A PEDESTRIAN suffered a fatal head injury after stepping into the path of cyclist travelling at a "crawl", an inquest heard.

Nicholas Graydon, 27, formally of Wellington, walked out from behind a large van into cyclist Graham Donald's path and was knocked to the ground.

He suffered an "overwhelming" brain injury and died two weeks later in hospital.

His mother Jane Hiles described his death as "a tragic accident" and cyclist Mr Donald said he was unable to explain how the slow-speed collision caused a fatality.

In a statement read to the inquest, he said: "I'm shocked how this could have happened at such a slow speed.

"I feel bad about what has happened and I have thought about it since.

"When I think about this there is nothing I could have done.

"I managed to cycle 10 metres out of the junction with Brook Road when I had a feeling of falling off.

"I didn't know what had happened. I saw up and saw a man lying on the floor.

"I could see he was in a bad way so I shouted to a passerby to call an ambulance. I stayed with the man until the ambulance arrived."

Mr Graydon, who lived in Bristol but went to school in Taunton Deane, worked for TMP Worldwide recruitment agency, Avon Coroner's Court heard on Monday.

Mr Donald had been travelling from his home to his girlfriend's house on his Trek Madone road bike just before 8pm on November 25.

The court heard his bike had both front and rear lights when the collision happened in Montpelier, a short distance from Mr Graydon's home.

Mr Donald explained he slowed to a "crawl" when he reached a junction - and travelled ten metres past the turning when he collided with Mr Graydon.

Mr Graydon, died at Southmead Hospital a fortnight later.

Neurosurgeon George Malcolm said in a statement read out to the court: "This patient suffered a devastating head injury after being knocked down by a cyclist.

"The brain injury proved overwhelming.

"This is a most tragic case and I'm extremely sorry that despite all aggressive medical and surgical treatment the patient's life could not be saved."

Forensic collision investigator PC Julian Chambers, with Avon and Somerset Police, gave evidence at the hearing and said Mr Graydon is believed to have stepped out from behind a large van into the path of the cyclist.

PC Chambers added while there were other witnesses to the collision who spoke to police, none were willing to give an official statement.

Mr Graydon's mum Jane Hiles described his death as "a tragic accident" after the inquest.

In a statement heard by the court, she said: "Nicholas was a loving and caring son and brother. He was a hard-working man.

"When speaking with Nicholas' boss he told me Nicholas was promoted three times.

"According to his friends he was a shoulder to cry on.

"Even though his life was short we think he would not have wanted to change anything."

Coroner Dr Simon Fox QC concluded that Mr Graydon's death was caused by a road traffic collision He added: "Mr Graydon has suffered a head injury in a collision with a cyclist. I would like to pass on my condolences to the family."