Tributes paid to woman who died after Oxford bike collision
The 81 year olds family said of her death after the incident at Iffley Lock in November 2022, that it was an 'avoidable tragedy'.
Last updated 18th Jul 2024
The family of the woman who died weeks after being knocked down by a cyclist on the River Thames Towpath in Oxford have paid tribute to her.
Polly Friedhoff's been called a wonderful and loving mother and sister, who was so full of life.
The 81 year olds family said of her death at Iffley Lock in November 2022, that it was an 'avoidable tragedy'.
Last week (11th July) the male cyclist was acquitted in connection with the fatal collision in Oxford.
Edward Bressan, aged 56, of Newton Road, Oxford, was found not guilty by a jury of causing bodily harm by wanton or furious driving, contrary to section 35 of the Offence against the Person Act 1861, at Oxford Crown Court.
He knocked into the 81 year old, who died in hospital two weeks later.
The family say the recent court case, though significant, was not the focus in their search for justice for Polly.
They used the tribute to draw attention to what they call the dangers of so called shared spaces between bikes and pedestrians which they call.
Her family say she herself warned about the dangers of such 'ungoverned' spaces.
They say the path where the incident happened is no wider than a pavement which bicycles aren't allowed on, yet they were on the path.
"Current notices are often not clearly visible and the language is not strong enough: it relies entirely on good will, and does not reflect the realities of human nature and actions taken under pressure or in haste."
Polly Friedhoff's family are urging for enforceable laws if necessary, to back up these Highway Code laws.