Center Parcs has announced enhanced measures to promote helmet use among staff following the death of a housekeeping supervisor in a workplace accident three years ago. Penny Bulpitt, 67, was struck by an electric maintenance buggy while riding a work bicycle at the company's Woburn Forest resort near Ampthill in Bedfordshire on 22 September 2023, and died in hospital the following day.
An inquest into her death concluded earlier this week, with the coroner indicating she may issue recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents. Center Parcs representatives told the court that the company has already strengthened staff training and is considering increasing the frequency of helmet safety instruction.
What happened during the collision?
Bulpitt was riding an orange Center Parcs work bicycle with a trailer alongside a row of accommodation lodges where her housekeeping team operated. The road where the accident occurred is known informally among staff as "Penny Lane," named after the 1967 Beatles song.
John Davies, 64, was driving the electric buggy at approximately 9 miles per hour (14.5 kilometres per hour) when he turned left at a junction. In his statement to the court, Davies described the moment of impact:
"As I completed the left turn, I suddenly saw a woman on a bicycle in front of my buggy. I was too close to her to have time to take evasive action, by braking or turning."
According to witness testimony heard at the inquest, a bin lorry driver observed Bulpitt "fly in the air" following the collision, despite the buggy's relatively low speed. Davies stated he was "devastated" by the incident.
Was the driver held responsible?
Davies was cleared of causing death by careless driving by a judge at Luton Crown Court. In February 2026, the judge directed the jury to find Davies not guilty after a collision expert testified that he could not confirm all careful and competent drivers would have seen Bulpitt in time to avoid the collision.
What safety measures is Center Parcs implementing?
Barrister Laura Stephenson, representing Center Parcs, told the coroner's court in Ampthill that the company has taken steps to strengthen staff training and resources. She stated:
"Steps have been taken by Center Parcs to ensure staff have the proper training and resources. Consideration on increasing the frequency of training to staff about helmet wear [is being given]."
Stephenson added that video training materials are being reviewed to reinforce the importance of wearing helmets. The company said it remains open to further suggestions for improving workplace safety.
Bulpitt had worked at the holiday village for approximately eight years and was described by managers as "very popular." A manager told the inquest that she had received training and was aware of the company's strong recommendation to wear helmets.
What was the helmet situation before the accident?
Center Parcs had "strongly recommended" that staff wear helmets and stated that "ample" helmets were available for staff to borrow. However, the inquest heard that staff helmets were shared rather than individually issued, and were not always worn. Bulpitt was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
While wearing a helmet is not a legal requirement under UK law, it is strongly encouraged by The Highway Code. Center Parcs also encourages its guests to wear helmets when cycling on the resort.
What did the coroner conclude?
Coroner Bina Patel recorded a narrative conclusion at the inquest. She indicated that she would consider making recommendations at a later date with the aim of preventing similar deaths in the future. The narrative conclusion allows the coroner to set out the facts of the case without attributing blame to any individual.
Key Facts
- Penny Bulpitt, a 67-year-old housekeeping supervisor, died after being struck by an electric buggy travelling at 9 mph on 22 September 2023
- The buggy driver was cleared of causing death by careless driving in February 2026 after an expert said he could not have seen Bulpitt in time
- Bulpitt was not wearing a helmet, though Center Parcs had strongly recommended helmet use and provided shared helmets for staff
- Center Parcs has committed to strengthening helmet safety training and is considering increasing the frequency of such instruction
- The coroner may issue recommendations aimed at preventing similar workplace incidents
