Police witness appeal after rider killed near Bolton Abbey

North Yorkshire police are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist died in a collision with a car near Bolton Abbey yesterday.

The rider, a man in his 40s from the Otley area, was involved in a collision with a silver Hyundai i30 car at around 11.30am on Sunday February 15, on the B6160 between Bolton Abbey and Barden Tower.

The man was with two other riders and the driver was travelling in the opposite direction through the bends on the Bolton Abbey Estate, between the fountain and the archway.

The cyclist, who was taking part in the Otley Cycling Club Reliability Ride, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Traffic Constable Ken Riley, of Skipton Roads Policing Group, said: "If you witnessed the incident - or saw the car or cycles involved prior to the collision - I urge you to come forward as you may have important information that could assist the investigation.

"I would also like to thank the members of the public who stopped at the scene to lend assistance in the immediate aftermath of this tragic incident."

Anyone with information which could help this investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Traffic Constable Ken Riley or Skipton Roads Policing Group. Alternatively, information can be emailed to kenneth.riley [at] northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Please quote reference number 12150025569 when passing information about this incident.

Update: Rider named as Craig Armitage

The cyclist has been identified as Craig Armitage, 44, a married father-of-three from Otley. 

The Yorkshire Post reports that he ran In Gear Coaching which provided cycle coaching courses for children.

His business partner, Jonathan Farnaby, said: “He was a good friend, an excellent father and a great husband. He was very sociable and very popular.

“He was a very safe and careful cyclist - we are in total shock,” said Mr Farnaby.