Petition to make Wildhouse Lane safer after teenage cyclist dies

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Wildhouse Lane

A petition calling for Wildhouse Lane to be made safer has been started following the death of a 16-year-old cyclist on 21 February.

The cyclist – who has been named locally as Bailey Sutcliffe – sadly died in hospital after a collision with a black Ford Fiesta shortly after 11pm that night.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/126240/teenage-cyclist-dies-in-a-collision-on-wildhouse-lane

The petition, which has just over 2,000 signatures so far, urges Rochdale Borough Council to take action and improve the safety of the road for all by installing ‘adequate street lighting’ and reviewing the current speed limit and road signs.

The authors of the petition, given as ‘Rochdale residents’ say: “Had this stretch of road been better lit, it's quite possible the life-changing events for Bailey and his family could have had a very different outcome.

“Please help us prevent any more families from having to go through the same suffering and loss as Bailey’s.”

Andrew Storey, head of highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We were very sad to hear of the death of young Bailey Sutcliffe.

“Without knowing the full circumstances surrounding this collision, it’s difficult to determine, what, if any, measures could be introduced to avoid a similar accident in the future. We will await the results of any investigation into the causes of the incident before making any decision about what to do next.”

To sign the petition, please visit:

• www.change.org/p/rochdale-borough-council-light-up-wildhouse-lane