I can't describe how glad I was with every familiar face I saw today! My thoughts are with the riders, and their family and friends.
I entered the A15 at around 3:45 am, riding on my own and reached the road block 4:23am. Police officer patiently explained diversion to me, and I then asked: "But there isn't a cyclist involved, is there?" Well, he then told me a hit-and-run (maybe not true?) crash involving several riders had happened, and one cyclist had been injured badly. I gave officer Tom's number and name, and texted Tom from Sleaford McDonalds.
The news of the crash made me want to literally throw up, but luckily was able to control it. It's so, so sad.
A few thoughts, and random observations from the night.
- I wasn't diverted on A15 by police but had planned to ride on it all along, as its a tad shorter and quicker.
- The A15 is a fast road, but at that time of night, it was absolutely deserted. Maybe 3 or 4 cars passed me.
- At least between 3:45 and 4:30ish, visibility was good. It was a dry night, the moon was bright and it wasn't foggy. The mist only emerged when I re-entered the A15 at the southern end of the diversion at around 5:15 am ( I had a puncture on the diversion, which turned out to be a gravel track)
- it's a straight road, not bendy at all.
- I re-joined the A15 basically in the same moment when the road was re-opened for traffic I got passed by dozens of cars and quite a few lorries. No close pass whatsover.
- Drivers in Lincolnshire were generally driving remarkably carefully.Stayed patiently behind if it was unsafe to pass, and gave us enough room. I actually discussed this with a cycling companion, who shared my impression. But then it only takes one idiot, maybe drunken or texting or both.
I think its key we do not jump to conclusions.
Olaf