Five cyclists die in five days

[scissorhands]

Tamaki Drive again and cagers killing bikers. You got to be nuts to ride bicycles on NZ roads.

from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10688406

Five cyclists have died as a result of crashes on New Zealand roads in the last five days, following the death this morning of a cyclist critically injured on Saturday in Morrinsville.

Kay Heather Wolfe, 45, was one of 10 cyclists from the Morrinsville Wheelers Cycling Club travelling in a group along the Morrinsville-Walton Rd when a car driven by a 23-year-old woman crossed the centreline on a corner and crashed into the group.

Fellow cyclists Mark Andrew Ferguson, 46, and Wilhelm Muller, 71, died at the scene while Ms Wolfe was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance in a critical condition.

A fourth cyclist suffered minor injuries and the driver was also taken to hospital for treatment.

On Saturday, Patricia Anne Veronica Fraser, 34, from Longburn, near Palmerston North, was killed while out training on State Highway Three in the Manawatu for the Lake Taupo cycle race.

Last night, another cyclist - 27-year-old Jane Mary Bishop, a UK citizen working temporarily in New Zealand - also died after being hit by a truck on Tamaki Drive along Auckland's waterfront.

Emergency services closed part of Tamaki Drive and worked frantically to save the cyclist after she was trapped under a Henderson Rentals truck about 6.30pm.

The accident happened on the corner near Kelly Tarlton's marine tourist attraction.

Police said Ms Bishop took evasive action to avoid a motorist who opened a car door and fell under the truck, which was travelling in the same direction, towards Mission Bay.

A witness who was jogging said Ms Bishop was pinned under the truck's rear wheels.

"The driver brought a jack to try to jack the truck up, but he couldn't - it wasn't big enough," the man said.

"So the firefighters got their airbags and lifted the truck up. But she was in a bad way."

The witness said the firefighters gave Ms Bishop CPR to keep her alive until an ambulance arrived.

Police later urged motorists to check for cyclists when opening doors or pulling out of parking spaces.

A St John Ambulance official said Ms Bishop had died by the time paramedics arrived.

A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Steven Joyce yesterday said the minister was very concerned about the recent spate of fatal road accidents, including those involving cyclists.

"As the details of those accidents become known, he will be reviewing them with transport officials for any common elements and to see if any changes in regulations could help," she said.

Chief Coroner Neil MacLean said last night there were plans to group a spate of cyclists' deaths together in one inquest.

He believed about 12 cycling deaths had been caused by collisions with vehicles.

Judge MacLean said the purpose of the inquest would be see if a pattern emerged and "what could be done to cut down the death toll".

Auckland regional transport officials regard Tamaki Drive as the city's the most dangerous stretch of road for cyclists.

Last night's accident was between the Kitemoana St and Atkin Ave intersections with Tamaki Drive, which were last year identified as black spots for cycling crashes in Auckland.

In 2008 and 2009, there were 24 crashes in that stretch near Bastion Pt involving cyclists, including six that caused serious injuries.

Cycle Action Auckland spokeswoman Barbara Cuthbert said cyclists would be devastated by the news.

"This is a ghastly toll for such a short time."

She welcomed the Chief Coroner's plan to investigate the common factors in the deaths.

"We have to have that big-picture analysis. In this case, we are dealing with a congested road where parked cars are a luxury that we can't afford to have."

In September last year, four cyclists were injured on Tamaki Drive when they were run over by a female motorist.

One of the cyclists, engineer Greg Paterson, was left with skull fractures, brain injuries and paralysis to the left side of his body.

In November, a man aged in his late 20s was injured by a car which came out of the Ngapipi Rd-Tamaki Drive intersection and reportedly hit him in the cycle lane.

The Auckland City Council allocated $455,000 for improving safety on the busy scenic route, with measures including extending on-road cycle lanes and improving signs.

- Additional reporting: Isaac Davison, Andrew Koubaridis, NZ Herald Staff
By Amelia Wade and Paul Harper | Email Amelia

[mashman]

that is a lot of cyclists... RIP to the fallen... hope the new measures TPTB come up with do the trick

[Bald Eagle]

RIP to all of the poor cyclists.
Once again car/truck drivers killing anyone with less wheels than them.

[James Deuce]

The woman who died yesterday was a victim of her own mistake. She swerved to avoid a car door opening, into the path of a truck.

It's always easy to blame other road users, but the unpalatable truth is that more often than not, people die as a result of their own mistakes.

[Mully]

Terrible news.

Hmm, cyclists being killed and injured on the roads. Better hike their ACC levies.

Oh, wait.

Actually, doesn't Tamaki Drive have a shared footpath/cyclepath along it?

[duckonin]

The woman who died yesterday was a victim of her own mistake. She swerved to avoid a car door opening, into the path of a truck.

It's always easy to blame other road users, but the unpalatable truth is that more often than not, people die as a result of their own mistakes.

Yes she swerved but it sounds like the truck was up her arse as she ended up under the rear wheels of truck,..and again sounds like the arrogant truck driver never gave her any room at all :facepalm:..'Prize cunt' he would be:yes:

The unpalatable truth is other road users are ignorant cunts, it is a me me me attitude on the road.....:angry:

[marty]

Terrible news.

Hmm, cyclists being killed and injured on the roads. Better hike their ACC levies.

Oh, wait.

Actually, doesn't Tamaki Drive have a shared footpath/cyclepath along it?

it does, but it's too rough and uneven for road bikes - it's OK for MTBs or soft roaders though. And runners with iPods make it pretty dangerous as they can't hear you coming. I always take my MTB to Akl when I stay up there - the road is just too fucking dangerous.

[Paul in NZ]

To me the worry is that 5 cyclists die and there are calls to instigate 10year reviews of drivers abilities (ie you resit your license every 10 years)

The implication being its poor drivers at fault rather than the cyclists...

With motorcyclists - its our fault we are getting injured and killed so we have to pay for training and extra ACC...

Um.....

[Blackshear]

While I do respect the deaths of them, I'm somewhat unsurprised.
At most points the roads are narrow with parked cars on either sides around reasonably tight and blind corners, couple that with pedestrians trying to cross the road and other cyclists using the cycling lanes on the footpath, they tend to really blend in the with scenery. 9/10 cyclists you pass are pretty clued on and respectful of their place on the road, but too often you come up to some tosser in the middle, barely in a straight line and isn't looking at shit in front of him. He'll, I've even seen a cyclist carry his merry inertia through a pedestrian crossing without looking and collected two poor little kids.
Yes, mr.cyclist, you have to obey the road rules when on the road.

I agree the cyclist lanes are absolutely no place for the pace a roadie cruises at, but goddamnit you know the risk of riding on the road as much as the next guy.

[Grubber]

The woman who died yesterday was a victim of her own mistake. She swerved to avoid a car door opening, into the path of a truck.

It's always easy to blame other road users, but the unpalatable truth is that more often than not, people die as a result of their own mistakes.

Here we go again. Assumption is the Mother of all cockups. Car driver opening door is at fault, as you are suppose to make sure the path is clear before you open the door. Simple as that really.

Yes she swerved but it sounds like the truck was up her arse as she ended up under the rear wheels of truck,..and again sounds like the arrogant truck driver never gave her any room at all :facepalm:..'Prize cunt' he would be:yes:

The unpalatable truth is other road users are ignorant cunts, it is a me me me attitude on the road.....:angry:

Arrogant truck driver huh! I guess you were there then were you??
Truck happened to be just behind and to the right of cyclist until she had to take evasive action when car door opened, forcing her into the path of the truck. FACT!

[James Deuce]

Here we go again. Assumption is the Mother of all cockups. Car driver opening door is at fault, as you are suppose to make sure the path is clear before you open the door. Simple as that really.


Fault is no solace when you're dead. I'm totally sick of hearing the same argument from motorcyclists.

It doesn't matter who is at fault. Aren't you also supposed to be able to stop in half the visible distance ahead? I'm not suggesting that she is to "blame", I suggesting that she ran out of skill and made an error of judgement, which many, many motorcyclists also manage to do. Including me.

[Luckylegs]

...forcing her into the path of the truck. FACT!

No-one forced anything, there were two options.... FACT!

[rickstv]

No-one forced anything, there were two options.... FACT!

I think the main FACT here is that New Zealand roads are not designed with cyclists in mind. Like it or not, cyclists MUST take this into consideration every time they ride.
Rick.

[Grubber]

Fault is no solace when you're dead. I'm totally sick of hearing the same argument from motorcyclists.

It doesn't matter who is at fault. Aren't you also supposed to be able to stop in half the visible distance ahead? I'm not suggesting that she is to "blame", I suggesting that she ran out of skill and made an error of judgement, which many, many motorcyclists also manage to do. Including me.

Very true for the most part.
One exception would be, if the car door opens at the very point your right there, your options become extremely limited. You either hit the door with the knowledge there will be a heavy impact, or you swerve around said door. In this case the split second decision was the wrong one. I don't think she had too much time to do anything that was going to save herself really. This is how these things happen sometimes.
I would say the truck (to which she would have been to the left of) would have had plenty of clear distance ahead, until she swerved out to avoid the car door.

[Grubber]

No-one forced anything, there were two options.... FACT!

Exactly right! 1st being that shen collided with the car door then got flung onto the road under the truck or, 2nd she swerved to miss the door and ran into the truck.
Would love to see you try to stay alive under those circumstances!
She in FACT, was forced to make 1 of 2 really shit decisions.

[ellipsis]

....something happened along those lines down here.... in the 80s i think....wanker who opened the car door was dealt to by the law in a big way.....bikes creeping around on streets are not new and are part of the deal....prick who opened car door without looking deserves the heavy hand....

[Bass]

The woman who died yesterday was a victim of her own mistake. She swerved to avoid a car door opening, into the path of a truck.

It's always easy to blame other road users, but the unpalatable truth is that more often than not, people die as a result of their own mistakes.

Some years ago, the same thing happened in Christchurch. The guy who swung the car door open into the cyclists path was initially charged with manslaughter but the charge was eventually reduced to dangerous use of a motor vehicle causing death. I think in that case that the cyclist actually hit the door and bounced out under a passing car.
I personally think the charges were appropriate as I don't see a difference between this and driving out into traffic.

[danchop]

truckie followed her around the corner cause its very narrow and with a concrete barrier in the centre of the road so he couldnt overtake her,when then the barrier finished he veered right to overtake,this is when she encountered the opening door.car door opener should hold some blame but the poor girl could be still alive if she knew a large truck was behind her wanting to get past,wearing an ipod meant she was oblivious to the truck behind her

[Pascal]

wearing an ipod meant she was oblivious to the truck behind her

I don't get that. I see pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and even know a few bikers that keep those white little earbuds plugged into their ears and the volume turned up.

How can you operate a vehicle when you can't hear any approaching hazard? You've effectively cut out or plugged up one of two (three?) senses that help you operate the vehicle with your own bloody safety in mind!

[Bald Eagle]

Agree IMHO ipod + moving road transport = disaster waiting to happen

[Grubber]

I don't get that. I see pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and even know a few bikers that keep those white little earbuds plugged into their ears and the volume turned up.

How can you operate a vehicle when you can't hear any approaching hazard? You've effectively cut out or plugged up one of two (three?) senses that help you operate the vehicle with your own bloody safety in mind!


Agree IMHO ipod + moving road transport = disaster waiting to happen

I agree. It's not something i would be doing, but all the same, i figure if she thought she had the right of way past the car (with door closed) then she probably had very little to worry about until that said door opened unexpectedly.

[yungatart]

Very true for the most part.
One exception would be, if the car door opens at the very point your right there, your options become extremely limited. You either hit the door with the knowledge there will be a heavy impact, or you swerve around said door. In this case the split second decision was the wrong one. I don't think she had too much time to do anything that was going to save herself really. This is how these things happen sometimes.
I would say the truck (to which she would have been to the left of) would have had plenty of clear distance ahead, until she swerved out to avoid the car door.


Exactly right! 1st being that shen collided with the car door then got flung onto the road under the truck or, 2nd she swerved to miss the door and ran into the truck.
Would love to see you try to stay alive under those circumstances!
She in FACT, was forced to make 1 of 2 really shit decisions.

Two words...hazard awareness!

Cyclists surely need to develop this skill, as do motorcyclists, if they are to stay alive out there.

If I see a car parked on the side of the road with a person in it, I automatically assume they are either a) going to pull out without seeing me or b)get out, again, without seeing me.

Spidey sense!
Tragic, yes.
Unavoidable, probably not.

[Smifffy]

Agreed. The best bit is if you time it right you can nail the fecker to their door as they begin to get out, whilst being prepared for the impact. You don't have to hit em very hard, and they''ll remember to look before moving for at least a couple of days after that.

:innocent:


Two words...hazard awareness!

Cyclists surely need to develop this skill, as do motorcyclists, if they are to stay alive out there.

If I see a car parked on the side of the road with a person in it, I automatically assume they are either a) going to pull out without seeing me or b)get out, again, without seeing me.

Spidey sense!
Tragic, yes.
Unavoidable, probably not.

[Hoon]

Aren't you also supposed to be able to stop in half the visible distance ahead? I'm not suggesting that she is to "blame", I suggesting that she ran out of skill and made an error of judgement, which many, many motorcyclists also manage to do. Including me.
Yes but when a threat suddenly appears within that half visible distance then you are forced to take evasive action. This has nothing to do with skill or judgement.

Or are you advocating that bikers and cyclists should never swerve for fear of falling under a truck?

When faced with such a situation most of us will swerve. 99% of the time it is the best option, we will get away with it, swerve into empty space and carry on our merry way. This was just a case of someones number coming up not just once but twice in succession and in cases of extremely bad luck like this there is little anyone could've done.

[george formby]

The timing of these tragedy's coincides with a recently released Road Safety report, from Sweden, I think, which plainly stated that cycling on a public highway will never be safe. I only read a comment about it in the Herald so my info is scant. Makes sense though, large, hard, fast moving vehicles & soft, slow, difficult to see cyclists on the same bit of road is dangerous. A cyclists vulnerability is greater than ours, they are totally dictated too by traffic & road conditions. In heavy traffic with a lot of distractions a cyclist is very hard to spot.
Without dedicated cycle lanes everywhere the only real hope of making things safer lies, again, with education for motorists & cyclists. Motorcyclists are trained to be aware of potential hazards & to observe closely what is happening around us. In their own interests cyclists need to adopt the same strategies & be proactive about getting the message out.
The fallibility & behaviour of drivers will not change with legislation & education can only have a limited effect if it is a one off test rather than ongoing over a number of years.
A lot of the skills we use apply to cyclists too, how many here would have alarm bells ringing seeing a person sat in their car on Tamaki drive & anticipate what could happen next? That little bit of knowledge could have saved a life.
Blame is irrelevant in the aftermath.
The physics will not change so all road users attitudes must if safety is to improve.

From another slant, we are financially penalised for our vulnerability in an accident yet in the case of cyclists it's the car drivers that get clattered in court. Whats the difference apart from revenue?

[Luckylegs]

...Or are you advocating that bikers and cyclists should never swerve for fear of falling under a truck?

...When faced with such a situation most of us will swerve. 99%

Not if you know there's a truck up your date or right next to you

[Str8 Jacket]

To me the worry is that 5 cyclists die and there are calls to instigate 10year reviews of drivers abilities (ie you resit your license every 10 years)

The implication being its poor drivers at fault rather than the cyclists...

With motorcyclists - its our fault we are getting injured and killed so we have to pay for training and extra ACC...

Um.....

Hell yeah, I was just having this same conversation with a workmate today. Also that they record these type off accidents as car vs bike but motorcycle accidents like when I was rear ended at the lights are recorded as motorcycle accidents.


Fault is no solace when you're dead. I'm totally sick of hearing the same argument from motorcyclists.

It doesn't matter who is at fault. Aren't you also supposed to be able to stop in half the visible distance ahead? I'm not suggesting that she is to "blame", I suggesting that she ran out of skill and made an error of judgement, which many, many motorcyclists also manage to do. Including me.

Bang on IMO. Every road user is at risk of seriously hurting or killing themselves or someone else because of one moment. I often think people should be made to ride scooters for 6 months before obtaining any type of licence so that they can learn first hand what inattention or lazy driving/riding can cause. Who know's maybe we'd only have half the amount of road users....

[Grubber]

Two words...hazard awareness!

Cyclists surely need to develop this skill, as do motorcyclists, if they are to stay alive out there.

If I see a car parked on the side of the road with a person in it, I automatically assume they are either a) going to pull out without seeing me or b)get out, again, without seeing me.

Spidey sense!
Tragic, yes.
Unavoidable, probably not.

As do i. But it don't always work. As it didn't in this case. One can be aware and be somewhat careful, but it doesn't always mean it will be perfect. Some hazards just come at you from nowhere.

[Grubber]

Not if you know there's a truck up your date or right next to you

you can be aware of that truck all you like, it still doesn't stop the dick from opening the door.
Jeez mate, your obviously so damn perfect! You should live till your 100 at this rate.

[slofox]

On RNZ's Nine to Noon program yesterday, a couple of cycling advocates were interviewed. One of them suggested that the speed limit on "most" open roads should be dropped to 80km/hr to protect cyclists. He seemed to think the 100km/hr could stay on motorways (where cyclists are not allowed anyway).

Apart from the difficulty of implementation, I doubt that being hit at 80km/hr is going to be any less damaging to cyclists than being hit at 100km/hr - they'd both hurt - probably fatally as well. There may be some small gain in that there is more time to react at 80km/hr than 100km/hr but overall I doubt that it would help much. It certainly would not help in urban settings where events such as that on Tamaki Drive occur.

I agree with those who mention hazard awareness. This I think is even more important for the more vulnerable cyclist. Most of them are clad in flimsy stuff that does not measure up to the level of protection of armoured leathers for instance.

To a large extent, cyclists and motorcyclists share similar risks and should adopt similar risk management strategies. Which should include greater awareness on the part of motorists - many of whom seem reluctant to share the road with anyone else, no matter what they are driving.

[steve_t]

If I see a car parked on the side of the road with a person in it, I automatically assume they are either a) going to pull out without seeing me or b)get out, again, without seeing me.

Same here.

I remember back when I was down in Dunedin, a guy opened his car door on a cyclist who hit the door and flipped over it but into the lane and got run over by a truck. So, swerving or not swerving, the combination of a car door being opened on a cyclist and a large vehicle being behind/beside you isn't a good one.

I guess the good weather has brought our many more cyclists and bikers and over the winter, the general public hasn't had to be as vigilant in their observational skills. That's also a bad combination

[Grubber]

I'm all for this hazard awareness and all that it entails. The thing is, we don't always have a split second reaction time to be able to avoid these hazards all the time.
sometimes things like this happen so quick and so close to us, we have little or no time to do bugger all about them. this is how accidents occur.
for all you guys going on about how easy this could have been avoided etc through being aware, i think you must all be superhuman in some ways as to think that is all it takes to stay alive out there. While you all sit back in your armchairs with your beer in your hand, it all becomes very easy to pass these comments, cause your not the one who copped it,where as in reality it just isn't that simple.

[MSTRS]

Hear what you are saying. But drowning out your hearing with an i-pod isn't a smart move, either...

[Str8 Jacket]

I'm all for this hazard awareness and all that it entails. The thing is, we don't always have a split second reaction time to be able to avoid these hazards all the time.


You are also absolutely correct. We take our own lives in our hands when we use the roads. Sometimes people die, so could you or I. The only way to have a chance is to be aware of the dangers and ride accordingly.

[Hoon]

I've been motorcycling for 20 years however I've recently taken up road cycling for the last 4 months. Road cycling is far more dangerous so the typical road cyclist is actually far more astute with road safety than your average biker, just like a biker is more safety aware than a car driver. If bikers are the scum of road users then road cyclists are the scum of the scum. We may consider ourselves experts on road safety but the reality is road cyclists are probably better.


A lot of the skills we use apply to cyclists too, how many here would have alarm bells ringing seeing a person sat in their car on Tamaki drive & anticipate what could happen next? That little bit of knowledge could have saved a life.
OK so who says alarm bells didn't ring? When faced with such a situation we have 3 options:


Slow down (maybe to a stop) until you have confirmed the door is not going to open?
Take an extra wide berth
Be prepared to swerve if necessary
As a motorcylist (2) is the best option but as a cyclist lane hogging isn't popular with other road users so the reality is that (3) is the most common choice, especially along Tamaki drive. This is the option I usually choose also (well a combination of 2 & 3 really), however after today I will be taking the extra wide berth. Fuck all the rest of the road users they can bitch all they want!

[James Deuce]

Or are you advocating that bikers and cyclists should never swerve for fear of falling under a truck?



Not at all. I'm suggesting that the swerve wouldn't have been necessary if some common sense had been employed - just like 90% of motorcycle accidents. It isn't uncool stop for "no reason". Training ride, motorcycle hoon, scenic cycle, none of these things are worth dying for.

Your above comment suggest a lack of the correct attitude for long and fun cycling hobby.

[yungatart]

I'm all for this hazard awareness and all that it entails. The thing is, we don't always have a split second reaction time to be able to avoid these hazards all the time.

See that is the thing with hazard awareness...it shouldn't need a split second reaction, you should have become aware of the hazard long before and adjusted to it accordingly in plenty of time.


12 seconds ahead, not 2 seconds....

[MSTRS]

See that is the thing with hazard awareness...it shouldn't need a split second reaction, you should have become aware of the hazard long before and adjusted to it accordingly in plenty of time.


12 seconds ahead, not 2 seconds....

To be fair, it is the things that you didn't see that are likely to get you. They can come out of 'nowhere'...
How many/often depends on how good your hazard awareness skills are.

[Grubber]

See that is the thing with hazard awareness...it shouldn't need a split second reaction, you should have become aware of the hazard long before and adjusted to it accordingly in plenty of time.


12 seconds ahead, not 2 seconds....

And your so perfect you can guarantee that every time. Shit your good!
Point is, that each and every hazard ahead of you doesn't have any particular time schedule as to when it may or may not happen. If you could have a full proof plan that you will always have that 12 secs then good luck to ya. I'm not going to rely on that one happening. Shit you guys are all so good, sitting in your lounge bangin on the keyboard. I just hope your all as good as you think you are and don't end up dead one day for reasons that you couldn't avoid.
I would love to see what you would do the day a stray sheep shot out in front of you. Ya wouldn't see that one comin. Oh unless you always ride at 50kph out on those country roads of coarse, seeing as you would be aware of all hazards etc.
If i was to have 12 secs up my sleeve i would have been about 1/2 a k behind everything.

[JimO]

i see cyclists every day, riding through red lights, swerving from lane to lane, NOT riding in cyclelanes, riding in groups at least 3 abreast, holding up traffic, generally having no regard for the road rules, i had one cut in front of me today causing me to take evasive action then he gave me the finger for tootling the melodious horn at him, chances are fairly high my 2 ton hilux v his 90 odd kgs i would have come off best and the headlines on the news tonight would be "another cyclist run down today" While its a tragedy that people die whilst out cycling it isnt always the other guys fault

[george formby]

I've been motorcycling for 20 years however I've recently taken up road cycling for the last 4 months. Road cycling is far more dangerous so the typical road cyclist is actually far more astute with road safety than your average biker, just like a biker is more safety aware than a car driver. If bikers are the scum of road users then road cyclists are the scum of the scum. We may consider ourselves experts on road safety but the reality is road cyclists are probably better.


OK so who says alarm bells didn't ring? When faced with such a situation we have 3 options:


Slow down (maybe to a stop) until you have confirmed the door is not going to open?
Take an extra wide berth
Be prepared to swerve if necessary
As a motorcylist (2) is the best option but as a cyclist lane hogging isn't popular with other road users so the reality is that (3) is the most common choice, especially along Tamaki drive. This is the option I usually choose also (well a combination of 2 & 3 really), however after today I will be taking the extra wide berth. Fuck all the rest of the road users they can bitch all they want!

Got mirrors, indicators & a Stebel on ur push bike? No offence intended but you have just highlighted the very limited options cyclists have in traffic & make sure you do a lifesaver as you move into traffic.

[duckonin]

Here we go again. Assumption is the Mother of all cockups. Car driver opening door is at fault, as you are suppose to make sure the path is clear before you open the door. Simple as that really.


Arrogant truck driver huh! I guess you were there then were you??
Truck happened to be just behind and to the right of cyclist until she had to take evasive action when car door opened, forcing her into the path of the truck. FACT!

Yes I shall say it again just 4 u..Arrogant truck driver like most of the pricks that drive fucken TRUCKS....Your guess was wrong I was not there !!! but it is a well educated guess the truck driver was fucken arrogant and gave her no room to move she swerved, he hit her, what happened to the 1/1/2 meters clearance?..:facepalm:

[JimO]

Yes I shall say it again just 4 u..Arrogant truck driver like most of the pricks that drive fucken TRUCKS....Your guess was wrong I was not there !!! but it is a well educated guess the truck driver was fucken arrogant and gave her no room to move she swerved, he hit her, what happened to the 1/1/2 meters clearance?..:facepalm:

i think you will find that she swerved and hit HIM, like i said in a previous post it isnt always the other guys fault

[Pascal]

you can be aware of that truck all you like, it still doesn't stop the dick from opening the door.

Yeah, but if you know the truck is there which would you choose? Smacking into the door or swerving under the truck?

Both are shit choices, but if you know what's happening around you it's easier picking the best of the worst.

It comes down to one simple thing. No matter what you drive / ride; stay aware of what is around you and what your potential hazards are. Not knowing what's around you because you're

(a) involved with your iPod
(b) scoffing a pie
(c) chatting on your mobile to advise the person you're 3 minutes away
(d) otherwise distracted

is just increasing the odds against you being able to make the right choice.

[Pascal]

Yes I shall say it again just 4 u..Arrogant truck driver like most of the pricks that drive fucken TRUCKS....

Wasn't it a rental truck? The type of thing you might rent when just moving house, etc. So might not even be a regular truckie.

[mrchips]

Saw this @ one news tonight.

Reporter standing on location showing us how dangerous & vulnerable cyclists are on that stretch of road.

In the background a couple of respectfull motorcyclists go past & then mr scooter wizzes past & proceeds to undertake / cut up a few cars while his t-shirt flaps about in the breeze.

Please explain to me again why i pay big ACC ...

[Scuba_Steve]

Saw this @ one news tonight.

Reporter standing on location showing us how dangerous & vulnerable cyclists are on that stretch of road.

In the background a couple of respectfull motorcyclists go past & then mr scooter wizzes past & proceeds to undertake / cut up a few cars while his t-shirt flaps about in the breeze.

Please explain to me again why i pay big ACC ...

because mr scooter is a car driver & not a "minority"

[Dave Lobster]

Please explain to me again why i pay big ACC ...

Because you're easy to catch if you don't.

[oldrider]

The unpalatable truth is other road users are ignorant cunts, it is a me me me attitude on the road.....:angry:

Not just on the roads, it's prevalent all over the country in every facet of life! :sick:

What ever happened to the New Zealand I grew up in? :facepalm:

[AllanB]

I'll start by saying that it is a tragedy that the cyclists have been killed.


However ..............

Living in Christchurch I am surprised that 4 so called 'pro' cyclists are not killed a week. Lets just say that adults old enough to know better get home from work, step out of their cars, dress in lyrica and jump on a push bike, then meet their mates and ride like fucking fools. Hmmm just had a thought - reminds me of some group motorcycle rides I've been on :facepalm:

[chanceyy]

I've recently taken up road cycling for the last 4 months. Road cycling is far more dangerous so the typical road cyclist is actually far more astute with road safety than your average biker, just like a biker is more safety aware than a car driver. If bikers are the scum of road users then road cyclists are the scum of the scum. We may consider ourselves experts on road safety but the reality is road cyclists are probably better.



I am also new to road riding, started Jan this yr, I also live on a main highway with a good road verge that means I can get off to the side of the road so as not to impede the traffic .. last week the spidey sense stood me in good stead as I was "buzzed" by a blardy huge truck.

No crap I could have reached out & touched this truck, his wheels were over the white line in my space, sensed he was there & did not look behind me, focus straight ahead & locked the arms to keep the bike straight.

its not the first time and prob not the last, however I ride to road rules, we ride in single file where the roads do not support riding 2 abreast. we also try to stay off the main roads during high traffic volumes (after work)

rightly or wrongly most of the cyle deaths this week have been due to other ppl making bad decisions with their vehicles! And I must admit its crossed my mind serveral times that I could easily be hit from behind .. regardless of speed the outcome would not be good

[pete376403]

The dedicated cycleway (reconstructed some time ago at great expense) between Petone and Wellington is almost never used by cyclists, seems they prefer to take their chances between the wire rope barrier and the left lane of traffic. I'm sure they have their reasons.

[Max Preload]

5 cyclists you say? See! Not all news is bad!

[Smifffy]

In my limited experience, when there is a truck driver involved in a prang.

1. The trucker is likely to be at least partially to blame
2. The trucker is a cnut.

Although I must say lately I have found many of the larger rig drivers around have been much more courteous than they were a year or two ago. I wonder if all of the get rich quick cnuts have lost their rigs in finance company collapses.

[Berries]

What ever happened to the New Zealand I grew up in? :facepalm:
Captain Cook.


I am also new to road riding, started Jan this yr, I also live on a main highway with a good road verge that means I can get off to the side of the road so as not to impede the traffic .. last week the spidey sense stood me in good stead as I was "buzzed" by a blardy huge truck.
I have to ask, why ride on the road ? You obviously know it is dangerous. Why put yourself in such a perilous position ? If it is for fitness then are there are loads of other options, if it is for the fresh air there are a load of options, if it is for fresh air while pedalling you could go off road where there are no vehicles. I am all for equal rights on the road, but cyclists are so slow and vulnerable I don't know why they do it, commuting excepted.

[ellipsis]

....not wanting to sound callous at all here but....its a sequence of events that just happened to coincide at that point...car door...distraction/brain dead moment,,,cyclist, thinnest profile on the road appearing from behind the tail-light...man at work, 50th cyclist he's passed that day....we are all going in the same direction....just luck that gets us there...or fickle fate...makes racing motorcycles seem like a completely regulated and safe option...

[gammaguy]

over here in Singapore,the streets are often narrower and more cramped than in NZ BUT the cyclists can ride on the footpath.

The speed differential is less(between them and pedestrians)and it is compulsory for the cyclists to use their bell when approaching pedestrians.

Guess what?cyclists rarely get hit by anyone,instead we just get pedestrians complaining about them instead.....

some cyclists still use the roads,but drivers here are on the whole more tolerant than impatient and selfish Kiwis.

Its an attitude change thats needed all round IMO

[Grubber]

....not wanting to sound callous at all here but....its a sequence of events that just happened to coincide at that point...car door...distraction/brain dead moment,,,cyclist, thinnest profile on the road appearing from behind the tail-light...man at work, 50th cyclist he's passed that day....we are all going in the same direction....just luck that gets us there...or fickle fate...makes racing motorcycles seem like a completely regulated and safe option...

My point exactly. Not something we can automatically avoid. Shit just happens.


In my limited experience, when there is a truck driver involved in a prang.

1. The trucker is likely to be at least partially to blame
2. The trucker is a cnut.

Although I must say lately I have found many of the larger rig drivers around have been much more courteous than they were a year or two ago. I wonder if all of the get rich quick cnuts have lost their rigs in finance company collapses.

In my experience, YOU need more experience. I have been in the industry for 30 years and it has been my experience that car drivers are our worst enemy in most cases. Perhaps enemy is a bit strong, but the point is that unless you have spent some considerable time in trucks you won't understand how difficult it is to keep out of trouble with them. Car drivers don't seem to understand that it's not desirable to park up the date of one for instance, things like that basically, can make life very difficult in a truck.

You are also absolutely correct. We take our own lives in our hands when we use the roads. Sometimes people die, so could you or I. The only way to have a chance is to be aware of the dangers and ride accordingly.

Another one who gets it. No point in jumping up and down here throwing blame on the very people who either suffered through death or innocent involvement.

To be fair, it is the things that you didn't see that are likely to get you. They can come out of 'nowhere'...
How many/often depends on how good your hazard awareness skills are.


Yes I shall say it again just 4 u..Arrogant truck driver like most of the pricks that drive fucken TRUCKS....Your guess was wrong I was not there !!! but it is a well educated guess the truck driver was fucken arrogant and gave her no room to move she swerved, he hit her, what happened to the 1/1/2 meters clearance?..:facepalm:

Me thinks you have a chilhood problem with truckies. Did you catch your Mother taking one up the back passage by some big burly bloke wearing a fluoro jacket at the same time as noticing a truck parked outside your house or something. Would you like to talk about it perhaps and see if we can make it all better for you.
Yur a dick. Read my lips sonny. THE TRUCK HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THE DOOR WAS OPENED BY A CAR DRIVER! Jeez.:facepalm:

i think you will find that she swerved and hit HIM, like i said in a previous post it isnt always the other guys fault

There ya go Duckshovin. She hit the truck! Phew, glad thats all sorted now.:angry:


Yeah, but if you know the truck is there which would you choose? Smacking into the door or swerving under the truck?

Both are shit choices, but if you know what's happening around you it's easier picking the best of the worst.

It comes down to one simple thing. No matter what you drive / ride; stay aware of what is around you and what your potential hazards are. Not knowing what's around you because you're

(a) involved with your iPod
(b) scoffing a pie
(c) chatting on your mobile to advise the person you're 3 minutes away
(d) otherwise distracted

is just increasing the odds against you being able to make the right choice.

All these things can be distractions, quite right. Mind you, doing any of these things won't stop a dick from opening a door.


Wasn't it a rental truck? The type of thing you might rent when just moving house, etc. So might not even be a regular truckie.

Does it really matter. Wasn't his fault anyway.

[chanceyy]

I have to ask, why ride on the road ? You obviously know it is dangerous. Why put yourself in such a perilous position ? If it is for fitness then are there are loads of other options, if it is for the fresh air there are a load of options, if it is for fresh air while pedalling you could go off road where there are no vehicles. I am all for equal rights on the road, but cyclists are so slow and vulnerable I don't know why they do it, commuting excepted.

that would be as specific events like around taupo & the tri's are on road events. yes its a pity I live on a main highway however the berm is wide enough to allow cyclists there without impeding on the main lane the traffic is in .. why did the truck have to come into my lane ?? or the cars that do that as well .. why not just stay in their own lane, besides cyclists, horse riders, motorcylists have as much right to be on teh road as anyone else.

I ride motorbikes, horses & cycling .. the reality is we are all going to die at some stage, can not be wrapped up in cotton wool as thats not living life .. is it to much to ask drivers to be a wee bit more considerate, and remain in their own lane ??

[duckonin]

:yes:
My point exactly. Not something we can automatically avoid. Shit just happens.



In my experience, YOU need more experience. I have been in the industry for 30 years and it has been my experience that car drivers are our worst enemy in most cases. Perhaps enemy is a bit strong, but the point is that unless you have spent some considerable time in trucks you won't understand how difficult it is to keep out of trouble with them. Car drivers don't seem to understand that it's not desirable to park up the date of one for instance, things like that basically, can make life very difficult in a truck.


Another one who gets it. No point in jumping up and down here throwing blame on the very people who either suffered through death or innocent involvement.





Me thinks you have a chilhood problem with truckies. Did you catch your Mother taking one up the back passage by some big burly bloke wearing a fluoro jacket at the same time as noticing a truck parked outside your house or something. Would you like to talk about it perhaps and see if we can make it all better for you.
Yur a dick. Read my lips sonny. THE TRUCK HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THE DOOR WAS OPENED BY A CAR DRIVER! Jeez.:facepalm: There ya go Duckshovin. She hit the truck! Phew, glad thats all sorted now.:angry:



All these things can be distractions, quite right. Mind you, doing any of these things won't stop a dick from opening a door.



Does it really matter. Wasn't his fault anyway.

Keep your toys in the cot you fucken thumb sucking Arrogant truck driving cunt,Yes as I said ALL truck drivers are arraogant CUNTS and I bet you are one of them!!! you tailgating prick !!!:facepalm: that would be the reason the lass was killed when she had to swerve, but no you say 'it was the car door that killed her' get a fucken life, have another popsicle but keep you hanky handy it may drip down your ugly face.:shit:

[MSTRS]

Wow! Don't hold back. Say what you really mean.

The reason she died was because 3 people converged in the one place and at least 2 of them were not paying full attention.

[Grubber]

:yes:

Keep your toys in the cot you fucken thumb sucking Arrogant truck driving cunt,Yes as I said ALL truck drivers are arraogant CUNTS and I bet you are one of them!!! you tailgating prick !!!:facepalm: that would be the reason the lass was killed when she had to swerve, but no you say 'it was the car door that killed her' get a fucken life, have another popsicle but keep you hanky handy it may drip down your ugly face.:shit:

Yep a TROLL for sure.
Nobody can be that much of a fuckwit all in one sentence.
Me Arrogant. Best ya read your posts fella and have another think about it. Your the one that started nuttin off at a completely innocent participant. The truck was the very last part of the equation here. He was just the vehicle SHE RAN INTO after the altercation with the car.
The truck was minding his own business you fuckin idiot. SHE RAN INTO HIM!.
What apart of that don't you fuckin understand. He was well within his rights to be there. Hanky??? Grow up!
Can't believe i just wasted my time trying to explain that to you, cause your never going to get it anyway.
Why do i figure your just the type that a truck driver would take great delight in tailgating. Something to do with attitude i think. If you ride like you write then it's no wonder trucks and probably most other road users would get on your case.

[Grubber]

Wow! Don't hold back. Say what you really mean.

The reason she died was because 3 people converged in the one place and at least 2 of them were not paying full attention.

Oh gosh, hers another one who gets it.
Strangely you don't make assumptions on an innocent party just cause you have childhood issues relating to them. How refreshing.:yes:

[oldrider]

Its an attitude change thats needed all round IMO

True! :facepalm:

Attitude is everything! :yes:

[Grubber]

True! :facepalm:

Attitude is everything! :yes:

Absolutely.
Need to be a little more compassionate towards other road users. No matter what we drive/ride.:yes:

[Okey Dokey]

PTI, but I want to offer condolences to friends & family of the cyclist. Another tragic accident and loss of life on our roads. We are right to examine the contributing factors that led to this accident, in the hope of preventing others from dying this way. Sadly, I believe accidents will continue to occur (history shows that there has never been a non-accident year on our roads), but at least we can all try to avoid being a participant in the next one.

As bikers we love riding. Cyclists love pedalling. Give the ride your full attention. Put your "ride head", or whatever, on and stay focussed and alive. It is awful for the rest of us to hear of these deaths day after day; but for the deceased it is the end of everything. Life, hope, plans, dreams.

[Okey Dokey]

Absolutely.
Need to be a little more compassionate towards other road users. No matter what we drive/ride.:yes:

Yes, this is so true. Some drivers will give more room to a sheep on the road than they will to a cyclist. I wonder what they are thinking?

[jellywrestler]

The woman who died yesterday was a victim of her own mistake. She swerved to avoid a car door opening, into the path of a truck.

It's always easy to blame other road users, but the unpalatable truth is that more often than not, people die as a result of their own mistakes.
So the person opening the car door had nothing to do with it????????????????

[Owl]

I ride motorbikes, horses & cycling .. the reality is we are all going to die at some stage, can not be wrapped up in cotton wool as thats not living life .. is it to much to ask drivers to be a wee bit more considerate, and remain in their own lane ??

Horse riders in particular seem to be very good on the road. They always wave too:wavey:

As for cyclists, they should be required to have a mandatory RH mirror. Not for safety purposes, but to give angry motorcyclists something to kick off. That'll learn em!:facepalm:

[Kickaha]

Horse riders in particular seem to be very good on the road. They always wave too:wavey:



Only 10 million in ACC claims (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/123338-How-do-Horsey-people-pay-their-ACC) from them to

[FJRider]

Yes, this is so true. Some drivers will give more room to a sheep on the road than they will to a cyclist. I wonder what they are thinking?

Because sheep are less predictable in their (intended/expected) movements than cyclists ... :yes:

[chanceyy]

Horse riders in particular seem to be very good on the road. They always wave too:wavey:

As for cyclists, they should be required to have a mandatory RH mirror. Not for safety purposes, but to give angry motorcyclists something to kick off. That'll learn em!:facepalm:

most drivers are considerate when I ride 1 horse & lead the other, but trust me I have had a few who haven't, lucky for me both of my horses do not mind any form of transport .. except mobility scooters :facepalm:

lmfao at the mirror, just done 40k hard ride .. last one before taupo next week, stuck to the fairly quiet roads, but the drivers we came across were great :wari: and yes we rode single file when we were around traffic & two abreast when roads were empty :bleh:

[Kickaha]

HE DID NOT GIVE HER ROOM,IF HE DID WHY DID SHE END UP UNDER THE BACK WHEELS OF HIS FUCKEN TRUCK?

Because she swerved out into it you muppet, reading and comprehension obviously aren't your strong points

Time for you to your up meds

[MSTRS]

Just how much room was he able to give her? I'm betting that his right side wheels were already on the centreline. And slightly knowing that stretch of road, there would have been no way for him to go any further over.
Trucks and cars are not the enemy. That honour goes to idiots who don't think
:facepalm::no:.

[FJRider]

Because she swerved out into it you muppet, reading and comprehension obviously aren't your strong points

Time for you to your up meds

I recall hearing at the time, she was trapped under those back wheels ... the truck cant have been going that fast for that to occur. I would say the truckie saw what was going to happen ... and slowed ... just not enough ... in the time he had ...

[rebel]

I recall hearing at the time, she was trapped under those back wheels ... the truck cant have been going that fast for that to occur. I would say the truckie saw what was going to happen ... and slowed ... just not enough ... in the time he had ...

blame the easy target. Why didn't the deceased see the driver in the parked car and anticipate her actions earlier? Or why wasn't she riding in the designated cycle lanes?
I've got nothing against cyclists (except for arrogant do no wrong lycra clad tossers) but I was driving a truck up to Kerikeri and back today and after all the media hype over the last week these clowns still insist on riding to the right of the fog/shoulder line, even on that goat track stretch of road. Makes it pretty hard to steer 20 tonnes around one on the open road while they are in the same lane (when there is ample room in the shoulder), they do themselves no favours, darwin awards in the making.

[marty]

I recall hearing at the time, she was trapped under those back wheels ... the truck cant have been going that fast for that to occur. I would say the truckie saw what was going to happen ... and slowed ... just not enough ... in the time he had ...

Maybe Skiddie was driving it?

[FJRider]

blame the easy target. Why didn't the deceased see the driver in the parked car and anticipate her actions earlier? Or why wasn't she riding in the designated cycle lanes?
I've got nothing against cyclists (except for arrogant do no wrong lycra clad tossers) but I was driving a truck up to Kerikeri and back today and after all the media hype over the last week these clowns still insist on riding to the right of the fog/shoulder line, even on that goat track stretch of road. Makes it pretty hard to steer 20 tonnes around one on the open road while they are in the same lane (when there is ample room in the shoulder), they do themselves no favours, darwin awards in the making.

I was not blaming the truckie ... and its not usually the driver of the parked car you worry about ... its the passenger in the back seat (with no mirror to check so they open the door and look) you worry about ..

[duckonin]

Because she swerved out into it you muppet, reading and comprehension obviously aren't your strong points

Time for you to your up meds

Really many would say you are quite wrong, as you live in the cold South I can understand that you would lack those very skills..

She swerved out into it, really !! now how far did she swerve 1m 2m 3m, how wide is the road there? where was the truck in relation to her at the time she swerved ? was he passing her? was he behind her ? Narrow road poor buggar would of been wedged in like a sandwich, between a rock and hard,place....Geezz I would love to see some of you 'clowns in lycra' without a motor between your legs..:facepalm:

[Latte]

I think thats the point. You don't know how far the rider swerved. No one here commenting does. To blame the Truck driver automatically is a bigger indication of your mentallity than theirs.

[MSTRS]

Narrow road poor buggar would of been wedged in like a sandwich, between a rock and hard,place...

You have now shot down your own assertion as to who's fault.
The 'poor bugger' had the option of using a cycle path, but didn't. So, by your (twisted) reasoning, it was all her fault.

[Swoop]

HE DID NOT GIVE HER ROOM,IF HE DID WHY DID SHE END UP UNDER THE BACK WHEELS OF HIS FUCKEN TRUCK?
Do you know how wide the road is in that area?

She swerved out into it, really !! now how far did she swerve 1m 2m 3m, how wide is the road there?
Apparently not.


This is a seriously busy piece of road with parking, median strips and pedestrian safety areas all in the same area of road. A truck has very little option but to drive in one very constrained straight line.

[duckonin]

You have now shot down your own assertion as to who's fault.
The 'poor bugger' had the option of using a cycle path, but didn't. So, by your (twisted) reasoning, it was all her fault.

Not at all she is allowed to use the road same as any other...

[duckonin]

Do you know how wide the road is in that area?

Apparently not.


This is a seriously busy piece of road with parking, median strips and pedestrian safety areas all in the same area of road. A truck has very little option but to drive in one very constrained straight line. No the truck has an option that is to yeild to all in front of him, and be patient something truck drivers are not...

I don't care how busy the road is, someone made a wrong move, all the lass was doing was riding her bike legally on a road, busy or not wide or narrow, there is a reason she ended up 'under' in the back wheels of a truck..Go on say it again 'she swerved' Yes so as to avoid being part of a door, So on this busy road in relation to her Where was the truck at that point ? She did end up under his back wheels did she not ? I was not there so I can only speculate same as the rest of you are doing..

[Katman]

I was not there so I can only speculate same as the rest of you are doing..

So what the fuck was she doing filling her head with ipod noise instead of being aware of her surroundings?

[steve_t]

So what the fuck was she doing filling her head with ipod noise instead of being aware of her surroundings?

Are you really insinuating that this tragedy occurred because she was wearing an iPod? I missed the reporting that confirmed that she actually was wearing one. Was that reported somewhere?

[duckonin]

So what the fuck was she doing filling her head with ipod noise instead of being aware of her surroundings?

Trying to enjoy life and escape the shit we put up with from one an other in every day life....Must of been 'slightly aware' she seemed to of missed the door as those that 'witnessed' the event have stated..Then ran into more trouble that was too close it would seem to her bubble !!...

[Owl]

Arrogant truck driver like most of the pricks that drive fucken TRUCKS....

They can be dangerous bastards alright!

Wasn't a Mr Whippy truck was it?:shit:

[Pascal]

how wide is the road there? where was the truck in relation to her at the time she swerved ? was he passing her? was he behind her ? Narrow road poor buggar would of been wedged in like a sandwich, between a rock and hard,place

I was driving down the same road this weekend. Have you ever been down there?
I'm not 100% sure where the accident was, but we travelled down the length of it and I was checking the behavior of cyclists there.

First off - there is a cycle lane that is separated from traffic. A white line demarcates the section of the footpath that is for cyclists. Pedestrians go on the other side.


Trying to enjoy life and escape the shit we put up with from one an other in every day life.... Must of been 'slightly aware' she seemed to of missed the door as those that 'witnessed' the event have stated..

Secondly. I would have expected her to see the car door in front of her. After all, she hadn't wrapped a blindfold around her head.

However, with no mirrors on a bicycle she had blocked her ears and thus lost a large portion of perception around her. She'd cut off her ability to hear the world around her. That certainly impaired her ability to make a decision.

When we were going down this road, the majority of cyclists were using the designated cycling lane. There were however two of the lycra jocks that were riding two abreast in the road, instead of on the cycling lane. (That was mostly empty) They kept traffic bottled up for quite a bit.

Which was okay, as there was a good bit of eye candy jogging past.

Point being however, blaming the truck for it is dumb. While it is a tragic accident, the cyclist had ignored one option that would have entirely avoided this and hindered her chances to react to the situation rather severely. Same with motorcyclists - we're a lot squishier than trucks, cars and other large moving objects. It is important that the softer road users take appropriate care of themselves.

[Grubber]

I was driving down the same road this weekend. Have you ever been down there?
I'm not 100% sure where the accident was, but we travelled down the length of it and I was checking the behavior of cyclists there.

First off - there is a cycle lane that is separated from traffic. A white line demarcates the section of the footpath that is for cyclists. Pedestrians go on the other side.



Secondly. I would have expected her to see the car door in front of her. After all, she hadn't wrapped a blindfold around her head.

However, with no mirrors on a bicycle she had blocked her ears and thus lost a large portion of perception around her. She'd cut off her ability to hear the world around her. That certainly impaired her ability to make a decision.

When we were going down this road, the majority of cyclists were using the designated cycling lane. There were however two of the lycra jocks that were riding two abreast in the road, instead of on the cycling lane. (That was mostly empty) They kept traffic bottled up for quite a bit.

Which was okay, as there was a good bit of eye candy jogging past.

Point being however, blaming the truck for it is dumb. While it is a tragic accident, the cyclist had ignored one option that would have entirely avoided this and hindered her chances to react to the situation rather severely. Same with motorcyclists - we're a lot squishier than trucks, cars and other large moving objects. It is important that the softer road users take appropriate care of themselves.

Ahhhh! A breath of fresh air. Well said.:rockon:

[MSTRS]

Not at all she is allowed to use the road same as any other...

Of course. But she had options that she didn't exercise. The truck driver had no choice, and was simply the poor bastard that was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Your reality must be a very dark place indeed, for you to ignore the car driver's, and the cyclist's actions (or lack of), in preferring to lay blame on a bloke just because he drives a truck.

[Katman]

Are you really insinuating that this tragedy occurred because she was wearing an iPod? I missed the reporting that confirmed that she actually was wearing one. Was that reported somewhere?

I don't know for certain - but there's plenty of mention of ipods in the thread so I figure there must be something to it.

Anyone who doesn't use all the senses available to them when using the road is just asking for trouble.

[Swoop]

I was not there so I can only speculate same as the rest of you are doing..
I have not speculated on what occurred, merely stated the fact of the road environment in that location. It is tight.

[duckonin]

I have not speculated on what occurred, merely stated the fact of the road environment in that location. It is tight.

Yes I do know the road..

[Grubber]

Of course. But she had options that she didn't exercise. The truck driver had no choice, and was simply the poor bastard that was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Your reality must be a very dark place indeed, for you to ignore the car driver's, and the cyclist's actions (or lack of), in preferring to lay blame on a bloke just because he drives a truck.

Very insightfull of you. Nice to see someone has some form of intellectual foresight here. It was just too obvious that the truck had jack all to do with it.

Ask that Q to Grubber he has the hanky...:innocent:

What the hell has Mister Whippy truck got to do with a friggin Hanky. Jeez mate, give it a rest:facepalm:


Had you higher up the ladder than Grubber with the power of thoughtful reason but alas you are at his level...:facepalm:

i'm thinking that MSTRS and i are very much on the same level. Possibly you may need to lift your game somewhat to....say...slightly above gutter intelligence maybe.

[Kickaha]

So the person opening the car door had nothing to do with it????????????????


The woman who died yesterday was a victim of her own mistake. She swerved to avoid a car door opening, into the path of a truck.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/east-bays-courier/4779016/Car-door-death-driver-charged

A man who opened his car door and allegedly caused cyclist Jane Mary Bishop to swerve into the path of a truck faces a criminal charge.

The 27-year-old British nurse died in November last year when she was cycling along Tamaki Drive.

Police say she swerved to avoid a parked car's opening door and fell under a truck travelling alongside her.

Auckland city police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty confirmed the 35-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court today charged with careless use of a motor vehicle causing death.

Cycle Action Auckland co-chairwoman Barbara Cuthbert says the charge means police recognise that opening the car door without checking was dangerous.

"I'm hoping that it gets the message out to enough people that we all need to use the roads with care."

She says while it is tough for the man charged, Ms Bishop's family is suffering and so is the truck driver who was an "innocent road user".

"I don't think anyone is pointing the finger."

Auckland Transport removed four carparking spaces from the scene of the crash, the corner near Kelly Tarlton's, within days of the accident.

"Parked cars on that stretch of road contribute towards the creation of a pinch point for cyclists," Auckland Transport road corridor operations manager Andrew Allen says.

He calls it "an immediate step" to improve cycle safety.

Mr Allen says Auckland Transport is taking other measures to improve safety. They include reviewing the Tamaki Rd-Ngapipi Rd intersection with a view to installing signals, possibly widening the footpath along the northern side of Tamaki Drive to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians and improving public awareness through targeted campaigns on sharing the road space.

– Fairfax Media