Tribute to Sheffield cyclist Nicola Verdon killed as 'sun blinded driver'
“If drivers cannot see clearly in front of them, they have a clear obligationto slow down or stop until it is safe to proceed”
The family of a Sheffield Hallam University professor killed by a careless driver have paid tribute to a “dedicated sister, aunt, daughter, partner and friend”.
Nicola Verdon, aged 54, was cycling between the villages of Moorhouse and Ossington in Nottinghamshire on Sunday, December 29, 2024 when she was hit from behind by a car.
Nicola was a professor of British rural history and president of the British Agricultural History Society.
She most recently worked at Sheffield Hallam University, following lecturing roles in Leicester, Harlaxton College and the University of Sussex.
Her research into agricultural labour is described as “groundbreaking”, and mentored many researchers who went on to successful positions.
In 2010, she worked with New London Theatre's production of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse.
Much of the first act of the play is set on a farm in Devon in the early twentieth century, and Nicola has worked with actors, conducting workshops on the history of rural England before 1914.
Her family added in a statement: “Nicola grew up in the countryside of Nottinghamshire – Norwell, Sutton and Normanton – and she loved returning there to stay with her parents, walk the fields and enjoy the pubs, as she did at Christmas 2024.
“Nicola was unpretentious, friendly and gregarious, always taking time to talk with anyone about pretty much anything. She was a dedicated sister, aunt, daughter, partner, friend and dog walker, who has left us many joyful memories but has passed from us far too soon.”
Peter Hopkinson, 88, later pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. He explained that his vision had been impaired by the low winter sun and that he had not seen Nicola before hitting her.
Hopkinson, of Moorhouse, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on May 7 and was given an eight-month jail sentence, suspended for two years. He was also banned from driving.
Detective Constable Emma Temple, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a tragic and entirely avoidable death that I hope sends a clear warning to all drivers.
“Low winter sunshine is a known hazard, particularly when combined with dirty or icy windscreens.
“If drivers cannot see clearly in front of them, they have a clear obligation under the Highway Code to slow down or stop until it is safe to proceed.
“The decision of the driver in this case to carry on regardless led directly to the death of a remarkable and much-loved woman who will be sorely missed by all who knew her.”