Tamaki Drive carparking spaces moved after crash

The scene of the accident where a cyclist was killed on Tamaki Drive. Photo / NZ Herald

Four car parking spaces have been removed from the scene of a fatal crash involving a cyclist in Auckland earlier this week.

The parking spaces have been removed from Tamaki Drive, Auckland's popular road along the southern side of Waitemata Harbour, on the corner near the Kelly Tarlton's aquatic complex.

It follows the death of British nurse Jane Mary Bishop, 27, who died on Wednesday after swerving to avoid a car door, falling under a truck at the Tamaki Drive corner.

"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 said.

"This is an immediate step that will improve cycle safety."

Mr Allen said Auckland Transport, the new council-controlled organisation set up as part of the Auckland super city reforms, was taking other measures to improve safety.

They included 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 both cyclists and pedestrians, and improving public awareness through targeted campaigns around sharing of the road space.

Cycle Action Auckland member Bevan Woodward was pleased with the moves.

"Auckland Transport is moving quickly on this one and we welcome the plans they have for improving cycle safety. We hope to have an ongoing dialogue to resolve other potentially dangerous locations for cycling in Auckland."

Mr Woodward yesterday said Cycle Action Auckland had alerted the then Auckland City Council transport manager to a problem for cyclists at Tamaki Drive by Kelly Tarlton's in April 2006, but nothing was done.

Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean today said he would launch an inquiry into cycle safety following the deaths of five cyclists in three separate incidents on the roads this week.

In addition to the deaths, a 15-year-old cyclist is in a critical condition after being knocked off his bike in Hastings yesterday, and a 12-year-old girl hit by a truck while cycling to school was in a critical condition in Starship Hospital.

Judge MacLean wants a special inquest into the deaths, to examine whether there were any patterns and possible law changes needed.

- NZPA