A motorcyclist died in a crash in Brighton yesterday, Sussex Police said today (Saturday 20 July).
The force said: “Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision in Brighton.
“Officers were called to Ditchling Road around 11.15am on Friday (19 July) following reports of a motorcyclist seriously injured in the road.
“The motorcyclist – a 58-year-old man from East Grinstead – was sadly declared dead at the scene.
“His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
“Police are investigating and ask anyone who saw what happened or who may have seen either a white Yamaha motorcycle or a silver Suzuki Jimny being driven in the area around that time to get in touch.
“A 68-year-old man and 67-year-old woman, from Steyning, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after a road accident.
“They have both been released on bail while inquiries continue.
“Any witnesses or anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Ottawa.”
This is terribly sad.
I have seen the Council was going to make this bit of road 40mph more than 10 years ago. Its ETS Committee ran a consultation and two-thirds of respondents said the existing 60mph limit should be lowered to 40mph. But it’s not clear why this safety measure has never been put in place. Did Sussex Police object?
There have been loads of crashes and now this awful fatality.
If anything good can come out of this tragedy, a lower speed limit should be it.
I quite agree, that the road is capable of being driven at 60mph, but in particular, that corner requires some knowledge of limit points and advanced driving skills. The majority of us don’t have that; the time saved is minimal for a short road, and more times than not, you have to travel about 40mph anyway due to traffic, weather, or road conditions.
I hope you’re right Max, a lower speed limit should be the answer here. Unfortunately, it wasn’t proactive in this case, but at least it can be reactive moving forward.
For five years I have lived in Ditchling Crescent near to this part of the Ditchling Road. Over this period there have been numerous crashes and near misses and drivers regularly travel at reckless speeds. I fully support a reduction in the speed limit right up to the bypass.
The curves on the ditchling road from the T junction to the golf course entrance are deceptively sharp and if you are going at 60 miles an hour it is very easy to lose control. I definitely support a 40 mph stored limit.
Especially since most people aren’t not familiar with acceleration into corners rather than braking to have better stability of the vehicle, since that is an advanced driving technique. I agree with you completely.
Too many boy racers in Brighton. Likely to be crashes with this culture being permitted.
I’d encourage everyone to be more active in reporting driving that disregards the rules of the road. We have an excellent and easy way of doing it via Operation Crackdown.
This person was not a ‘boy racer’ he had completed his Advanced Motorbike Rider qualification and was significantly experienced on and off road riding. It wasn’t on the bend, it was on the straight, just past the T-Junction. However I agree, the speed limit should be reduced on that part of the road.
Police still need witnesses.
Thoughts and prayers go out to his family at the horrific time.
THINK BIKE!
Motorcyclists always come off worse in any collision, and there’s always a chance to be caught unawares; I’m certainly not immune to that. I share your sentiment, that poor family that was left behind…