A man involved in a fatal e-bike collision with a 91-year-old pedestrian while riding on the pavement has been acquitted by the court. The incident occurred when Clifford Cage unintentionally struck Jim Blackwood while commuting to work. Blackwood was hospitalized on the day of the accident and passed away three months later due to the injuries sustained.
The court acknowledged that Blackwood’s death was a direct result of the collision, leading to the manslaughter charge against Cage. Despite being sentenced to 15 months in prison, the sentence was suspended for two years. Following the court proceedings, Cage and Blackwood’s daughter, Christine White, shared a hug, signifying a moment of closure.
Christine White emphasized the significance of the court’s decision in holding cyclists accountable for endangering pedestrians. She stressed the importance of adhering to road regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
During the trial, Cage explained that he resorted to cycling on the pavement after encountering close calls with vehicles on the road. He expressed genuine remorse for the incident and admitted to the manslaughter charge in October 2025. Cage remained at the scene of the accident and promptly sought assistance by calling emergency services.
The court also heard a heartfelt statement from Hanni Blackwood, the wife of the deceased, expressing her profound loss and remembering her late husband’s military service. Cage was assigned a rehabilitation activity requirement and unpaid work as part of his sentencing.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) highlighted the unique nature of the case, noting that existing laws did not fully address the circumstances surrounding the incident. This landmark ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving cycling-related fatalities and underscores the importance of public safety in such scenarios.