Greenford cyclist Frank Cubis dies following Ealing collision

“Thank you for giving Frank a purpose and passionate hobby for all of these years,” was the message from Frank's son-in-law Colin Bottomley yesterday after 75-year-old Frank passed away following the collision on 25 May. Frank had been in hospital since that day with multiple injuries from which he was unable to recover.

​Thank you for giving Frank a purpose and passionate hobby for all of these years.

Colin Bottomley, Frank's son-in-law

The Evening Standard reported in May that the collision occurred near the junction of Northfield Avenue and Salisbury Road in Ealing at around 9.45am, with Frank being taken to hospital by air ambulance in a critical condition.

Bitter irony of the generous mentor

Frank was an extremely well known, experienced and popular cyclist, actively involved with Kingston Phoenix Road Club and a Cycling UK member. In recent years he had given his time to help others discover the joy of cycling, which had brought him so much happiness, by mentoring people new to or rediscovering cycling.

The bitter irony of his death was that on that fateful May day in Ealing, he was cycling to Richmond Park to meet the mother of one of his best friends. He had been coaching her while cycling in the park to help develop her confidence to cycle on the roads. 

The sequence of events leading to the collision is still being investigated by the police, who have interviewed the driver of a vehicle described in the press as a “flatbed van”. Slater and Gordon solicitors are also considering the circumstances and liaising with Frank's family.   

Frank lived in Greenford, was married to Diana and leaves an adult daughter Sue, as well as many friends in the cycling world who were privileged to meet him and share his enthusiasm for cycling. 

A great man who loved cycling

Describing him as “a great man who loved cycling”, son-in-law Colin added that “he dedicated his life to cycling and the Phoenix Road Club where he had been a member for many, many years.” Although 75, Frank still rode more miles on his bike each year than he drove in his car. 

Given his determination to the last to introduce others to cycling, and prepare them to ride safely on the roads, perhaps a fitting tribute to this much-loved man would be if his concerns regarding road awareness for novice cyclists were replicated by all of those with whom they share the roads.