AN investigation is under way after a cyclist suffered fatal injuries and six others fell off their bikes on the same “dangerous” stretch of road.

Naomi Cassidy

AN investigation is under way after a cyclist suffered fatal injuries and six others fell off their bikes on the same “dangerous” stretch of road.

Ron Philpot, 70, was on a training ride with other members of the Plomesgate Cycling Club when he fell off his bike in Low Road, Sweffling, near Saxmundham.

Mr Philpot, from Ashfield cum Thorpe, who was retired and had been a dedicated member of the club, suffered serious head injuries, as well as a broken pelvis and jaw, and had to be airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital where he died on Wednesday. It is believed he was not wearing a helmet at the time.

The incident, which happened on February 21 and saw two other cyclists also come off their bikes at the same time, was one of a series of falls at that spot in recent weeks.

Three cyclists from the Stowmarket and District Cycling Clubs experienced minor injuries while negotiating the same bend the following day on February 22. Then on Tuesday evening another cyclist had a lucky escape when he was riding along the road back from work. The fall on the bend left him with severe grazing and bruising, as well as a smashed helmet, prompting many to label the road “dangerous”.

A Suffolk County Council spokeswoman said it was working with the police as part of an investigation.

Andrew Hawes , of Church Walk, Aldeburgh, was one of the cyclists who came off at the same time as Mr Philpot.

Last night he paid tribute to Mr Philpot, saying: “I started cycling at the club about a year ago and Ron was extremely friendly and encouraging. We were both addicted to time trialling where you try to beat your own time. That day we were all on a training ride and doing about 50-mile loop from Framlingham via Leiston. We were chatting just before the accident and he said he had already been for a ride that week. Cycling 100 miles a week was standard for him. He was very fit. He would be able to do ten miles in 28 minutes.”

“It was perfect cycling conditions that day. We were not going fast and it was just when we were on that bend that it happened.

“When the ambulance arrived, the first paramedic to get out nearly slipped over as he walked over to us. Something needs to be done about that section of the road.”