Pensioner, 79, dies from severe head injuries after test riding a ‘faulty’ bike inside a Halfords store
Peter Norton suffered a brain haemorrhage after his fall
A PENSIONER died after falling from a bike in a Halfords store, an inquest heard.
Retired shopkeeper Peter Norton, 79, wasn't wearing a helmet when he tested the mountain bike he had taken in to be fixed because of a problem with its gears.
The inquest heard that Mr Norton had taken his bike into be repaired and was testing it out on the shop floor after the gears had been looked at.
But while the pensioner was out of sight, sales assistant Matthew Noy heard a screech which he believes was Mr Norton braking as he fell from the bike.
He had asked the Mr Norton to ride the Apollo Feud model - which costs less than £100 - in the shop in St Austell, Cornwall.
Mr Noy told an inquest in Truro this week:"I went to him and saw him on the floor. I offered him my forearm to help him get up but he refused.
"I asked if there was anything I could do and he said no.
"He was red in the face but I assumed that it was because he was embarrassed."
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Mr Norton wife Jean, who was waiting outside, said he was "quite cross" when he emerged from the store and told her he had "fell over".
She said he had a slight cut on his forehead but later at home he "flopped down" and never recovered after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Cornwall Council health and safety officer Darren Hambly said it was possible Mr Norton lost his balance while riding in the shop after the simple gear adjustment.
But issues with the shop's CCTV system meant the incident was not recorded.
He added there were no breach in safety regulations - despite Halfords failing to provide first aid care, complete an accident report form or ask the customer to wear a helmet.
He was quite cross. He said he fell over.
Jean Norton
Mr Norton's son Chris said his dad would have always worn a helmet while out on the road, so couldn't understand why he didn't have one in the store.
He said: "He had ridden the bike out on the road for three miles earlier that day to check it was working before taking it on a camping trip.
"Not only did he wear a helmet then but had thick gloves on as well.
"He would always wear a helmet whenever he was on a bike and he absolutely made certain he was riding it safely.
"He was very aware of his own age and limitations and was not a fool, which is why we were surprised he did the test ride in store - especially with no helmet.
"But when someone prompts you to give it a go, you sometimes forget what you would normally do.
"My mother is a poor widower and we are disgusted she has not even had an apology from Halfords.
"We have to pick our words very carefully. It may have been an accident, but we believe it was a preventable one.
"We couldn't believe it when the health and safety person from the council said they didn't have to do anything.
"I work at a ski slope in Torquay and there is so much we need to do health and safety wise now it is sometimes ridiculous.
"But for Halfords not to have to do anything despite having people riding around its store, is all just a bit surreal.
"It is bonkers just to let people get on a bike. There are so many hazards and obstacles and it could have been a five year old child round that corner."
The jury recorded an accidental death conclusion.
Coroner Guy Davies plans to write to Halfords suggesting for a review of company policy of riding bikes in the stores and that helmets should be worn when bikes are tested.
A Halfords spokesperson said: "We were deeply saddened by this tragic accident and, although there was no breach in health and safety legislation, we are reviewing the initial recommendations made at the inquest, pending the formal report.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family of Mr Norton at this time."
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