Slaughter of the cyclists in the Cotter (OK OK, no one is dead)

Well, I was unfortunate enough to be an eye-witness, as I was stuck near the front of the conga-line of civilian Cotter goers. So, I have some facts as well speculation and opinions.

Facts first (well, my recollection of what I saw). We came across the race just as the group was taking off from near Duffy. There were many signs and marshals, and from what I remember, two lead cars to warn oncoming traffic, and two chase cars just behind the main group. As the only alternate route to the Cotter from there would have been via Tuggeranong, we just sighed “oh well” and joined the slow queue to the Cotter. We were doing around 20km/h on the flat stuff past Mt Stromlo, and then maybe touching around 60km/h on a descent before slowing back down to maybe 30km/h as it flattened out. I remember thinking that they were doing well to stay on the left, as I hadn’t seen anyone come across the lines, and I don’t recall having seen any traffic coming the other way at all. I then saw one rider swerve right, far out onto the wrong side of the road, I may have seen another come just a little way out. The rider that was way out was looking backwards over her left shoulder, I thought it was an overtaking maneuver, but touching wheels would also explain it. She was now still a long way out, obviously in control of the bike and riding straight ahead, but still looking backwards over her left shoulder. I then heard the squeal tyres and saw the oncoming vehicle. He was totally locked up and slowing very rapidly. At the same time, I saw the rider look forwards, and then jink left desperately to try and avoid the vehicle. She didn’t quite make it, and took a big impact from the right front of the vehicle. She had moved left enough with the last-second jink to be thrown back and left (rather than directly back or under the vehicle) and into the rest of the pack, bringing them down hard. My view of the road on the other side of the centre line was clear, my view of the main pack directly ahead was not. I saw no riders down until the rider on the wrong side of the road was hit and thrown into the pack. I saw no other rider impact the car.

Some speculation and opinions. It looked to me like the driver of the vehicle was already moving at a much reduced speed (probably because he had already come past the lead cars and front runners), as it was a big heavy vehicle and it still seemed to pull up quickly. As someone else pointed out, riding into a wall at ‘only’ 20km/h is still going to mess you up. The driver was totally hung out to dry: from his direction it was a blind right hander, and he had nowhere to go. His quick reflexes, and heavy brake foot (a locked up car slows quickest, and there was really no room to swerve around), and the belated left jink of the cyclist probably saved her life. The 4WD in question appeared to be a working vehicle (perhaps from a rural property), it wasn’t a shiny school-running prado/lexus/volvo/bmw/whatever, though of course even it was, they would still have every right in the world to be driving in a reasonable fashion on their side of the road. From what I could see, the poor driver was also the quickest out of a car and on the phone calling for assistance.

I understand that crossing a double unbroken line with your vehicle is a traffic violation. I also believe that when on the road, a bicycle must adhere to the road rules. On many occasions I’ve come across cyclists riding two or more abreast who seem to think it would be better for me to cross a double unbroken line on a bend around which I can’t see (hence the lines), or continue behind them indefinitely at a much reduced pace (hoping I don’t get rear-ended due to massive speed differentials), than for them to move over to the left to let me go past safely. I can’t understand the dangerous, selfish, inconsideration of the moving road-blockers. Of course as with anything, there are the majority who do the right thing, and the few who bring the rest into disrepute, but there you go. I’m a pretty keen cyclist also BTW, and I ride single file when riding with others. I think it’s not only for the consideration of other road users (though I rate that highly), but a personal safety issue. If the nature of a race event on an open road means that it cannot be guaranteed (or even be likely) that riders will (willingly or otherwise) stay on their own side of the road at all times, then such a race isn’t viable.

And some more opinions. Road closures would have made the event a reasonable proposition from a cyclists safety point of view, but would not provide a fair go for the rest of the population. If the location means that a reasonable alternate route can be provided, then fair-enough–for example, when they close the road around Lake Burley Griffin for the triathlons you can detour through Yarralumla without much hassle. But removing access to the Cotter Reserve and the Brindabellas on a weekend?!? Maybe Sard thinks it’s ‘cycling world’ out there, but the rest of us thought it was a public road that’s the only way to get to popular locations in the ranges west of the city.

Obviously you’d hope that no one pays such a price for a mistake (whomever’s it may be), and I wish everyone a speedy recovery from all the physical and mental trauma.

And i guess it seems in this situation it was not the ‘arrogant’ riders pushing their way into traffic that have paid the price.

To get back on topic.

Was the oncoming traffic warned that there was a bicycle road race approaching in the opposite direction? I would be extra careful if I saw such a sign.

Yes, there were lots of signs and marshals warning you. We were extra careful and that’s why we managed to not hit anyone (barley though)

I agree, all those bike riders and ride organisers are reckless and totally at fault in this case.
I disagree, from my observations the event seemed quite well run, as I said plenty of signs, reduced speed etc… The problem to me seemed to lie solely on the riders. I don’t think the organisers need to accept any blame

must find pic of my corolla at the top of coree…

woo hoo.

I drive my car, it goes vroom sometimes too. Sometimes, I even make the vrooom noise myself if I’m driving alone.

Kramer, I don’t own the 4WD it’s my mates. I can’t justify the extra $$ to own one. I just tag along with the mates when they go out. & no it’s not one tame experience as you put it. We go 4WDing quite regularly and we put it into some pretty challenging spots. We regularly have to recover the Jeep after getting it stuck or bogged, that’s why we take two vehicles. Mt Coree was where we went on Sat morning because we were hoping to get some good shots.

If you really want to you can cycle/walk anywhere so that’s a lame arse argument. When you only have few a few hours to spare and want to visit these places how else can you do it?

And yes you can get a 2WD car up Coree, we’ve done it. It was a car we paid a few hundred dollars for and didn’t give a shit about. It made it up and back down in one piece but we shredded the floor pan & exhaust. It wasn’t pretty. I meant just as Danman said, that to do it safely and not damage your vehicle you need something with ground clearance.

Only reason I drove the RX2 up there was for a laugh with mates. It was a full rally car roll cage and all and we were just mucking around up there. I used to take my 4wd up there as well through coree bogs as it used to be known until they closed that little road off.

to dumb it down even further – I was referring to reaching the summit in a vehicle – not by any other method.

Why would I walk up when I can rock climb up ?

And I do 10km 4 times a week on my bike so dont pull the your lazy card out.

I am fat and do like a beer though – so call me a redneck if it makes you feel better.

Id also like to point out that years ago early 90’s from memory I drove to the top of Mt Coree in a Mazda RX2 and yes right to the top over the last very rocky section.

Considering my OWN experiences with wear and tear my comment stands – however – perhaps I should dumb it down for a lot of people.

The only REASONABLE non wear and tear on my vehicle way to, maximising ground clearance and minimising any floor pan contact with a regular street car way reach the SUMMIT of Mt Corree is with a 4WD – if you made it up any other way good luck – I certainly would not do it – I value my life.

Oh and I dont have to justify owning my 4WD – but ill say 2 more things… Limebnurners (1 hr w of Goulburn) and Bendethera valley (60k from captains flat)

Bothj fery hard to extreme hill climbs and descents – about 30 km in low range into bendethera – so dont tell me how I appparently justified owning one.

I 4WD-d for ages – I stopped – so i sold the car.

Funnily enough – I sold it because I didnt go off roading anymore – and petrol was 50 bucks a litre.

How things have changed.

The only way to get to the top of Mt Coree is with a 4WD.”

Id also like to point out that years ago early 90’s from memory I drove to the top of Mt Coree in a Mazda RX2 and yes right to the top over the last very rocky section.

Here’s the word from cyclingnews.com

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2007/apr07/apr30news2

[i]Cyclist remains in serious condition after Canberra Tour accident

By Greg Johnson

An un-named Sydney rider who participated in the Canberra Tour is in hospital in a serious condition after falling into oncoming traffic after a tangle between several competitors in yesterday’s women’s B grade final stage. The rider, who has not been named at the request of family members, was taken to hospital for treatment with Canberra cyclist Tara O’Brien, who has since been released.

“I believe a few girls touched wheels, had a collision and have gone in front of the car,” event director Peter Gough told The Canberra Times. “The ambulance was on the scene very fast and they had medical support staff from us there. It’s just a terrible accident.”

Some confusion over the unnamed rider’s condition was created from the local paper’s article, which included news of a passenger in a separate road accident who passed away. A Cycling Australia representative confirmed to Cyclingnews that there was a misunderstanding as a result of the article, but that the person was still in a serious condition in hospital at 5 pm AEST on Monday, April 30.

The accident could see reforms taken, including the possible closure of roads, to further ensure the safety of the event’s participants, according to race spokeswoman Tanya Sard.

“Cotter road and Uriarra Road is the main route – it’s pretty much ‘cycling world’ out there and so if anyone belongs out there it’s cyclists,” Sard told ABC Radio. “The issue we’ll have to consider further down the track is whether due to the fantastic participation number we’ve got in this race, whether or not we can close the road, and that’s something we will consider and work with the local government on that.”

The accident capped a tragic weekend for the Australian cycling fraternity, following the news the 15 year-old New South Wales cyclist Ben Mikic was fatally injured on Friday afternoon when he was struck by a vehicle at an intersection.

“The family of cycling is grieving the loss of a talented and popular young man who had many dreams and aspirations for his future in the sport,” said Cycling Australia CEO Graham Fredericks. “We offer our sincerest condolences to Ben’s parents, Darren and Andrea, his brothers Daniel and James, and all his family and friends at this tragic time.”

“We also wish a speedy recovery to Alex Tomlinson, a very close friend of Ben, who was also badly injured in the accident,” added Fredericks. “Alex is being released from hospital today.”[/i]

“The only way to get to the top of Mt Coree is with a 4WD.”

Wrong FB. I have ridden my mountain bike to the top of Mt Coree from the Cotter. It’s probably one of Canberra’s best mountain bike day rides, and easily accomplished by an intermediate cyclist. Also many, many people have also walked (Yes! *Shock-Horror* WALKED of all things!) to the top of Mt Coree from the Cotter (or the easier option is from Blue Range, or even easier – Picadilly).

As with most 4WD owners, you attempt to justify your ownership by a single, very tame 4WD “expedition” (which is still better than many 4WD owners can do).

Well here’s no. 70: I for one am sick of road closures throughout the year for various ‘events’.
I have never lived in any city with so many road closures, we don’t need more.

Well as a local news site oddly enough we’re covering the local story.

You can always read the concatenate for the national/international stuff.

Ain’t Canberra wonderful? Baghdad gutters run with blood, Glaciers melt, Work Choices destroy Aussie families and we get 68 comments on Canberra’s favourite bitch, cyclists and cars together on the roads. (Oops 69)

Perhaps we can all agree that race organisers need to be disqualifying cyclists who veer into the other lane when competing on open roads?

I believe there are already rules about not crossing the line in the middle of the road for all cycling races, in the ACT at least and possibly in Australia.

As the regulars here would know, I’m a vocal cycling advocate. That said, I’m not comfortable with those big bike events on roads that haven’t been closed.

I’ve competed in triathlons all the way up to Ironman level, and even in these events I’ve seen some nasty arrogance from some bike riders. At least in triathlons, for the most part, the riders are fairly spread out and not riding in big bunches and elite races (which are draft legal and allow packs) usually involve road closures. The trouble is that smaller events can’t get road closure, so the organisers co-operate with the Police and get safety marshalls and plot the safest least disruptive course. TriathlonACT has been holding events like this involving thousands of Canberrans for many years.

The Canberra Tour was a really big event with very large packs of elite cyclists. I think that this event either needs a road closure or a relocation.

From the accounts I’ve read in CT, a large pack came down and some of the girls ended up in the path of an oncoming 4wd. Hope they all make a speedy recovery.

Well, you probably can’t driver right to the TOP of the summit in a sedan. But you can stop just short of it and scramble uphill for ten minutes or so on foot. It seems a lot of people have forgotten the art of walking. It’s more fun than sniffing petrol, some of you should try it sometime.

Are we talking about the same Mt Coree – with the long low range 45 degree goat track hill climb right at the top – with the patchy cement keeping the road together…

Shit I would love a picture of a 2WD sedan up there

I took my laser a lot of places I should not have – but Mt Coree was not one of them.. Impossible in my opinion.
If you don’t own a farm, chuck the 4WD out.
Pretty closed mind there – People enjoy 4wd-ing on established tracks all throughout australia.

4WD-ing is quite a large leisure pursuit here and around the world.

YES – I was a 4WD-er – I had a 4runner – my best mate who I used to go camping with had a child – so his hilux sits idle doin nothings ow – I was smart – I sold mine when I lost my driving partner.

Dont be so narrow minded – I disagree with people driving 4WD’s that don’t see dirt – but I don’t think that means all people who don’t own farms can not have them

Chrisjeanemery, I’ve been to the very top of Mount Coree too. I got there in a friend’s fairly average 1990s sedan. That’s right–a sedan made it up there with no problems whatsoever. It’s just a stoopid myth that you need a 4WD to get to all these supposedly inaccessible places. A normal car, in relatively good shape and a cautious driver (on the lookout for 4WD or trailbike hoons) can get up there with few problems. With some extra effort, you can walk up there also.

OK, i think that’s enough 4WD-bashing for the day for me. And yes, I agree, all those bike riders and ride organisers are reckless and totally at fault in this case.

> If you can tell me how to get to these places without either a 4WD or a helicopter then please tell me, I’m all ears!

Errr…with your feet? Hehe..just stirring. I was a 4wd owner myself for many years.

Was the oncoming traffic warned that there was a bicycle road race approaching in the opposite direction? I would be extra careful if I saw such a sign.

To respond to several people.

First, to me, the event seemed quite well organised. There were plenty of marshalls and safty vehicles. The sppeds were also reduced to 40k’s and there was lots of sinage. The problem seemed not with the event organisers but with the competitors. Most of them were so arrogant that they were riding as if the road was solely theirs. They were riding as if we did not exist, which is not smart when you have 1900kg of Jeep Wrangler coming at you.

All the safety in the world is not going stop idiot kamakazi cyclists. I’m sure most of the competitors were being safe but there were quite a few cowboys or cowgirls around as we went through.

We were doing the 40k limit and in some areas less. We obeyed all sinage and marshalls but we still managed to have a few close calls.

Closing the road would be almost impossible as there are farms and hosing out that way. It is also one of the few access spots to Namadgi

Snowstorm, Were we driving a legally registered 4WD. We went to the sumit of Mt Coree to grab a few pics and enjoy the view. The only way to get to the top of Mt Coree is with a 4WD. If you decide to leave you’re precious little concrete suburbia and step 40 mins into the Brindi’s you will find some of the most picturesqu and amazing landscapes. If you can tell me how to get to these places without either a 4WD or a helicopter then please tell me, I’m all ears!

Perhaps we can all agree that race organisers need to be disqualifying cyclists who veer into the other lane when competing on open roads?

I have to say though it sounds quite terrifying to have to try and overtake a pack of cyclists on the twisty bits of the cotter road.

Just dangerous all round.

Hahaha. I was only joking. Can’t believe 4WD lovers took my intentionally inflammatory comments seriusly. They clearly have about as much humour as they have regard for pedestrians, other motorists, or the atmosphere.

If you don’t own a farm, chuck the 4WD out. There really is no need to own one. Why not donate it to the good people of Iraq or Afghanistan, who actually need such monsters to get about.

BTW, I don’t drive. Or cycle. I live and work in Kingston and walk everywhere. If can’t get there on foot or the 80 or 38, I don’t go there at all (but don’t get me started about the crappy canberra buses!)

The Govt should increase the rego fees for 4WDs as they are essentially light trucks (many coming in at the 2T mark or above).

I think they already do. Mine is registered as a light truck but this might have something to do with it having a tray on the back.

I hate people who drive 4wd’s and dont take them offroad… seriously Why would you pay that much money for a car that kills more people on the roads than smaller (cheaper to run) cars.

I drive a tiny car and i hate that whenever i have to park my car somewhere – its usually between 2 4wd’s, reversing out and trying to locate any oncoming traffic is almost impossible. And i agree with Kramer.. The Govt should definately increase rego fee’s for the larger cars and make people sit another test to make sure they can actually drive it. They are so high up compared to the ‘normal’ cars people learn to drive in..

Wonder whats going to happen when Holden start selling Hummers mid year ??

Also there has been a lot of bagging of road cyclists (as always on RiotACT) about their behaviour on the Cotter roads, but I am certain that if you stood on one of the many high speed corners on Brindabella Road on any weekend you would not only see cyclists crossing the centre double lines, but also motorbikes and cars out fanging a loop around the Cotter.

I think closing the road for the event would have been a great idea, but the reality of closing all of those roads in the Cotter would have outraged residents, tourists, 4WD drivers 🙂 , and other road users. Maybe things like reduced vehicle speed limits during the event, and lead and sweep vehicles for the cyclists would have helped in this case.

The Govt should increase the rego fees for 4WDs as they are essentially light trucks (many coming in at the 2T mark or above). Due to their heavier weight they do more damage to the roads and environment, so in our user pays system they should cough up the pennies. Also I agree that people driving 4WDs should be made to sit a heavy vehicle driving test, as many seem to use a 4WD to compensate for lack of driving ability.

… it was an elite event not a primary school fun day.

I have to admit, I’m getting all of my information on this incident third hand, but it seems to me that the organisation for this event was far from elite. If it is an elite event, then why were riders put in the potentially (and subsequently revealed to be actual) dangersous position of competing with cars for space on the road? Surely, it was obvious to everyone that the racers would use the full width of the road?

Even Les implied that this would be the case – … It’s a sensational spectator sport so pull over and watch the tactics of the bunch …

So, I think the fault here lies directly with the organisers who were lacking in their planning in not arranging for the road to be closed during the race.

Maybe it’s 4WDs that should be kept off public roads. They cause far more deaths than cyclists do, and are about as useful as common sense to a politician

In future–stick to dirt tracks, or move to the US. Your kind is welcome only over there.

I highly doubt that – not that im a 4wd lover (i feel that you should need a licence condition to drive vehicles over 1750kg – one that requires a driving course to get) but (deaths/km travelled) for 4wd’s would presumably be lower than for cyclists.

Snowstorm – My car is 4wd (or AWD, however you want to put it…same difference though)….do I count in that statistic? Where do you draw the line between passenger car and “vehicle designed for offroad use”…how do people get between offroad locations or are they stuck in the one spot?

Think…use your head and stop trolling.

The statistics might say one thing but for every bike rider hit, how many near misses were there? There is a grey area between ‘safety’ and ‘dangerous’ and I think this accident shows that these big bike rides are wandering too far towards the dangerous side of things…..just becasue there are little/no accidents doesn’t mean it’s safe.

snowstorm,
I do not drive a 4WD nor am I a fan of them being used to run the kids to school everyday, but if you don’t want them on the roads then please inform the rest of us how they are meant to get to the dirt tracks that you mention.
I am not sure what you drive, but if it something I don’t like should it be taken off the road? I don’t like Holdens so maybe we should get rid of them?? And I hate cars that can’t do 0-100 in less than 10 secs, because they hold up traffic at the lights, maybe they should go too?

Maybe it’s 4WDs that should be kept off public roads. They cause far more deaths than cyclists do, and are about as useful as common sense to a politician

In future–stick to dirt tracks, or move to the US. Your kind is welcome only over there.

damm – alos = also…

“But the other comment about cyclists who use the various options open to them to get places quicker, such as onto paths and back to the road, is based on pure jealousy and spite.”

No – it is not based on jealousy – I personally ride. It is based on the fact that it is a PEDESTRIAN crossing (meaning foot), so the cyclist should dismount.

That behavoiur is just the start: The distance between being ‘legal’ and running a red light is about 6 feet. It just takes time till the cyclist decides not to bother to swerve onto the crossing, and go straight through on the road.

I wonder if the cyclists who do this are alos happy to use a car park, or a driveway of a service station to ‘avoid’ a red light (in their cars of course).

Where is the line?

From the Canberra Times:

“Earlier yesterday, a 43-year-old woman was fatally injured when the car in which she was a passenger left the roadway in Outtrim Avenue, Calwell, and hit a letterbox about 2am.

This is not related to the Canberra Tour cycling race. Perhaps 104.7 had things mixed up?

No one is dead. The cyclist worst affected in is ICU in a very critical condition. Please people, she’s not dead. Have some thought for her family.

Whilst driving home at 630am this morning FM 104.7 reported that there had been a fatality during yesterdays race. A 43yr old woman died after clipping tires with another racer and fell into the path of a 4wd driver and killed instantly – Does the radio have it wrong AGAIN ??

Anyone know more ??

And if they are going to have a road race with alot of cyclists – why the hell WASNT the road closed!!??!!

An emotive issue here but let’s have some balance and stop going off like a bunch of crackers at Chinese New Year. The injured cyclists were the victims of an accident. When one undertakes an activity of this sort there are known risks, and the cyclists were prepared to take the known risks. Something happened beyond the control of anyone on the day and some cyclists paid the penalty. But, and this is a big but, compared to the number of cyclists out and about over the weekend, and out and about over the months since the previous accident, the rate of injuries and accidents is, in the overall scheme of things, quite small.

To point out where the balance has been lost in this debate, consider the road death over the weekend. I haven’t seen anyone calling for the closing of the road where that accident took place, or a review of whether female passsengers should be in cars after dark, or whether the road in question should be closed after dark, or any of a myriad of possible ways to prevent another tragedy in the same spot.

So, before people jump up and down and say that this race on that road is inherently dangerous, stop and look at the history and the statistics. If the statisitcs are so far skewed towards the dangerous end of the spectrum then by all means consider taking measures, but if not as I suspect one would find, then leave people to have fun and accept a small risk in their lives.

By the way I am a regular cyclist and I agree with some of the comments above about the stupid thoughtless cyclists who occupy more road space than is absolutely necessary, I personally feel that unless there’s an organised event even two abreast riding should be banned, knowing how much it gets motorists offside. When my group has to ride on the road we do so in single file until we reach deserted roads where it’s safe to ride abreast, and even then if a vehicle is approaching from behind we’ll go back to single file until it has passed.

But the other comment about cyclists who use the various options open to them to get places quicker, such as onto paths and back to the road, is based on pure jealousy and spite. Although such behaviour might appear to the idle lethargic and cosseted car driver as potentially dangerous, it’s not, as long as the cyclist has good vision and a clear path, which in Canberra is more abundant than most people realise.

You know what’s really dumb? Not having a bike lane on a major road that leads to a dedicated cycling facility.

johnboy: true, but like police arresting street racers – i can’t help but think there are better uses for police time.

I know that the law basically states that riders can’t be more than two abreast, however this isn’t particularly practical in racing, and would be nearly impossible to enforce.

Seems pretty easy to enforce, if police can go out and arrest drag racers (number of drag racing related accidents this year? anyone?) they can go out to cycle racing hot spots and arrest all those more than two abreast and confiscate their bikes.

Johnboy – as long as they’re not breaking the law by riding across a pedestrian crossing 🙂

I have no problems with a cyclist riding on the road, then dismounting, walking across the crossing and then mounting the bike on the far side of the intersection and continuing on.

I guess it depends where the line is drawn for what counts as racing…

It seems to me that clubs are out there nearly every second week, so closing the roads for any ‘racing’ event would be impractical, and for the very large events (i think the sri chinmoy was the last one?) they did indeed close the roads, but perhaps the grade/heat sizes were not deemed large enough to go to the extra expense? of getting the roads properly closed/controlled?

I know that the law basically states that riders can’t be more than two abreast, however this isn’t particularly practical in racing, and would be nearly impossible to enforce.

and what draws the line between a competitive event and a social club ride? the packs are probably simular in size in both cases?

Les – if all the safety precautions you mentioned were in fact taken, then this accident is proof that you can’t have a bicycle race on a public road. I think you’ll find that most of the comments here aren’t disputing the cycling community having the “right” to race on the roads, just that the road should have been closed to vehicle traffic.

If the road can’t be closed to vehicle traffic, and I don’t think that particular one should be, then the race needs to find another venue.

Is there a reason you’re opposed to the legal swapping of mode from road user to pedestrian and back?

Other than jealousy and prejudice?

Agreed about the race though, it’s hard to see how racing bikes and cars can be made to play safely.

It is a simple sense

When people are *racing* they are likely to behave erratically – Swerving to overtake, etc.

If they are *racing* they should do it on closed roads.

I Pitty the poor driver who collected the bikes – from what the rest of the media has suggested, it probably wasn’t their fault.

And dropping the speed limit wouldn’t help – I cyclist is still creamed at 20Km/h…

I still stand by my comments regarding cyclists being licenced – I have sat at too many lights, watching bikes go through red lights, to determine otherwise.

While I am ranting – I’ll also mention the cretins who ride on the roads, then decide to be ‘pedestrians’ on bikes (just because the light is red – the walk light is green..), then get across the intersection, and go back onto the road.

Darwinian evolution at it’s best

No one is dead. The cyclist worst affected in is ICU in a very critical condition. Please people, she’s not dead. Have some thought for her family.

eggman: i believe they usually do – however, a car doing 30-40 km/h colliding with a cyclist probably doing more than 40 km/h is still going to be horrific.

the road should be closed. don’t expect a motorist to pull-over on every crest, bend, in case a pack of cyclists half away across the road (illegal btw) are oncoming so as to enjpuy watching them go by.

Why shoud Les “grow up”, he’s speaking perfect sense!

couldn’t they have thought to reduce the speed limit on the road whilst the race was on and put up some warning signs?

Les, grow-up!

I have seen plenty of sparkling pristine clean 4wd’s on the cotter road.. I can admit though that my comment stems from my dislike of 4wd’s on the road so may be well and truly biased.

James T-Kirk-
Are you suggesting that the cyclists don’t have jobs or don’t pay rates and other taxes? And how do you think they got to the event in the first place – of course they have cars and contribute just as much to the roads and infrastructure as anyone else.

And everyone who rode out there on the weekend was also bike-licenced – it was an elite event not a primary school fun day. To suggest that it was a surprise to drivers is ridiculous. everywhere we drove out that way on the weekend we saw signs, marshalls, advance and tail vehicles warning you to be slow and take care for cyclists. It’s a sensational spectator sport so pull over and watch the tactics of the bunch, why speed past?
If it can’t be on the road who is going to create a 150km dedicated track for these events?
I’m not even a road cyclist and i’m sick of the unimaginative rants.

I’m a cyclist and I think this is horrible.

However, ‘slaughter of cyclists’.. no one’s actually dead?

FB, from the lady on the news today regarding the accident, she said that the road is made for cyclists!

On Sat morning a a few mates & myself headed out to Namadgi to do a bit of 4WDing. We came back around 2:00pm along Brindabella Road then up Cotter road. The exact route of the race. We were driving in a Jeep Wrangler set up for off roading with a big F%@k off bull bar. We passed dozens of idiots on bikes & I made the comment to my mate that someone was going to get hit, it was just a matter of when.

More then once we would go around a corner to find a group coming at us with some crazy idiot trying to overtake on the inside, riding with his wheels ON the centre line. They wouldn’t even back off when they saw us coming at them, they would just ride straight at us and make us put two wheels off the road to avoid them. We even had the same thing happen with a lone cyclist. The attitude of the cyclists seemed to be that it was their road.

AD, from the story presented, the 4WD in question was in no way at fault and the result would have been the same if it had been a Hyundai or a Trabant Duroplast.

Out on the cotter road AD? High probability it was being used off road.

get 4wd’s off the road as well.. anyone who drives one and doesn’t go off road is a waste of space.

Or catch a tram bon!

Without seeming too insensitive, these guys go close to fitting the criteria for a Darwin award.

sad that a person has died.

but they really should stick to bike paths.

or arrange for the road to be closed.

Captain – I think that you have hit the nail on the head

They are road users – If I were *racing* (even without breaking the speed limit), then I would have some serious explaining to do with our local cops.

They should not be *racing* on open public roads – Just like car races, and rallies – all roads should be closed for their event.

Safety 101.

I can’t see the logic behind allowing a cycling race on a public road. If it is impractical to close the road, then the race is in the wrong spot. I can’t think of many roads that are more unsuitable for a cycling race than Cotter Road. Blind corners, fast downhill sections that cyclists will get some speed on, single lane. This accident is the inevitable result of those poor planning decisions.

It is a sad story, but I am surprised that it has taken this long!

I regularly drive down the cotter road on a Saturday or Sunday, and have encountered cyclists behaving badly more often than not.

They *do not* own the road.

Neither do I.

While they are entitled to a lane (without paying the taxes like I have to), I think that deliberately blocking a lane with them riding 3 or 4 abreast is simply dumb.

Sad that people had to be hurt. Looks like we need mandatory licencing for cyclists – at least then, there would be some sort of education program.

So much for the ACT Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan. Why don’t people understand that Bicycles and Motorized vehicles simply don’t mix.

If not roads closed, at least signs up warning drivers, reduced speed limits, maybe altering courses to avoid dangerous situations (like Pickle’s). Accidents are bound to happen with cyclists on roads, but they could make a few more attempts to minimise them.

Cranky – Bike paths are one thing…they (should) keep bikes off the road (if only the people that ‘should’ be using them would use them…slightly OT but jeeze it pisses me off when there is a perfectly good bike path RIGHT NEXT TO THE ROAD yet some knob dressed like he/she is in the tour de France blocks half a bloody lane….that idiot the other day crossing scrivner dam, I’m looking at you).

Anyway…..bike paths = good (and they do get a lot of use)….mass groups of self rightious cyclists claiming ownership of a windy, narrow road = bad. It’s a shame some people got hurt but for some reason I have this feeling of ‘serves you right’ towards the cyclists. Cars are bad things that burn dead dinosaurs but guess what…they are bigger that you and my highschool physics tells me that they’d have a lot more kinetic energy than 60kg of flesh, bone and aluminium.

If you want to hold a race on the road….apply to have it closed for the duration.

rant off

Riding bicycles on the road is such a smart idea!!

I wish I was bright enough to put my life in the hands of the ACT driving public!

Irresponsible bike riders riding *as a pack* on an un-closed hill road.

Tough titties to the organisers: Hope your smugness has not been too hurt. I hope your insurance is in order too.

Further to this comment, and at the risk of moving off topic, just how much money has been spent on pushbikes in this Territory.

The unused Velodrome, the bike paths, the bus bike racks, the bike lanes on major roads, and the above mentioned racing complex.

Per head of population, pushbike riders have to be the most spoilt citizens in this city.

I think the $8mil was for a mountain biking facility. By the sounds of it this was road racing.

And significant signage is meaningless if cyclists are riding along twisty, winding sections of road on the wrong side of it.

This is after we have been party to spending $8mill on a dedicated bike race circuit?

It’s a regular course, would have been significant signage.

Oh no!

Expect lots of public outcry for cycle lanes on the Cotter Road. Then all over the rest of ACT roads. Then expect this government to waste a lot of money putting them in.

Myself as both road and MTB rider, I have to agree with the comments here- Cotter road is dangerous, even more so when you combine a competitive element. I would see no problem if they could close the road to cars to race along that road. I wonder; were there any support cars behind/in-front of the riders warning other vehicles or maybe significant signage? Either way, hope those involved (driver & cyclists) come out ok.

Our observation on Saturday morning was that it was only a question of when.

Our near miss occurred as we were driving a truck slowly up the steepest bit of Brindabella Road, just past Cotter, when we met a group of about 30 cyclists racing down this mountainous stretch and at least 5 members of that group were on the wrong side of the road coming around a bend, and all were moving fast.

We were in a large vehicle travelling on the correct side of the road and moving at a slower speed than the cyclists. Yet I had to take evasive action to avoid an accident.

It was negligent of the organisers of this event to choose a course which includes sections that the ACT Emergency Services describes as dangerous and accident prone.

I don’t know how many competitors there were in total, but if they were to do this properly, it should have been on a closed circuit. Bike rider coupled with people having a Sunday morning/afternoon drive through the Cotter makes a dangerous combination.

Racing cylists on the Cotter road?!!! Inevitable.

Amazing that an apparently well known dangerous road was chosen as part of a racing route. The mind boggles. I wonder if the cyclists were single file or riding in a huddle that filled the majority of the lane as those groups are often seen to do. The mind boggles again.