A CORONER has warned cyclists of the dangers of not wearing protective helmets after a man died from head injuries sustained in a road accident.

Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley coroner Michael Singleton told an inquest into the death of William Lakin, who was in collision with a truck in New Lane, Clitheroe, in November last year, that cyclists were "very vulnerable" while out on the roads.

He added: "The clear warning to all cyclists, whether young or old, is that protective headgear is something that ought to be worn at all times."

Mr Lakin, 54, of Whitewell Drive, Clitheroe, had been cycling along New Lane on November 9 when his bike was in collision with a VW tipper truck, driven by Stephen Cowgill, of Kirkmoor Road, Clitheroe, at the junction with Chipping Road.

He suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary. He was later transferred to Hope Hospital in Salford where he died on November 16.

The inquest at Ribble Valley Council chambers heard that Mr Cowgill, who was not present, had been travelling with a colleague on business for their employer, Ingham Building and Joinery Contractors, of Low Moor, Clitheroe.

In a statement read out by PC Gordon Dickinson, Mr Cowgill said: "I had travelled over the bridge at Edisford and the sun was very bright. I looked up the road and the cyclist was wearing black and in the shadows. The first time I saw him he was in front of me and then I hit him."

Mr Cowgill's passenger, Richard Flitcroft, of Nelson Street, Low Moor, told the inquest Mr Cowgill had been driving in a steady manner and, as the truck was diesel, could not accelerate quickly up the hill. He said he was not aware whether Mr Cowgill had indicated to turn right up Chipping Road but he said the sun was so bright he himself had to pull the sun visor down.

He added: "Stephen slowed down before attempting to turn right into Chipping Road and it was then I became aware that we had collided with something.

"I saw a man lying half on the grass verge and half on the road. Stephen tried first aid and then went to the Edisford pub near by to get help and I moved the bike to the side of the road."

Mr Flitcroft said he did not see Mr Lakin before the impact, but said Mr Cowgill had not stopped before attempting to turn into Chipping Road as the road looked to be clear.

PC Timothy Hogan of the police's accident investigation unit at Bamber Bridge, said the sun could have had a big effect on the accident and may have masked Mr Lakin from view.

He said: "The physical evidence shows the driver did not stop prior to entering the junction.

"He should have made sure the road was clear.

"The cyclist had not been wearing a helmet or protective clothing but the driver had the responsibility to check the road was clear before turning."

Dr Anthony Thomas from Hope Hospital, Salford, said Mr Lakin had suffered serious head injuries. Brain stem tests had been carried out, but he had remained unresponsive.

A post mortem examination confirmed head injuries as the cause of death. Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Singleton said although Mr Lakin had not been wearing protective headgear he had been cycling at a "perfectly proper speed in a perfectly proper way."

He added: "Sadly, it does not take a serious accident for serious injuries to follow."

Mr Lakin's widow Kathleen and his two children were present at the inquest but did not want to comment on the verdict.