Lincoln cyclist fatally struck by bus after going over handlebars, inquest hears

A man was fatally struck by a bus after "braking fiercely" and going over his handlebars, an inquest has been told.

Michael Beard, 31, was cycling to a rugby tournament at Lincoln Christ's Hospital School, where he worked as a rugby teacher, when he was killed in March 2015.

Lincoln Coroners' Court was told Mr Beard was cycling "with some purpose" and "may have been rushing" before falling off his bike at the junction of Ruskin Avenue and Wragby Road.

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However, evidence from Lincolnshire Police, reported in the Lincolnshire Echo, said Mr Beard was not cycling at an excessive speed, estimated at between 12mph and 15mph (19-24 km/h).

PC Michelle Ford, giving evidence, said it was unlikely that the bus driver would have had any chance of stopping before Mr Beard was hit by the rear wheels of the bus after the initial impact, even at slow speed.

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There were no defects found with either the bus or Mr Beard's bicycle.

Coroner Paul Smith said it was a "tragic incident" and was over "in a matter of seconds."

Mr Beard's death was officially recorded as being the result of a road traffic collision.