Maria Everest, 55, appeared at Worthing Magistrates' Court, where she pleaded guilty to careless or inconsiderate driving.

The court heard how Everest, of Loose Lane, was driving on the roundabout at the Adur flyover on the afternoon of January 27, when she hit a cyclist.

The woman cyclist was taken to hospital and had suffered a broken collar-bone and bruising to her hip and leg.

Gaynor Byng, prosecuting, said Everest told police she had come off the A27 onto the bypass but a car facing the other way, which she suspected had been involved in an accident, meant she had to divert her Vauxhall Zafira around it.

Didn't see

Miss Byng said: "She (Everest] said she looked but she did not see the cyclist.

"She only knew the cyclist was there when the collision occurred."

Everest told the court she had been affected badly by the accident.

"All I can say is I am terribly sorry," she said.

"I am a careful driver. I genuinely didn't see that lady.

Dangerous for cyclists

Everest added: "That roundabout has a speed limit of 60 or 70mph.

"It is a terribly dangerous roundabout for cyclists and that lady was not wearing a helmet.

"This is not my defence but maybe the council should do something.

"There are no signs up telling people to look out for cyclists."

Everest was fined £133 and ordered to pay £43 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

She will also have her licence endorsed with six penalty points.


-------------------------------------
Click here for more Lancing news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.uk

Want to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.