Motorcyclist with life-changing injuries campaigns for stop signs at junctions

A motorcyclist who said being hit by a van at a give way junction “changed my life” has petitioned the Government for improved road safety at junctions.

Rob Loupart, 54, a lecturer at Newtown College, was hit by a van on December 3, 2025, as it emerged from a give way junction on the B4355 at Knucklas, near Knighton, at around 8.30am. Rob suffered life-changing injuries.

“I was travelling to work as normal and proceeding towards Newtown, approaching Knucklas on my left. The sight lines are good and, as I approached at around 55mph, I could see the van heading for the give way on my left,” he said.

“He was slowing for the give way and, as I got nearer, I could see his head turned my way and he was still slowing. So I was confident he would stop at the give way, as I had right of way on the B road.

“About three bike lengths from him, he pulled out. I've done a lot of racing, and went for the throttle and the gap in front of him. If I'd braked, I would probably be dead in his van side. We collided at the bumper/wing and that punted me onto the grass verge on the other side of the road.”

He came running over and said he hadn't seen me! My left leg was bent back under me. Luckily, an ambulance was on site quickly, and the air ambulance took me to Cardiff afterwards.”

“I sustained many life-changing injuries, including a broken pelvis, femur and fibula/tibia, spending four months in hospital,” added Rob.

Rob believes changing give way signs to stop signs on minor roads leading onto A and B roads would encourage drivers to make better observations. The petition so far has gained over 500 signatures.

The Department for Transport’s data on road collisions reported to the police up to 2025, found around half of all casualties resulted from collisions occurring at or within 20 metres of a junction. It also found that most fatalities occur on rural roads, while most casualties occur on urban roads. In 2025, rural roads accounted for 60 per cent of fatalities but only 45 per cent of traffic.

Rob explained: “While spending time at home, I had some counselling to help with my depression and lack of purpose after the crash. The counsellor suggested I set goals of things I could achieve now, rather than worrying about my future.

“From that, I had the idea for the campaign. What if people stopped at junctions, instead of just giving way? Finding out that 50 per cent of all accidents happen at or within 20 metres of junctions, especially T-junctions and staggered junctions, amazed me. I couldn't believe nothing was being done.”

Rob has been unable to work since the accident and still has an external fixator on his left leg. He can only walk with the aid of crutches.

“There has been a huge cost to my family through trauma, my employer in sick pay, loss of my bike and the van driver's business, as both vehicles are still in the police pound,” he said.

“I hope to get on a motorcycle again sometime, as it was such a huge part of my life, but I'm unable to for probably another year. I will always have problems walking and with controlling my left foot through nerve damage and all the plating to my pelvis, femur and tibia.”

The petition was published on October 7 and will remain open until April 7, 2027. The Government will respond if it reaches 10,000 signatures, while reaching 100,000 signatures will mean it is considered for debate in Parliament.