Close friends of David Brain, who has been named locally as the cyclist killed in a crash on Frieze Way in Kidlington, have paid their respects to the 54-year-old.

A silver VW Golf was travelling towards the A44 roundabout on Saturday (February 24) when it collided with the cyclist, riding a grey Carrera mountain bike, at about 6.40pm.

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Following news of the tragedy, tributes have been paid to Mr Brain from Marston – who is believed to have been known by the nicknames Brainy and Bird.

“David, today has turned out to be the saddest of days”, Tina Emberton said.

“I can’t believe I will never see your happy smiley face again.

“Every time I saw you were always smiling and happy. You were such a gentle soul and you will be so sadly missed."

David Brain (Image: Contributed)Ms Emberton said she spoke to Mr Brain only two weeks ago.

She added: “I am so grateful we chatted for a while. I am sitting here writing this still in shock.

“Thank you for your friendship over the years.

“Yes, you were known as Brainy and Bird but to me, you were always just David.”

Lifelong friend Deanna Ward has asked anyone who wants to leave flowers in tribute to place them on the Garden City bench in Kidlington, where he often sat.

Mr Brain was Joanne Gaskell’s first boyfriend, and she says he had a “heart of gold”.

She wrote: “Fly high Bird, you were my first boyfriend many moons ago.

“If ever I was down, you put a smile on my face. You were a pain at times but you had a heart of gold.

“You will be missed Bird. Party hard up there. You are going to have the best send-off.”

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Siobhan Mooney added: “So sad I saw you not that long ago. RIP Uncle Brainy you will be truly missed.”

Nicky, who did not disclose her surname, said: “Firstly Brainy I saw you Friday gone and for that short time it was nice to have a nice catch-up after all them years.”

Another tribute from Deborah Clark said: “Rest in peace Brainy. My condolences to your family and my cousins. He was a good mate.”

Michaela Needham wrote: “Fly high. Spread your wings. You will never be forgotten always in everyone’s heart."

Caroline Wood added: “RIP Brainy my thoughts are with your family. Fly high, David."

Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat Green Alliance, Ian Middleton said Oxfordshire County Council must “double their efforts” to ensure there are no more similar incidents.

He said: “I was saddened to hear of another cyclist fatality in my county division.

“We must redouble our efforts as a council to ensure there are no more of these tragic and avoidable incidents.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Brain.”

Councillor Ian Middleton (Image: Contributed)No arrests have been made as police launch an appeal for witnesses.

Investigating officer, PC Liam Calvert, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the cyclist's family at this very difficult time.

“We would like to speak to anyone who saw this happen or saw either of the vehicles involved prior to the incident.

"We would also ask anyone with any relevant dash-cam footage to come forward."

If you have witnessed this incident call Thames Valley Police on 101 quoting the reference number 43240088099.