‘It was only a matter of time’ – Residents brand road where cyclist was killed a ‘racetrack’

Floral tributes laid where a cyclist Kenneth Cobourne was killed in an accident on the B1077 between Diss and Shelfanger. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

The man in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene after a collision with a Vauxhall Combo van while cycling along the B1077 Shelfanger Road at 8.45pm on Friday, September 13.

The accident occurred on a series of bends on the 60mph section of the single carriageway rural road between 30mph limits in Diss and the village of Shelfanger.

The cause of the fatal accident is not yet known and still being investigated.

Kenneth Cobourne died in an accident on a series of bends on a 60mph section of the B1077 between Diss and Shelfanger. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

However, householders said there had been several accidents on the busy Diss to Attleborough road, and speed was often a factor.

Alun Lloyd, who lives at the junction with Lodge Lane, said: "With those bends 60mph is just too fast. There have been so many cars overturned. Every year there are four of five accidents and it was only a matter of time until someone was killed."

His wife Julie Lloyd added: "It is really dangerous. It should not be a 60mph limit and drivers just fly along here treating it like a racetrack. All you need is a bit of wet road or a cyclist or walker that you don't see for a tragedy like this."

Local district councillor James Easter said safety on the 60mph bends on B1077 between Diss and Shelfanger was an issue following a series of accidents. Picture: South Norfolk Council (Image: South Norfolk Council)

Floral tributes to the cyclist have been laid at the scene of the accident together with a heart shaped balloon.

Another resident, who preferred not to be named, said: "My husband cycles to the station most mornings and we are now considering getting a second car so he doesn't have to any more.

"It is absolutely ridiculous. Once cars come out of the village they speed up incredibly fast and it is not a straight road, there are so many difficult bends going back into Diss."

Local district councillor James Easter, who lives in Shelfanger, said: "At the moment we don't know why this accident happened. That needs to be looked into but it is undoubtedly true that these bends are an issue.

"An answer might be to reduce the speed limit from 60mph but whether anyone would take any notice of it is another issue."

Police are appeal for witnesses to the collision or dashcam footage. Anyone with information should contact the serious collision investigation team on 101, quoting incident number 521 of September 13.