Brother down in Mt Vic Tunnel (29 August)

[Pex Adams]

Just heard that at approx 2am this morning a biker went down in the Mt Vic tunnel, riding supposably a Green Kawa. Details are scratchy at best. But from what I heard, he hasn't made it.

Fingers Crossed!

[riffer]

Damn. RIP brother.

Is this a case of applying brakes in a panic and going straight ahead at the corner?

[Wasp]

Apparently it was a 22 yo.

RIP brother.

[Str8 Jacket]

Can someone who knows ANYTHING about this accident please PM or text me urgently. My number is 027 668 7628.

[Wasp]

sorry Str8, nothing that hasnt already been said, what i heard on the radio was:

that a 22yo had crashed his bike between 1 and 2 am just outside vic tunnel.

[Str8 Jacket]

Would anyone be able to tell me if or how I could go about finding out more info about this accident? I cannot get hold of a mate who fits the vague description and I have this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach....

[Colapop]

Do police comms issue any details? I assume they would (at least to the media) issue some details.

[Str8 Jacket]

Do police comms issue any details? I assume they would (at least to the media) issue some details.

No. I just rang them. They couldnt give me anything, privacy act issues which is fair enough.

[Snapper]

You would have to get a member of his family to call the police. Failing that try contacting your mate directly. Hope it's not bad news for you bro.

[oldrider]

Heard it on the radio this morning! It said bike verses car! (of course)

RIP fellow biker. John.

[Snapper]

Damn. I think i know that tunnel as well, its kinda narrow isnt it?

It's a long curve rather than narror, and at 2am vision/lighting is crap, and any oil/deisel would be hard to see. Reports suggested it was just outside the tunnel though?

Regardless just before, just after and within the tunnel are all pretty bad.

[Switch]

:shit:... R.I.P. Str8 hope it isnt your mate that fits the description

[Shaun]

Try Speedmedic, he may be able to help

[James Deuce]

It's a long curve rather than narror, and at 2am vision/lighting is crap, and any oil/deisel would be hard to see. Reports suggested it was just outside the tunnel though?

Regardless just before, just after and within the tunnel are all pretty bad.

You guys are thinking of the wrong tunnel. Mt VIctoria is perfectly straight and two narrow lanes wide. The Terrace tunnel is a downhill/uphill curve and three lanes.

[The_Dover]

Damn. I think i know that tunnel as well, its kinda narrow isnt it?

Does it go under the ground too?

[Deano]

I cannot get hold of a mate who fits the vague description and I have this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach....

I sincerely hope not - please let me know when you find out.

[crashe]

Do police comms issue any details? I assume they would (at least to the media) issue some details.

Nothing has come throu Police comms Centre email about this accident....

They dont send out stuff on everything...


RIP to the rider.


Last m/bike accident was Sat at Te Puna that I have any info on.

[sels1]

Would anyone be able to tell me if or how I could go about finding out more info about this accident? I cannot get hold of a mate who fits the vague description and I have this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach....

Oh crap, I hope its not ......... keep us posted

[McJim]

We don't conclusively know the outcome so lets just hope for the best and prepare for the worst - don't know that posting even sketchy details like make and colour of bike or riders age is a good idea - if you have to share these details I think you'd be best doing it by PM.

Let the police notify next of kin where appropriate.

I know I wouldn't want my missus to hear about a Black Honda down on the Southern Motorway from a website.

Personally I hope all is well.

[James Deuce]

We don't conclusively know the outcome so lets just hope for the best and prepare for the worst - don't know that posting even sketchy details like make and colour of bike or riders age is a good idea - if you have to share these details I think you'd be best doing it by PM.

Let the police notify next of kin where appropriate.

I know I wouldn't want my missus to hear about a Black Honda down on the Southern Motorway from a website.

Personally I hope all is well.

You mean well, but you've competely missed the point. Now hush.

[Drum]

RIP brother.
Hope its not your friend Str8.

[James Deuce]

Just spoke to Str8 and it's NOT MrMelon. He's in Wanaka at the moment.

[sels1]

Just spoke to Str8 and it's NOT MrMelon. He's in Wanaka at the moment.

Glad to hear that.
My thoughts go out to the family and friends of the rider

[RantyDave]

Just heard that at approx 2am this morning a biker went down in the Mt Vic tunnel, riding supposably a Green Kawa.
Fuck. Until very recently I went through there every day. Hard to imagine what there is to go wrong - it's dry, straight, lit ...

RIP to the rider. A bit too close to home really. Shit.

Dave

[WickedOne]

RIP Rider, condolences to the family and friends.

[Snapper]

You guys are thinking of the wrong tunnel. Mt VIctoria is perfectly straight and two narrow lanes wide. The Terrace tunnel is a downhill/uphill curve and three lanes.

Indeed we are, thanks for setting us straight. Though Mt Vic tunnel isn't great vis/lighting either. Straight though!

Makes you wonder quite how a car could hit a rider - must have been lane-drifting perhaps. Mind you the bike could have hit the car of course. With no rain hitting the tunnel road the oil and crap doesn't wash away so well.......

[riffer]

If it is as reports suggest, and that the accident happened when the rider was entering the tunnel from the Hataitai side, its quite easy to work out.

You have a left hand turn around the hill which is blind until about 50 metres from the tunnel entrance. If you took that any more than 80km/hr and panic and pulled on the brakes, you'll go straight ahead into the traffic coming out of the tunnel.

Not that I'm trying to say that's how it happened, but its a possibility. :mellow:

[Sniper]

It would be good if this was not discussed.

[Snapper]

It would be good if this was not discussed.

Maybe so, but it's good to share information on possible problem spots. I for one will be taking it easy through the tunnel after reading some of the more detailed posts.

[Sniper]

Fuck that!!

Did you know the rider? Do you know what happened? Did you stop to think that there is maybe a young wife/ girlfriend/ child/ mather/ father/ friends who are going to have their fucken world grind to a halt because of this?

No, and you know why? Because you are so fucken pre occupied with being nosey for no good reason other than to be. And when questioned you make lame fucken excuses!!

Share fucken information where people who could be affected wont fucken see it. Use your head twit!!

[Finn]

Sniper, Snapper, are you guys related?

[Cliffhanger Promo]

........................

[Snapper]

Fuck that!!

Did you know the rider? Do you know what happened? Did you stop to think that there is maybe a young wife/ girlfriend/ child/ mather/ father/ friends who are going to have their fucken world grind to a halt because of this?

No, and you know why? Because you are so fucken pre occupied with being nosey for no good reason other than to be. And when questioned you make lame fucken excuses!!

Share fucken information where people who could be affected wont fucken see it. Use your head twit!!

I think any partner who has been missing a man since 2am would know by now, and nothing on this forum has mentioned anyones name as yet anyway. Calm the fuck down!

If you have an issue it's with the ACTUAL thread, which is what suggests someone has had an accident in the 1st place, not anything which has been mentioned since. All anyone has said is what 'could' have happened, not who too.

You need to chill out. A lot!

[Snapper]

Sniper, Snapper, are you guys related?

Er no, I'm somewhat more placid than Sniper, it would seem.

[Sniper]

I know there are a few affected on here by the thread and also a couple upset at my posts, I apologise to those I offended by the above post

But if someone close to me had an accident at 2am and at 12pm I see people discussing what he could have done wrong and how they can ride to prevent it from happening, I would crack skulls.


Er no, I'm somewhat more placid than Sniper, it would seem.
Anymore placid and you'ed be asleep sunshine.

Back on topic now please.

[Snapper]

I know there are a few affected on here by the thread and also a couple upset at my posts, I apologise to those I offended by the above post

But if someone close to me had an accident at 2am and at 12pm I see people discussing what he could have done wrong and how they can ride to prevent it from happening, I would crack skulls.


Anymore placid and you'ed be asleep sunshine.

Back on topic now please.

Crack skulls? And violence is your fix for things? Kind of says it all doesn't it!

I understand your point Sniper, just not your attitude. We were not discussing what he could have done to prevent it, we were discussing what can happen through that tunnel. I for one found that particular piece if information very helpful and if it was my partner who had the accident I'd want other to learn and not suffer the same fate.

And the internet is place where information is shared. Much like a movie, if you don't like it, don't watch it.

[riffer]

I've got to admit Stu, I agree with Snapper on this one.

I live in Welly - and ride through that tunnel a lot.

If we can't discuss what may have happened and think about how we ride in these places we might as well just say it was speed that did it and move on.

Yes someone died. Which is bad. But if it leads to discussion about safety in these "trouble spots" then it has to be a good thing.

[Colapop]

Guys, let it go. The only way an argument can continue is if someone keeps saying something. Stu he meant no harm. Snapper accidents are a sensitive issue for some. Now can we move on?
From the brief snatch I heard of it on the radio the accident occured outside the tunnel on the Hataitai side. A car moving into the traffic lane across the southbound lane. Be careful people - at all times.
RIP rider.

[Sniper]

I've got to admit Stu, I agree with Snapper on this one.


Fair enough Riffer. Its just something that got under my skin this time.

[Dafe]

What terrible news. I'm sure the Welly crew are hesitantly aware of whom this would be. My condolences and may our brother rest in peace.
Condolences to the family and all his friends.
Very sad as a very accomplished rider has departed our company.
May his spirit rise and ride the skies above......

[Snapper]

Fair enough Riffer. Its just something that got under my skin this time.

No hard feelings Sniper, respect to you. Safe riding bro.

Thanks for all the comments everyone else.

[Sniper]

No hard feelings Sniper, respect to you. Safe riding bro.

You too man, apologese for being a cock. Bit of a scare for me thats all.

Outburst came from times of reacting before thinking.

[Maha]

Details are scratchy at best. But from what I heard, he hasn't made it.

Fingers Crossed!


So does anyone know the out come?.... fatal/non fatal...?
Even the first post about was not sure...and from then on everyone assumed it was fatal.....just a thought?...:done:

[Lord Derosso]

So does anyone know the out come?.... fatal/non fatal...?


RIP Rider. I hate that tunnel and please please everyone watch out for the northern end of the Basin Reserve where the newist lights are. Theres a real bad patch of road there as you head around towards the tunnel or carry on around the basin. Nearly took me out several weekends ago because I was watching out for the traffic entering from the western off ramp and didnt see the pot holes and very nearly ended up in the wrong lane which is a very very bad option in that traffic flow.

[Wasp]

It was known as fatal from the start - im not sure if he died instantly or on the scene. either way he didnt make the ambo.

[stunz]

RIP rider. heard it on the dial this morning. sucks. :bye:

For my mind, I think Welly roads are absolutely shite and appear to be disintegrating at an alarming rate. Its getting harder and harder to find a smooth patch of tarmac around town without having to navigate the increasing amount of obstacles. Loose shingle from crap cleanup jobs by Works, excessively large potholes, tarmac joins, surfaces that seem to just peel off within weeks of being laid, unrepaired gouges in the road from cager accidents and...well, you get my drift. Take care out there.

[Deano]

I was thinking about the state of our roads and what I was taught during defensive driving course (we have to resit them every 5 years at work for H&SE)

The instructor advocates checking 12 seconds ahead of your present position. This is pretty difficult if your time is spent checking the often substandard road for potholes, unsigned gravel and slippery service plates.

It's ok for the 4 wheeled variety of vehicle, but just creates unnecessary hazards for motorcyclists. And I have it on good authority that some road works (new asphalt) is often not up to 'standard', but that the contractors are not always taken to task over the shitty job they do.

[nudemetalz]

I concur with all the other Wellingtonians. I used to live in Miramar and commute through that tunnel every day. It's slippery from the diesel/oil and can be dangerous when traffic merges from the Realm-pub end road. Some drivers just don't even look and just merge.

RIP Fellow Rider. Always a sad occasion.

[Freakshow]

RIP rider.

Everybody else keep safe.

[Uncle B]

RIP Rider, condolences to the family and friends.

[Steam]

on the Hataitai side.... A car moving into the traffic lane (heading into the tunnel) across the southbound lane.

Yes, I always watch those cars waiting in that lane really carefully, I just know they will pull out in front of me someday. That's one spot in Welly that makes me concentrate on escape routes extra-much. Avoid to the right into oncoming traffic or a tighter swerve to the left?

RIP rider, we are all so close to dying every day, it makes you think.

[Paul in NZ]

I was thinking about the state of our roads and what I was taught during defensive driving course (we have to resit them every 5 years at work for H&SE)

The instructor advocates checking 12 seconds ahead of your present position. This is pretty difficult if your time is spent checking the often substandard road for potholes, unsigned gravel and slippery service plates.

It's ok for the 4 wheeled variety of vehicle, but just creates unnecessary hazards for motorcyclists. And I have it on good authority that some road works (new asphalt) is often not up to 'standard', but that the contractors are not always taken to task over the shitty job they do.

Totally agree...

I may (or may not) be relevant here but IMHO our roads are in shit condition and getting worse.

We just purchased a Jap import car, it's 11years old and the windscreen looks new. One trip to ChCh and it does not look new due to stone chips...

The feeder road to our cul de sac was re sealed. Within 2 weeks our corner was difficult to negotiate on the bike 'cos loose gravel was building up on the outside of the bend. I bitched to the council 'cos Vicki and I nearly binned the Guzzi coming home one night... I shit you not, I went down there after a month of no action and scooped stones off with a friggin shovel.... Broom? Ha!

Another month went by, council swept it, a month later, it's dodgy again... Feeder road has more bald patches than i do...

Jesus.. What a bloody system...

[Titanium]

RIP rider ........

[Dafe]

Sounds like it probably wasn't a KB'er afterall. But still, how unfortunate for the family and friends concerned.

I currently live in Lower Hutt and whenever I've had any issues with potholes or loose gravel on roads, I've emailed the local council, as they provide an email address for this service.

Both times, the problem has been rectified the next working day.
It probably helps alot when you identify the hazard as a deathtrap to motorcyclists. Because once they've been warned, they're obliged to rectify it or face gross negligence charges should something happen.

Local Wellington residents should try this with the WCC. I've had great success emailing the Hutt City Council.

For the Hutt City Council: http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/council/contact/fixagram.html

For the Porirua City Council: http://www.pcc.govt.nz/web_frameset.asp?pageID=100000027&id=&link=yes

For the Wellington City Council: http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/fixit/

[Wasp]

Hey Dafe, have you noticed that the road that runs along by caltex and shell past bp has been resealed again? it should last longer this time too...

[Kendog]

That's some good advice Dafe.
Our road had been dug up a week or so ago and the 'boys' had been hard at work on it during the week, until Friday when it rained and they sat in their trucks for the day. I noticed on my way home that night that they had taken all the cones and signs away for the weekend, but had not actually fixed the road. There was gravel everywhere and several large holes and no idication to let you know they were there. Anyway, I thought to myself, self that is potentially quite dangerous, and thought of ringing the council to inform them of my concerns, but figured they'd probably blow me off, and that would piss me off for the entire weekend, so didn't.
Soooooo, anyway, now that I know that, next time I will ring the buggers up and 'inform' them of their oversight or pothole etc. Thanks
Mrs KD.

[sunhuntin]

That's some good advice Dafe.
Our road had been dug up a week or so ago and the 'boys' had been hard at work on it during the week, until Friday when it rained and they sat in their trucks for the day. I noticed on my way home that night that they had taken all the cones and signs away for the weekend, but had not actually fixed the road. There was gravel everywhere and several large holes and no idication to let you know they were there. Anyway, I thought to myself, self that is potentially quite dangerous, and thought of ringing the council to inform them of my concerns, but figured they'd probably blow me off, and that would piss me off for the entire weekend, so didn't.
Soooooo, anyway, now that I know that, next time I will ring the buggers up and 'inform' them of their oversight or pothole etc. Thanks
Mrs KD.

i thought they had to leave those there? there was some work done not 5 seconds from my house about 2 weeks ago....only a day job, but the sign for stones flying is still there, lol.

recently a main intersection in town was ripped up and resealed. was lovely and smooth too. now they are ripping up the middle of the intersection...detour in place for one direction, but not the other 3! dunno what the heck they are doing, but its taken out the lights either way. there was a couple of nasty potholes on the main part of a right hand turn there that i hope theyve fixed.

[Lou Girardin]

The new part of SH1 around Meremere started falling apart soon after it was completed, now a new passing lane in the same area has been designed badly and water is pooling in the middle of the lanes.
This is market forces at work. The cheapest tender wins.
Bring back the Ministry of Works.

[Motu]

No,it was like that before it was opened,a rush job....in like,how many years?

[Dafe]

Seems like alot of Wellington road users had no idea how effective the emailing reporting system is.

Please use it, but don't abuse it. Be realistic as it does provide good results at present.

For the Hutt City Council: http://www.huttcity.info/council/contact/fix.html

For the Porirua City Council: http://www.pcc.govt.nz/rexinform/form.asp?id=320

For the Wellington City Council: http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/fixit/

[Street Gerbil]

RIP fallen biker. Condolences to family and friends.

[StoneChucker]

Any more info on this?

Str8, did you get in touch with you mate?

[quickbuck]

Any more info on this?

Str8, did you get in touch with you mate?


Apparently Str8 got hold of the person she had a gut feeling about. Safe and sound on the Main Land.

[Lord Derosso]

Seems like alot of Wellington road users had no idea how effective the emailing reporting system is.


[For the Wellington City Council: http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/fixit/

I have a little project I am enquirying with the WCC about and have used this site. I have noticed that due to increasing numbers of bikers riding, and heaps more scooters, some of the CBD parks are becoming packed. Its going to get worse, especially with summer coming. Furthermore theres a huge space on the southern end of the library where you could park 30 scooters and it has safe access and drive away. For scooters only fine, but that would help relieve the pressure on the main park across the road. Its just an idea but who knows what may come of it.

[Lord Derosso]

I know its not really about the thread but the subject of Wellingtons roads has seemed to have become a main discussion point here perhaps as a possible points to note where the danger spots are.

[MD]

I don't dwell on the macabre side of riding, so I rarely post on these 'rider killed' threads. But it's only natural when a local rider is killed that you take notice. So how come this has not been mentioned in the Dompost? Did this incident happen? And I don't mean that with any disrespect. Just that I wave or nod to most riders around town and know lots so ..why nothing reported? Or did I miss it.