I’ve had a number of calls this afternoon from people who have heard the tragic news that a cyclist was killed at the intersection of Tonkin Highway and Benara Road around the time that I would normally be cycling home. The intersection is about halfway between work and home.
I certainly appreciate everyone’s concern and I’m thankful that many people cared enough to phone. I’m sure many others have yet to hear of the accident so I thought I’d post details to ease any concern for those hearing the news later.
While I don’t normally ride that way, the news came through at work just before I left to cycle home so I went past the area to see if I might know the person involved. The bicycle was still on the road and police were all around. I didn’t recognise the bike and so I don’t believe that the person who was struck was anyone I knew. It’s obviously still a tragic loss.
I am always grateful for those with whom I work that remind me to ride safely when I leave each afternoon. It’s advice that I always take seriously and I’m always extremely cautious on the road, whether I’m behind the wheel of a car, or more often, on my bike.
Posted by Rodney Olsen
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A great reminder Rodney. I find when I have witnessed an accident or arrived soon after, that my riding or driving (I do have a car) is more cautious for some time.
Tonight I’ll give thanks that you weren’t involved and also that my 52 km ride this morning with 4 other friends was incident free. We should never take it for granted.
Wow. Glad you’re ok.
Very sad news about the cyclist. Like you, my colleagues always remind me to cycle safely every night I leave the office. I’ve seen a few accidents here in London, but nothing too nasty, thank goodness.
This unfortunate incident has been mentioned on the aus.bicycle news group. One of the posts says;
“According to an eyewitness the ‘cyclist’ (who was apparently an 89 y.o. man) was attempting to push his bike across Tonkin Highway despite facing a red light. According to the witness, he
started walking across, then realized he had to hurry and started to ‘run’.”
An unfortunate error of judgement with tragic results.