Plea From Cyclist Left Paralysed After A5199 Crash

A cyclist left paralysed from the chest down after a crash at an blackspot is urging drivers to slow down.

Steven before last year’s accident

Steven Lee was waiting at the Shearsby Crossroads on the A5199 when a speeding motorist smashed into another car, which then hit him, leaving him unconscious.

The 48-year-old spent six months in hospital after being airlifted from the scene last July, and has had to move out of his family home into a wheelchair-accessible property in Wigston.

Steven is backing Road Safety Week saying he wants drivers to realise the hurt and pain they can cause by speeding.

He told Hfm: “Prior to the accident I took my fitness seriously.

“As well as cycling I enjoyed sailing, fishing, walking and led an active lifestyle.

“But all that changed in a split-second. The many months in hospital were really hard. The support of my friends and family really helped me through that time.

“It has been difficult coming to terms with how life is different, not only for me but also for my family.

“The injuries I sustained are not only personally life changing, but they also impact the ones who are closest to you.

“I just hope that by speaking out drivers realise the hurt and pain they can cause by breaking the law.”

The speeding driver pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He received an 18-month jail term, suspended for two years, 180 hours of community service work and was disqualified from driving for three years.

Leicestershire Council have introduced new safety measures at the crossroads and more are being considered.

Blake Pain, county council cabinet member for environment and transport, who also represents Shearsby, said: “We were very sorry to hear about the incident involving Mr Lee and we would echo what he says about urging motorists to take care at all times to reduce the number of cyclists being seriously injured or killed on the county’s roads.

“We did introduce a package of safety measures in 2016 as there had been 11 injury accidents recorded over the current five-year period. The unfortunate incident involving Mr Lee is the last recorded injury accident to date at the crossroads and we are confident that the rate will have fallen when the site is again fully reviewed next year.”