The scene of Dr Ballard's accident at Dibble's Bridge. Photo: UWFRA

Police have named the cyclist who died in an accident in the Yorkshire Dales.

George Ballard, 41, of Ilkley in West Yorkshire, fell from Dibble’s Bridge near Hebden after hitting the parapet.

Dr Ballard, a consultant cardiologist at Leeds General Infirmary, fell about 15m (50ft) on to rocks beside the beck flowing under the bridge, an accident blackspot.

A spokesperson for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Dr Ballard was a very well liked member of our congenital heart team based at the LGI, popular with both staff and patients. He will be sadly missed across Leeds.”

Chief medical officer Dr Yvette Oade said: “George’s tragic and untimely death has deeply shocked his friends and colleagues at our hospitals.

George Ballard

“He was an outstanding doctor with a quick sense of humour, who will be sorely missed by staff, patients and families across Leeds and the wider region.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are very much with George’s family at this sad time. We will all miss a very special friend and colleague.”

Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association members were called out to the scene of Dr Ballard’s accident, on the B6265 between Pateley Bridge and Grassington on Sunday.

Fifteen members of the mountain rescue team attended the incident. A UWFRA spokesperson said: “The team, many of whom are active cyclists, would like to offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

In August last year, Skipton cyclist James Nelson died in an accident at Dibble’s Bridge. His body was found next to the stream under the bridge.

It was also the site of one of Britain’s worst coach disasters when 33 passengers on a vehicle from Thornaby-on-Tees left the road and plunged into a garden after its brakes failed on the steep descent from Greenhow 40 years ago.

North Yorkshire Police appealed for witnesses to the incident which happened about 8.30am. Officers said Dr Ballard was cycling from the Pateley Bridge direction before he collided with the bridge.

Anyone with information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Traffic Constable Martin Mulcaster, or email him.

Police said anyone with information should quote reference number 12150133243 when contacting them.