A CYCLIST who died in a collision with a lorry earlier this week was a well-known campaigner for cyclists' safety and rights, it emerged yesterday.

Karl Briggs, 65, from Helmsley, North Yorkshire, died on Wednesday in the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton following an accident on the A168 at Asenby.

The former chartered civil engineer had been keen on cycling since he was a child and spent much of his time campaigning for better safety for cyclists.

He was also a campaigner on behalf of local rights of way for cyclists and was constantly challenging the authorities.

Four years ago, he presented a study into the effects of transport on the world's energy supplies to Ryedale District Council.

His widow, Cecilia, yesterday told of her disbelief that her husband had died in such a way.

"He was always careful on the road," she said. "When he didn't come back yesterday I thought he had had a puncture or something."

A fellow cyclist and local councillor, Des Reed, said that Mr Briggs would be missed: "He did a lot to promote safety for cyclists and also a lot for rights of way," he said.

* Following another accident, police have yet to confirm the identity of a motorcylist killed on the A658 near Harrogate on Wednesday.

He collided with a car near the North Rigton junction east of Huby.

Two teenagers involved a crash on the A165 between Scarborough and Filey on Tuesday, in which three people died,were described as in a critical condition at Hull's Royal Infirmary last night.

Stuart Nevins, of Cayton, and Gary Westwood, of Crossgates, were transferred from Scarborough General Hospital.