Cyclist Fyfa Dawson’s Death Sparks Calls for Safer Road Design and Faster Investigations

The tragic death of 19-year-old cyclist Fyfa Dawson in October 2019 has reignited urgent calls for safer road design and more efficient coronial processes across New Zealand. The incident, which occurred during the construction of the Christchurch motorway on Springs Rd, has prompted the coroner to recommend sweeping changes to temporary traffic management systems and the operation of heavy vehicles.

Fyfa was cycling through a temporary traffic management site when a concrete truck turned left in front of her, resulting in her immediate death. Coroner Ruth Thomas, in her findings released on August 6, 2025, highlighted several critical failures in the traffic management plan that contributed to the tragedy, including a lack of clear signage, the absence of a gate controller, and the absence of a 1-meter sealed shoulder for cyclists.

"The approved temporary traffic management plan was vehicle-centric, and it failed to consider the needs of cyclists," Coroner Thomas said. She emphasized that the absence of a gate controller, which could have prevented vulnerable road users from crossing in front of trucks, was a major contributing factor. Additionally, the coroner noted that road users were not provided with clear information about safe routes for cyclists.

Caryn Dawson, Fyfa’s aunt and a vocal advocate for change, expressed deep sorrow over the release of the coroner’s findings, calling it a "deep wound" for the family. She urged the government to review the coronial process, noting that the six-year delay in publishing the report has caused immense pain for the family and others in similar situations.

"How can a family begin to heal while waiting, year after year, for answers?" Caryn said. "Now that the report has finally been released, it has reopened a deep wound; we are transported back to that devastating day as if it happened yesterday. The pain is raw, the memories remain vivid, it is a harrowing experience to relive."

The coroner’s report also highlighted industry changes that have occurred since Fyfa’s death, including a shift toward a risk-based approach in the design and implementation of traffic management plans. However, Coroner Thomas stressed that the system-level errors in the original plan must not be forgotten.

"Cyclists must be a key part of the design and delivery of temporary traffic management plans during roadworks," she said. "It is important to note that every death reported to the coroner is different, and the circumstances of some deaths mean they may take longer to investigate."

The coroner’s key recommendations include the use of gate controllers in situations where vulnerable road users are at risk, the use of advanced technologies such as sensors to activate warnings, and the introduction of new standards for heavy vehicles. The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has accepted three of the four recommendations and is considering the fourth, which involves new vehicle standards.

In response to the tragedy, WorkSafe New Zealand investigated the incident and reached a voluntary agreement with the companies involved, Downer and McConnell Dowell. One of the recommended interventions was a protocol of minimum vehicle standards in line with Australian and British standards.

A memorial plaque for Fyfa Dawson, located near the accident site, was written by Fyfa herself in an Instagram post. The words on the plaque serve as a poignant reminder of the need for safer road design and the consequences of failing to prioritize the safety of all road users.

"We support further consideration of the fourth recommendation relating to heavy vehicle standards and will work with the Ministry of Transport on the next steps," an NZTA spokesperson said. "We are already moving on changes to enhance safety for both road users and road workers with the introduction of a risk-based approach to temporary traffic management."

As the community and authorities continue to reflect on Fyfa’s legacy, the call for systemic change in road safety and coronial processes remains stronger than ever. The tragedy has not only highlighted the need for safer infrastructure but also the urgent need for a more responsive and efficient justice system for families affected by sudden and preventable deaths.