A FAMILY has paid tribute to a ‘loving’ and ‘loyal’ family man who died after being hit by a car while on his bicycle.

Michael Parkington, 56, was cycling in Newchurch Road, Bacup, when the collision happened.

As he went to turn right into New Line he was in collision with a Chevrolet Kalos and was thrown from the bike.

Mr Parkington, who lived in Helmshore, was airlifted to Wythenshaw Hospital with multiple serious injuries following the crash which happened at 7pm on Wednesday. But he was pronounced dead at around 3am on Thursday.

And Mr Parkington’s family have now paid tribute to the father-of-two.

A family statement read: “Michael was a loving father to his two children, Luke and Matthew.

“He was also a loving husband to his wife Anne. He loved his family very much – no matter how far away they went he thought about them.

“He was a very kind and loyal man who had a passion for cycling, walking the family dogs and of course sitting down with a whisky at night and watching sci-fi, especially his favourite, Star Trek.

“No matter the problem he would do his best to sort it and would do anything for his family.

“His jokes will be missed – even though they were not always funny, he knew when they would cheer you up.”

The 20-year-old male driver of the car was not seriously injured.

No arrests have been made and a police spokesman said the incident is being treated as an accident.

Mr Parkington’s death has lead to calls for increased safety measures, with police and fire chiefs to meet in the coming days. The road was closed for more than three hours while Mr Parkington was treated and investigation work was carried out.

Police have issued a witness appeal.

Sgt Nigel Ralphson, of the road policing unit, said: “This was a serious incident which sadly has cost a man his life.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision to get in touch.”

Greensclough ward councillor James Eaton said: “My condolences go out to the man’s family in what is obviously an extremely sad time.”

“There are a lot of speeding motorists on that stretch of road and I would support more safety measures. There’s the park near there and there are always children walking about.”