Vigil to mark anniversary of Michael Mason’s death
Mick was hit from behind by a car on Regent Street on 25 February 2014, dying in hospital 19 days later. The ride and vigil will be held to remember Mick - and the many other people who have lost their lives on London’s roads and across the UK.
Stop Killing Cyclists have invited people to meet at 17:30 at the south end of Regent Street at the corner of Waterloo Place and Carlton House Terrace, and set off on the ride at 18:00 along Regent Street, congregating at the point where Mick was hit at the junction with Little Portland Street for the vigil at 18:30. The vigil will be followed by a brief die in where people will be asked to lay down in the road. Feel free to bring banners and candles.
Speakers at the vigil will include Mick’s daughter Anna Tatton-Brown; the Green Party’s Local Transport spokesperson, Caroline Russell; and a CDF spokesperson.
A year on we are still struggling with the loss of Mick, and the failure of the justice system to deal with his death. The support from the cycling community has been overwhelming and gives us hope that we might get justice for Mick and for others."
Mick’s daughter, Anna Tatton-Brown.
CDF is supporting Mick’s family in their search for answers as to why the Metropolitan Police chose not to charge the driver involved, and decided not to consult the Crown Prosecution Service on their decision, although this is recommended in charging guidance.
At the inquest into Mick’s death, the driver could not explain why she hadn’t seen Mick, even though other witnesses had had no trouble seeing him.
This is yet another case of a driver being absolved of blame simply because they didn’t see the cyclist they hit.
CDF is preparing for a possible private prosecution of the driver. A fundraising appeal has been launched to ensure the charity has enough funds to fight the case in court, should this be necessary.
The charity is asking supporters to give what they can to the appeal and is grateful for all donations that are given. To donate to the appeal online, please follow this link https://www.justgiving.com/justiceformichael
To donate by post, please send a cheque payable to ‘Cyclists’ Defence Fund’ to Cyclists Defence Fund, C/O CTC, Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, GU2 9JX. Please mark the back of your cheque ‘Justice for Michael’.
