciousness for a period of time. I regained consciousness and was unable to move.""I just remember an almighty crunch at the back of my neck and I lost consciousness for a period of time. I regained consciousness and was unable to move."
He claimed that the incident was caused by the fault of negligence of experienced cyclist Mr Macpherson and alleged he was not holding the handlebars in a way that allowed him to maintain proper control of the bike.He claimed that the incident was caused by the fault of negligence of experienced cyclist Mr Macpherson and alleged he was not holding the handlebars in a way that allowed him to maintain proper control of the bike.
Mr Macpherson disputed this and said he was holding his handlebars correctly and that he could not have avoided the accident which happened after his son sprinted past him.Mr Macpherson disputed this and said he was holding his handlebars correctly and that he could not have avoided the accident which happened after his son sprinted past him.
His counsel, Andrew Hajducki QC, said cyclists voluntarily took on the risk of accidents and injuries by cycling in such groups without sufficient stopping distance between them.His counsel, Andrew Hajducki QC, said cyclists voluntarily took on the risk of accidents and injuries by cycling in such groups without sufficient stopping distance between them.