A CORONER has called for improved cycling routes in North Yorkshire, following the death of a road safety campaigner.

Karl Briggs, 65, died last October when his cycle was in collision with a lorry on the A168, at Asenby.

At an inquest into the tragedy, coroner Michael Oakley praised Mr Briggs' championing of the rights of cyclists.

But he said: "I am concerned for the cycling fraternity. Perhaps sufficient thought has not gone into providing facilities for cyclists on a road such as this.

"Cyclists and cars do not mix well on this road and more provision needs to be made, especially when there are proper cycle lanes on a road such as the A64."

Mr Briggs, of Ryedale Close, Helmsley, was taken to Northallerton's Friarage Hospital, with severe chest and internal injuries, but later died.

The driver of the lorry, Alan Maidman, from Guisborough, east Cleveland, told the inquest he was travelling to Teesport at the time.

"I was behind another HGV and the first I saw of Mr Briggs was when that vehicle had passed me," he said.

"He seemed to be struggling against the wind and as I went to pass him I heard a thud on the near side of my cab. I think perhaps he was blown into the road.

"I stopped the vehicle, climbed out and went back to see if he was all right. He was lying in the verge and he seemed to be unconscious."

Mr Oakley recorded a verdict of accidental death.