Tributes paid to academic who was knocked off his bike by driver trying to outrun police

A HIGH-respected academic died while out cycling after being ploughed into by a driver trying outrun police.

Dr Andrew Platten, 55, died at the scene of the crash in Bingley, West Yorkshire, on Tuesday.

He was knocked from his bike by a silver Vauxhall Vectra shortly before 7.35pm, after the driver had sped from police officers who had tried to stop the vehicle. 

A 22-year-old Bradford man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on bail.

Tributes today flooded in for Dr Platten who was an associate dean in the Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology at Leeds Beckett University.

In a statement, his family said: “Andrew excelled as a respected and dedicated academic, with a love for art, poetry and music. 

“For anyone that knew him, cycling was his true passion as he became a recognised competitive rider on the roads.

He will always be cherished and never forgotten
Dr Platten's family
“Most importantly he was a loved friend, loyal brother and uncle, loving partner and a truly inspirational father. He will be deeply missed, but he has left his stamp on all who met him.

“He will always be cherished and never forgotten, living on in all our hearts.”

Professor Mohammad Dastbaz, pro vice chancellor at Leeds Beckett, said: “He was a very experienced construction sector professional, but he remained committed to research and teaching, sharing his expertise with the construction professionals of the future.”

Dr Platten was active in a number of business networks regionally, he worked in construction and lectured at Leeds Beckett while helping the university to develop international links in countries like Hong Kong and Mauritius. 

He also wrote more than 45 academic papers in his field.

Vice chancellor Professor Peter Slee added: “Andrew was a very well respected senior colleague at our University with a passion for higher education, teaching, research and engagement with the construction industry. 

"All of us at Leeds Beckett University are very saddened by his death.”

West Yorkshire Police said it officers had tried to stop the silver Vauxhall Vectra after seeing the driver “acting suspiciously”.

The car “sped off and collided” with Dr Platten a short distance away, the force said. The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.