Police at the scene of a fatal collision between a lorry and a cyclist on Knavesmire, York

A TEENAGE cyclist was killed after her bike collided with a lorry near York Racecourse.

The accident occurred behind the course, in a car park off Bishopthorpe Road.

Ambulance crews attended, but the 18-year-old died at the scene. Police today urged any witnesses to contact them immediately.

The crash was one of three in quick succession in York and North Yorkshire, with accidents near Bishopthorpe and Rillington causing significant delays for rush-hour traffic on the A64.

The first collision, which occurred at about 4.30pm yesterday, involved a Shepherd lorry carrying Portaloos. It appeared to be heading towards the racecourse, which next week holds its first meeting of the season.

Sergeant Dave Hopper, of York Police, said: "Unfortunately the female cyclist, whose details are not being released at this time, was declared dead at the scene."

James Brennan, marketing manager for the racecourse, said: "I am aware that there has been an incident and that police and emergency services have been at the scene. It looks a serious incident and, given that fact, it is probably best if I leave the emergency services to comment."

The Sustrans cycle path from York to Selby runs through the site of the accident. Paul Hepworth, of York Cyclists' Touring Club, said there were visibility problems in some places, but added: "Until the circumstances of the incident are known we cannot speculate too much. There may be some slight dangers for people with less experience, which is a pity as the whole purpose of the Sustrans route is to encourage people to cycle."

A vehicle upturned on the verge of the A64 westbound near Bishopthorpe

Meanwhile, rush-hour motorists around York and North Yorkshire were hit by delays following two accidents in quick succession on the A64.

At 4.45pm a silver Renault Clio overturned on the westbound carriageway opposite the racecourse, landing on its roof on the embankment. The driver was not seriously injured, but was shocked and was taken to York Hospital to be checked over. The accident led to lengthy tailbacks on the ring road, as the car was removed by a recovery crew.

Only ten minutes later, drivers in the east of North Yorkshire also suffered delays, when a blue Ford Mondeo and a Ssangyong collided on the eastbound carriageway in Rillington, east of Malton.

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service could not confirm the severity of the injuries, but one person was taken to hospital in Scarborough. The road was not closed, but was partially blocked leading, again to traffic tailbacks.

Anyone who witnessed the collision between the lorry and the cyclist, or who saw either vehicle shortly before the accident, should phone York Police on 0845 6060247.

8:56am Friday 9th May 2008

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