First pedestrian death via ebike

The first suspected ebike death happened in the UK on 28th August 2018. The cyclist accused of killing the pedestrian was allegedly travelling at 30mph when the collission happened. 

 

Mr Thomas Hanlon, aged 32, has been accused of causing the death of Sakine Cihan via his careless driving. The incident happened as the lady crossed Kingsland High Street in Dalston, east London.

 

Sadly Ms Cihan died in hospital the following day as the result of what was referred to as a "catastrophic" head injury. This is understood to be the first death of a pedestrian in the UK via an ebike.

 

The court heard that, despite Hanlon's bike using a battery, rather than an engine, it is still classed as a motorcycle as opposed to a electrically assisted pedal cycle. This being the case because it can travel beyond the 15.5mph limit.

 

As such Mr Nathan Rasiah, prosecuting, told the Old Bailey: "The vehicle that Mr Hanlon was riding was fitted with a motor that could propel the vehicle at a much greater speed."

 

Further comment was made, "On approach to the collision he was travelling in the range of 30 on a road that is limited to 20. The prosecution case against him was that he was driving without due care and attention and that carelessness was a cause of the collision and the death of Ms Cihan."

 

The court heard from Raymond Murphy who was a witness to the collission. He commented that he became aware of a bike travelling very quickly past him and recalls thinking, 'Jesus, that's fast.'"

 

During the initial police interview the court heard that Mr Hanlon admitted leaving the scene. He also said he'd had no time to swerve as Ms Cihan crossed the road unexpectedly.

 

The jurors were told that the lights at the crossing were green, but the prosecutor said that Hanlons speed amounted to driving without due care and attention.

 

The accused, of east London, was uninsured and did not have a licence for a motorbike. He denies causing death by careless driving. The trial continues.

 

Mandy Peters Solicitors 

Lewisham