Bicycle NSW wishes to convey its condolences to the family and friends of the rider who died following a crash that occurred during an attempt to cross light rail tracks in Newcastle.
A 51-year old man was riding his bike and tried to cross the light rail tracks at the intersection of Pacific and Scott streets in Newcastle East at 10:30pm on Wednesday.
He came off his bike and hit his head. In spite of the efforts of members of the public and emergency services staff who took him to John Hunter Hospital, he died.
Newcastle City Police officers have established a crime scene and are investigating the incident.
This follows the crash last November at the same intersection where cyclist Nick van Veld broke his right knee in two places trying to cross light rail lines. At that time witness to the accident Edward Cross, questioned the suitability of the crossing for cyclists.
The Newcastle Transport Light Rail website advises people riding bikes to cross at a right angle, but this is not possible at this intersection. The rider in this crash was wearing a helmet according to police sources, but it did not help.
“We need intersections to provide safe crossings for everyone,” said Bicycle NSW General Manager of Public Affairs, Bastien Wallace.
“People who ride bikes and use wheeled mobility assistance need to be able to reach their destinations safely,” said Bastien.
Bicycle NSW has previously written an article drawing on available research, to help people cross tracks safely, and has shared a potential technical solution with light rail managers.
