Cyclist Sayit Huseyin killed in accident on icy side street
A YOUTH worker has died after fracturing his skull in an accident while cycling in a Finsbury side street.
Sayit Huseyin, 51, was cycling to work at family business Fish Central, in nearby Central Street, when he fell on the ice in Dingley Road, just off City Road, just before 9am on Friday. He was taken by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel with a fractured skull and died in hospital from a brain haemorrhage the next day.
His uncle, George Hussein, who owns Fish Central and nearby Kings Bakery, described his nephew as “a kind, generous man” who was “a giver in life”. Mr Huseyin worked part-time at the Copenhagen Youth Project, based near King’s Cross,
Mr Hussein said: “We miss him enormously. He worked with us for a number of years, first in the off-licence, then the fish restaurant. He was part of the team. He was always very pleasant, trying to please others.
“He loved his bicycle. He wasn’t interested in cars.”
A cyclist since the age of seven, Mr Huseyin had taken part in charity races. “He was coming to work and we believe he was clipped off his bike and the driver never stopped,” Mr Hussein said.
He believed the side roads should have been gritted. “We pay our road tax, everyone pays their council tax, it’s part and parcel of the service.”
Mr Huseyin, a registered psychotherapist, was not married.
Copenhagen Youth Project senior youth worker Steve Griffith said Mr Huseyin was “amazing on a bike”. He used to be a courier, and “cycled everywhere, in all weathers”.
Mr Griffith added: “He was a multi-talented youth worker, did arts, hockey, was the football coach, could turn his hand to anything. He was an easy-going, deep-thinking man.
“He had difficult teenage years but studied and became a counsellor. He was a soft, caring man. It’s a sad loss – someone who gave so much to other people.”
An Islington Council spokesman said: “During and after last week’s heavy snowfall, the council prioritised main roads for gritting, to ensure traffic could travel freely through the borough.”
Police are investigating whether a silver Mercedes seen passing Mr Huseyin on the opposite side of the road was involved.
Labour councillor Gary Doolan questioned the council’s policy of gritting only main roads, saying: “This accident just shows the importance of gritting all side roads.”
He believes gritting firms are avoiding some roads because, if someone slips after they have gritted, they may be liable.
Cllr Doolan added: “The number of people living on side roads is far greater than those on the main roads.
“The council is more concerned about businesses and traffic than about people.”
Anyone who witnessed the accident can call the collision investigation unit on 020 7388 6806.
RÓISÍN GADELRAB