Family lead tributes to cyclist killed in fatal collision near Shaftesbury
Mary Emerson-Reed died after she was knocked off her bike in 2023
The family of a woman who was killed in a fatal collision near Shaftesbury have led tributes to her.
Mary Emerson-Reed was 63 when she was knocked off her bike as she rode home on the B3081 on June 23rd, 2023 - close to the Dorset border.
After her death, Wiltshire Police launched an investigation into her death, resulting in a 75-year-old man being given a jail sentence of 10 months for causing death by careless driving.
The man, who was sentenced earlier this month, is now starting his custodial sentence, while Mary's family paid tribute to her.
"Mary was a keen and experienced cyclist who had cycled all her life," the family said in a statement released by police.
"A ride leader for Gillingham Wheelers cycling club and a key member of Blackmore Vale Cycling Club, she was named as a Community Champion by Cycling UK in the year she was killed.
“She toured widely on her bike, in one year managing to notch up 10,000 miles, and was a competent and sympathetic ride leader, known for her enthusiasm and expertise.
“She was killed riding home from the Ashmore Filly Loo, a folk festival celebrating Midsummer's Day, which reflects Mary’s other great passion as a folk musician. She played the folk fiddle, in addition to which she was a first violinist in the Shaftesbury Symphony Orchestra.
“An active member of the Shaftesbury community, as a volunteer gardener at Stourhead and as a member of the Hill Top Litter Pickers, a local volunteer group, Mary is much missed by family, friends and colleagues."
Speaking on the man's sentencing, Alex Collins from Wiltshire Police said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with Mary’s family during this undoubtedly traumatic time for them.
"There can be no excuse for Morris’s driving. Mary and her friend had their bicycle lights illuminated and they were correctly wearing high visibility, reflective clothing given the late hour.
"This sad case highlights the importance of giving your full attention to the road, no matter the hour."