The mother of a talented young cyclist killed in a collision with a driver earlier this year has urged motorists to “be very aware and slow down” around people on bikes, after a coroner’s inquest revealed that the teenager’s back wheel had “kicked up”, forcing him across the road, just before the fatal crash.
Aidan Worden, who won the national junior 25-mile time trial championship last year, was on a training ride with his clubmates when he collided with an oncoming car being driven on Blacksnape Road, between Hoddlesden and Darwen, Lancashire at around 10.30am on Saturday 1 February.
Emergency services were called to the scene, where Aidan was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital, where the 18-year-old rider was pronounced dead, after suffering multiple injuries.
This week, Preston Coroners Court heard that the teenager’s back wheel had “kicked up” moments before the collision, causing him to cross into the other lane and into the path of the oncoming BMW driver, the Lancashire Post reports.
During the inquest, PC Rachel Carbery said that Aidan was riding with three of his 360cycling clubmates on a downhill, predominantly straight section of the Blacksnape Road, past a row of houses with cars parked outside along the road.
Blacksnape Road, Darwen, Lancashire (credit: Google Maps)
The officer noted that there was enough room for the riders to safely pass the parked cars on the 5.4m-wide carriageway, and that it was a clear day.
Analysis of nearby CCTV showed that the group was travelling at around 39mph on the downhill stretch, before slowing to 30mph just before the collision.
The collision occurred after the 18-year-old’s back wheel jerked, for reasons that were not determined, forcing him across the white line. PC Carberry said the female motorist, driving a BMW, was travelling at 30mph at the time of the collision.
According to the officer, she reacted within a second and braked, stopping within a short distance, but was unable to avoid the collision, later telling police she had no explanation for what happened.
Aidan’s coach at the 360cycling club, Joseph Cadwallader, told the inquest that the group ride involved around 18 to 20 riders, who were all given a safety briefing in the morning, with the presence of parked cars along the road noted.
Aidan Worden racing at the front during the Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix, round six of the 2024 British Cycling Lloyds Bank Elite National Circuit Series (credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)
Assistant coroner Richard Taylor described the 18-year-old as a very experienced cyclist who was riding a route he had covered before.
He said that something had happened to Aidan’s wheel, and that the teenager was trying to correct his position on the road when the fatal crash occurred, the coroner apologising to the teenager’s family for failing to provide them with the answers to all their questions.
Tayloe recorded a conclusion of death as a result of a road traffic collision, while a police investigation found no fault on the part of the motorist involved, and no further action was taken.
The assistant coroner read a eulogy from Adian’s parents Helen and Jason, who described him as a “loving son and brother”.
“He achieved so much in his 18 years. We are deeply saddened that we will never know what he would have achieved,” they said.
Following the hearing, Helen said that the family will never know exactly what caused the incident that led to her son’s death, and appealed to motorists to exercise caution when driving near vulnerable road users.
“It happened in a split second. That’s why it’s so important for drivers to be very aware and slow down,” she said.
Aidan Worden during round 3 of the 2023 British Cycling Cyclo-cross National Trophy Series, Derby (credit: Mathew Wells/SWpix.com)
Aidan, who competed in BMX before switching to road and cyclocross racing, had enjoyed a hugely successful 2024 season, winning the British junior 25-mile time trial championships as well as finishing as the first junior at the prestigious Eddie Soens Memorial Race at Aintree Racecourse.
At the time of his death, his 360cycling club paid tribute to the New Longton rider, describing how during his three years with the team he had “developed as a person, man, and rider to a level few of us ever achieve”.
“He never judged anyone and always supported others, especially when it came to fixing our bikes,” the post on social media said.
Aidan Worden (credit: 360cycling)
“2024 saw some amazing rides from the boy that set out a clear example of what a young person can achieve with the right determination.
“He is the current national 25-mile TT junior champion and also enjoyed very much being 1st junior in last year’s Eddie Soens. As his coach and as teammates for the last three years, watching him grow, train, and mentor others, we are absolutely heartbroken. Our thoughts are very much with his beloved family that he leaves behind. RIP Aidan, you will be very much missed and always in our hearts!”
Earlier in his life, Aidan also rode for Red Rose Olympic cycling club “so he could add to the cycling experience he had already gained as a BMX rider with Preston Pirates”.
“He was such a pleasure to have in our club, he was committed to learning and developing and always gave his all,” Red Rose Olympic said. “We were delighted that we could be a part of his journey and his move to 360cycling saw him develop into a very well-respected athlete with such a lot of potential to develop further.
Aidan Worden (credit: Red Rose Olympic)
“It speaks volumes about him that he sent us this card when he was still only 11 to say thank you for getting him into cyclocross. We were incredibly touched at the time and re-reading it today just reminds us of why everyone thought so highly of him.”
Aidan worked at Paul Hewitt Cycles, a Leyland-based bike shop, starting off by helping out during his summer holidays. The shop added to the tributes, stating that it was a “privilege to have known and worked with” him and that he will be “greatly missed by so many”.