SPECIAL safety measures are to be made at a notorious bridge that claimed the lives of two cyclists within a year.

An interlocking post and rail barrier is expected to be fixed to the parapet on one side of Dibbles Bridge on the Pateley Bridge to Grassington road by March next year.

It will be designed to prevent cyclists striking the near side of the bridge and being thrown 40 feet into the ravine below.

The decision follows the death of consultant cardiologist Dr George Ballard, of Ben Rhydding, who died on August 2 this year when his Scot cycle hit the parapet, throwing him over the handle bars as he rode down the steep hill towards Grassington.

His death came a year after 32-year-old Skipton cyclist, James Nelson, who worked at Skipton Building Society, died at the same spot in similar circumstances.

North Yorkshire coroner, Rob Turnbull, who recorded that Dr Ballard died of multiple injuries as a result of an accident, told an inquest in Skipton today he wanted to see the new safety measure set up before the busy cycling season began next spring.

Dr Nick Hayward, an Ilkley GP, told the coroner he and Dr Ballard were among a group of five friends on a cycle ride in the Yorkshire Dales.

On reaching the steep hill down towards Dibbles bridge, Dr Hayward warned Dr Ballard to be careful about the decline and the bend at the bottom. As they set off down the hill, the 41-year-old overtook him.

"I was slightly concerned. I remember him coming past and thinking is he going to slow down?

"He seemed to do so – his bike seemed to be slowing towards me – and then I saw his back wheel lock and I thought he would go down but he held the slide.

"I thought wow, he's done it. Then I saw him hit the wall. The bike careered along the parapet and the next thing I saw his feet going over the bridge," said Dr Hayward, who gave first aid to his friend along with a nurse who had come from a nearby cottage.

North Yorkshire County Council network strategy manager, Allan McVeigh, said as a result of a feasibility study, it had been decided to fit an interlocking rail and barrier across the left-hand side parapet to prevent people being thrown over into the ravine.

Dr Ballard leaves his wife, Juliet, 41, and their two young children.They paid tribute to him following his death, along with his friends, colleagues and patients from Leeds General Infirmary, where he worked.

His family issued a statement saying they have been “overwhelmed” by messages of support.

They thanked his friends, colleagues and patients for their support, as well as the emergency services staff and all those who went to his aid after the accident.

Their statement said: “We have been overwhelmed to receive messages of support from patients and families he has looked after in his role as a cardiologist in Leeds and further afield.

“Their kind comments have reflected his positive attitude, caring nature and strong sense of professionalism working as a doctor.

“George was a wonderful husband and father. He touched the lives of so many in both his family and professional lives. He had an adventurous spirit and boundless enthusiasm for life and people. He will be desperately missed by us all, but his energy and vitality will remain with us always.”