URGENT calls have been made for a cycle path along a route where a teenager died.

Charlie Cornick was cycling on the A170 between Kirkbymoorside and Beadlam just before 5.30pm on Friday, November 19, when he was involved in a collision with a car near Welburn crossroads.

The 17-year-old was flown to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough where he died in the early hours of the following morning.

Calls are now being made for proposals for a cycle path along the A170 to be completed.

Marcie Hughes, whose son was a close friend of Charlie, said: “In light of the tragic accident on the A170, I urge Ryedale District Council to consider pushing forward the plans for the Kirkbymoorside cycle path?

“Had the path been in place at 5.30pm on a winter evening, our dear Charlie might still be with us. Instead, I have spent the week comforting my youngest son and his friends, as they try to come to terms with the senseless loss of their beloved friend. They are 17-year-old boys – traumatised, devastated and utterly bewildered. Surely this must now be considered to be a priority and possibly named in memory of Charlie.”

Ryedale Cycle Forum recently launched a Crowdfunding project to help create an 800 metre pathway which will lead west from outside Kirkbymoorside Primary School to the first Kirkdale junction.

It is the first section of what will be a safe cycling route from Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley to Ryedale School, also connecting the communities of Nawton and Beadlam, and joining the two market towns.

The campaign is backed by Cllr Tony Riby and Cllr Lindsay Burr, both members of RDC.

Cllr Burr, who seconded the motion, said: “I’m devastated for the family regarding this accident. My thoughts are with the family. I personally, along with Cllr Riby, have lobbied hard for cycle paths.

“Ryedale District Council and North Yorkshire County Council say they are looking in to this, let’s hope this is forthcoming and this issue will be taken more seriously now.”

A spokesperson for Ryedale District Council said: “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family and friends of Charlie Cornick. We understand that his death has had a huge impact locally.

“Ryedale Cycle Forum is actively fundraising for a cycle route between Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley. Ryedale District Council is in discussion about funding towards the scheme, in addition to North Yorkshire County Council’s Active Travel Fund.”

Charlie’s family have set up a Justgiving page for people to donate towards funeral costs and a headstone and also a bench in his memory.

They said: “Charlie was such an amazing lad, he lived life in a way only he could and will be missed by hundreds. I’d also like to thank each and every person who has messaged myself and my family hearing your stories and your memories with Charlie has been so wonderful and we will all miss him terribly.”

North Yorkshire Police say they are appealing for witnesses after the fatal collision on the A170 between Kirkbymoorside and Beadlam. The ambulance service contacted police to report a crash near to the Welburn crossroads just before 5.30pm on Friday, November 19. A grey Volkswagen Tiguan was in collision with a bike being ridden by a 17-year-old boy.

The cyclist was flown to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough where, sadly, he died in the early hours of the following morning.

The road was closed for several hours to allow police to carry out investigation work at the scene of the incident. The road was reopened to the public just before 2am the next day.

A police spokesman said: “The driver of the Tiguan is assisting police with their enquiries. Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident or who may have seen the cyclist and the Tiguan prior to the collision.

“It is understood that both the car and the cycle had travelled from Kirkbymoorside.

“Any witnesses with dash cam footage are asked to save the footage and contact North Yorkshire Police, on 101, quoting reference: 12210245050.

“Alternatively, please email the officer in case: TC 917 Jon Moss on jon.moss@northyorkshire.police.uk”