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Driver not to blame for death of April Reeves

Seven-year-old April died in an accident on the A371 on 28th May. Credit: Avon & Somerset Police

A seven-old-girl from Weston-super-Mare died after she swerved into the path of a car earlier this year. An inquest has cleared the driver of all blame.

April Reeves was cycling with her mum and older brother on the pavement along the 60mph A371 in Locking, when she struggled with her gears and swerved into the path of a car.

She suffered fatal head injuries when she was hit by an oncoming car driven by Peter Farmer. He was cleared of any blame.

PC Julian Chambers, who attended the scene, said she may have been trying to change gear when she lost control.

Mrs. Reeves said she was struggling with operating the gears because she was not used to them.

She was riding in sixth gear, which is the last and most difficult gear to cycle in.

It is possible April was trying to change gear while she was moving.

She lost control of the bike and fell off the kerb.

– PC Julian Chambers

Since the accident in May there has been a campaign to lower the speed limit on the 60mph road.

Hundreds took part in a walk in memory of April. Credit: ITV West Country

April's dad Garry issued a statement after the hearing calling for improved safety measures on the road.

He said the 60mph speed limit should be dropped to 40mph and a grass verge should be created between the road and cycleway to prevent future accidents.

Prevention is better than cure. Why wait until we keep reporting more and more deaths and then change the rules?

Let's get the council to work for the people. Get them to work for us.

I would like to have a grass verge running alongside the road. There is no protection in between the path and the 60mph road.

My son said, 'If there had been a grass verge then my sister would be today.'

She was in the right gear. She fell over. If the grass verge was there she would still be alive.

– Garry Reeves, April's dad

Avon Coroner Maria Voisin said she would write to North Somerset Council to discuss measures they could take to prevent future deaths on the road.