Hurt biker cries foul
Wayne Lawton, who suffered a broken wrist after being thrown from his motorcycle when a dog ran into his path
MOTORCYCLE enthusiast Wayne Lawton says he is lucky to be alive after a dog ran into his path, causing him to fall head-first to the ground.
Mr Lawton, 54, was travelling home along Glebe Road, in Royal Wootton Bassett, at about 9.30pm on March 15 when the dog ran into the path of his beloved Triumph 1200cc motorbike, which he has ridden to dozens of repatriations.
The ex-RAF flight sergeant, who served at RAF Lyneham for 23 years, suffered a broken wrist, damage to his hands and knees and also had to have a scan following dizzy spells after the crash.
Mr Lawton, who has five motorbikes, said: "The dog came out of nowhere and I came off and landed on my head.
"I could've been killed or paralysed.
"At one stage I thought I was in real trouble – I woke up with a headache and tingling in my finger.
"I went to hospital and they put me on a spinal board and through a scanner.
"Now I'm all strapped up and I can't ride.
"The Triumph is a write-off and if the owner is not covered then I'll have to pay the costs myself."
Police are not prosecuting the dog owner and Mr Lawton said he was angry at the decision even after he pointed out that there is legislation concerning dogs on roads.
He cited section 27 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which states: 'A person who causes or permits a dog to be on a designated road without the dog being held on a lead is guilty of an offence.' He said: "They've said it was an accident, but I could've been killed.
"I will go to the Independent Police Complaints Commission if I have to – I am incensed about it."
A spokesman for Wiltshire Police confirmed the force would not be taking action against the dog owner.
He said: "Following enquiries it was established a dog, which was being walked on a lead, had come loose from its collar and caused the rider, travelling at low speed at the time, to take evasive action.
"Following subsequent enquiries the decision was taken that in the circumstances, with the dog having been on the lead but then breaking loose, it was not appropriate to take further action against the dog owner."