Crash cyclist seeks compensation

John Telfer claimed Mr Macpherson had responsibility for the group

A cyclist is seeking damages from a fellow bike rider after claiming he failed to keep a proper hold on his handlebars before a crash.

Lecturer John Telfer, from West Lothian, and teacher Gordon Macpherson were part of a group of enthusiasts who regularly met for road cycling outings.

Edinburgh Court of Session heard that Mr Telfer, 49, was seriously injured during a group run on 15 June in 2003.

He is now claiming £370,000 compensation from Mr Macpherson.

The jury will have to decide whether the accident on the B8020 road near Winchburgh, in West Lothian, was caused by Mr Macpherson, who is from Livingston.

They were told that damages have been agreed at £370,000 but that liability is disputed.

I just remember an almighty crunch at the back of my neck and I lost consciousness for a period of time John Telfer

Mr Telfer, from East Calder, said nine cyclists were taking part in the group outing which had seen them cross the Kincardine and Forth Road bridges before returning towards Livingston.

He estimated he was travelling at about 25mph as the road levelled out and they approached the accident scene.

He said Mr Macpherson and his son, Colin, were at the front of the pack of riders.

His counsel James Campbell QC asked what he remembered next and he said: "It still goes through my mind pretty much every day. It is quite correct when people say that things slow down.

"I saw Gordon Macpherson do this movement from left to right across the road. I remember seeing his hands go down to the side of the handlebars.

"I got a clear view of when his hands came down and effectively lost control of the bike," he said.

He recollected that Mr Macpherson lost control and came off his bike and other riders, who were ahead of him, also fell off.

Lost control

Mr Telfer said he had time to react and changed direction to try to avoid those who had fallen, but that took him onto a verge.

"The verge was quite rough and although I was braking, the bike reacted in a fashion that it pitched me over the handlebars," he said.

"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 told the court.

Mr Telfer added that he had been introduced to the cycling group through Mr Macpherson, who lived close to him at the time.

Lisa Henderson, junior counsel for Mr Telfer, told the jury it was agreed in the case that Mr Macpherson had cycled over a manhole cover, lost control and fell off his bike.

But she said it was claimed on Mr Telfer's behalf that Mr Macpherson was holding his hands in such a way that he did not have proper control of his bike at the time. As a result his hands slipped off the handlebars and he lost control.

She said it was also maintained that as he was at the front of the group he had a responsibility for the safety of it.

The trial continues.