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Grandmother suffers fractured skull after collision with speeding cyclist in Worcester

Wednesday, 4 June 2025 12:17AM UTC

$Grandmother suffers fractured skull after collision with speeding cyclist in Worcester$

Janice Hobby-Ford, 62, faces a difficult recovery following a serious collision with a cyclist near her Worcester home, highlighting growing concerns over pedestrian safety amid increasing cyclist incidents across the UK.

A 62-year-old grandmother, Janice Hobby-Ford, faces a long recovery after a serious collision with a cyclist left her with multiple injuries, including a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain. The incident occurred on May 23 while she was crossing a heavily congested road near her home in Diglis, Worcester, carrying shopping. As she approached a set of traffic lights, a cyclist, described as "speeding," struck her, sending her crashing to the ground in front of her distressed six-year-old grandchild.

Ms Hobby-Ford was subsequently taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where she spent three nights recovering from her injuries. Her husband, Luke Ford, witnessed the traumatic event unfold and described his shock as he rushed to assist her. “Her eye was swollen, and she was unconscious,” he recounted, highlighting the panic he felt as they quickly sought medical help. Local authorities confirmed that they received a call reporting the incident, and an investigation is currently underway.

Speaking about her harrowing experience, Ms Hobby-Ford expressed her distress both over her condition and the emotional toll it has taken on her family. She noted that she had been looking forward to her son's upcoming wedding, stating, “He could have killed me – I look like a state.” While she initially believed the cyclist fled the scene, she later learned he did stop, though he has not reached out to her since then.

This incident is a stark reminder of the increasing tension between cyclists and pedestrians. Similar cases have surfaced across the UK, raising concerns about road safety. In a separate incident in York, another cyclist was sentenced to eight months in prison after causing serious injuries to a pedestrian while riding recklessly. The cyclist, described as heavily intoxicated at the time, was reprimanded for steering with one hand while managing a bag of dog food with the other.

The broader issue of cyclist accountability has gained attention in light of recent legislative changes aimed at addressing dangerous cycling behaviour. Following a tragic incident in 2016, where a woman lost her life after being struck by a cyclist, reforms have introduced harsher penalties for cyclists found guilty of causing serious injuries or death. These changes reflect growing demands for increased responsibility amongst all road users to enhance safety for pedestrians.

Moreover, continuous reports of pedestrian injuries from cyclist collisions illustrate the need for further awareness and strict adherence to traffic laws. For instance, in Cambridge, a cyclist admitted guilt for hitting a pedestrian after failing to stop at a traffic signal, resulting in serious injuries to the victim.

As Janice Hobby-Ford begins her recovery at home, she embodies the numerous vulnerable individuals navigating streets shared with cyclists. Her case amplifies the ongoing dialogue about ensuring safer environments for pedestrians and fostering shared responsibility among all road users to mitigate the occurrence of such traumatic incidents.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14776567/Grandmother-fractured-skull-bruising-bleed-brain.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx88g1v8en7o - A cyclist in York was sentenced to eight months in prison after causing serious injury to a pedestrian by crashing into her at high speed on a footpath. The incident occurred when Lisa Wade, 46, collided with 64-year-old Ruth Kitching, who required hip replacement surgery following the accident. Wade admitted to causing bodily harm by wanton and furious driving and was described as 'genuinely remorseful'. The court heard that Wade was highly impaired by alcohol and was steering with one hand while carrying a bag of dog food with the other. The victim stated that the accident left her feeling 'helpless' and uncertain about returning to full-time work due to her age. The case highlights the serious consequences of reckless cycling behaviour and the importance of road safety for all users.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd1p90jq6lpo - A cyclist in Cambridge was sentenced after causing life-changing injuries to a pedestrian by failing to stop at a red light. The incident occurred on 4 May 2022 when Lucasz Pietrzyk, 56, collided with a 56-year-old man at a pedestrian crossing on Elizabeth Way. The victim suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain, requiring seven months of treatment. Pietrzyk pleaded guilty to causing bodily harm by wanton and furious driving and was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and given 120 hours of unpaid work. The case underscores the importance of cyclists adhering to traffic signals and the potential consequences of lapses in concentration.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjr7rkgrpldo - A widower whose wife died after being hit by a cyclist in Wiltshire has welcomed the government's introduction of a new cycling offence law. Diana Walker, 76, was knocked down by a cyclist in Pewsey in 2016 and died in hospital two days later. Her husband, Peter Walker, campaigned for changes to cycling offence laws, leading to the government introducing legislation that makes death by dangerous cycling a serious offence, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. The law change aims to hold cyclists accountable for reckless behaviour, aligning with penalties for drivers and motorcyclists who cause death or serious injury. The case highlights the need for legal reforms to address dangerous cycling and protect pedestrians.
https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/crime_courts/in_the_dock/13346929.pedestrian-seriously-injured-in-crash-with-cyclist-during-london-to-brighton-bike-ride/ - A pedestrian sustained a serious facial injury after a collision with a cyclist during the London to Brighton bike ride. The incident occurred when a 55-year-old woman from Brighton was leaning down near Richmond Terrace and was struck by a 47-year-old man from Bromley, Kent. Both individuals were treated for their injuries, and police are investigating the incident. The London to Brighton bike ride, which attracts over 20,000 cyclists, is a charity event supporting the British Heart Foundation. The collision highlights the potential risks to pedestrians during large-scale cycling events and the importance of safety measures for all road users.
https://news.sky.com/story/pedestrian-fighting-for-life-after-crash-with-cyclist-near-to-scottish-parliament-in-edinburgh-12970954 - A 66-year-old woman is in critical condition after a collision with a cyclist near the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. The incident occurred on Horse Wynd at around 10:40 am, with the pedestrian taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The 20-year-old male cyclist was also taken to hospital for assessment and later discharged. Police Scotland is appealing for witnesses to come forward to establish the full circumstances of the collision. The case underscores the risks pedestrians face from cyclists and the need for vigilance and adherence to traffic regulations by all road users.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqv54jv2ve0o - A woman in her 70s suffered a broken leg after a collision with a cyclist in Arnold, Nottinghamshire. The incident occurred on Front Street between 12:00 and 13:00 on 11 June. The cyclist remained at the scene until paramedics arrived but did not leave any details. Nottinghamshire Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage to assist in the investigation. The case highlights the importance of cyclist accountability and the need for caution when sharing the road with pedestrians, especially in areas with high foot traffic.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The incident involving Janice Hobby-Ford occurred on May 23, 2025, and was reported on June 4, 2025. The narrative includes recent data and references to similar incidents, indicating a high freshness score. However, the report's reliance on a press release suggests that the content may be recycled, which warrants a lower freshness score. Additionally, the inclusion of updated data alongside older material may indicate that the report is recycling content.

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: The direct quotes from Janice Hobby-Ford and her husband, Luke Ford, are not found in earlier material, suggesting potential originality. However, the similarity in phrasing to other reports raises concerns about the exclusivity of the content. The lack of online matches for these quotes may indicate original reporting, but the potential for reused content cannot be ruled out.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable UK newspaper. However, the reliance on a press release and the recycling of older material raise questions about the originality and reliability of the content. The presence of similar reports in other reputable outlets suggests that the information may be widely disseminated, potentially reducing the uniqueness of the report.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The report's claims about the incident in Worcester are plausible and align with similar incidents reported elsewhere. However, the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the potential for recycled content raise questions about the report's originality and the accuracy of the information presented. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material may indicate that the report is recycling content, which could affect the overall credibility.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents a plausible account of a recent incident in Worcester, supported by direct quotes and references to similar cases. However, the reliance on a press release, potential recycling of older material, and the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets raise concerns about the originality and reliability of the content. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material may indicate that the report is recycling content, which could affect the overall credibility. Further verification from additional reputable sources is recommended to confirm the accuracy and originality of the report.

Cycling accidents
Road safety
Worcestershire