Flawed Traffic Management Found Responsible for Death of 19-Year-Old Cyclist Fyfa Dawson

A coroner has concluded that the tragic death of 19-year-old cyclist Fyfa Dawson was largely due to flawed traffic management planning and errors in its implementation. The incident, which occurred on 30 October 2019 near Prebbleton in Christchurch, has sparked a call for urgent changes to road safety protocols across the country.

A Fatal Mistake in Roadworks Safety

Fyfa Dawson was struck by a concrete truck while cycling on Springs Road as part of a temporary traffic management site. The coroner’s report, released on Thursday, highlighted the lack of a gate controller at the worksite as a key factor in the crash. This absence left the area vulnerable to incidents where cyclists and pedestrians could be exposed to oncoming traffic.

Coroner Ruth Thomas noted that the temporary traffic management plan was “vehicle-centric,” meaning that it prioritized the movement of vehicles over the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. This design flaw, combined with the absence of a gate controller, significantly increased the risk of a tragedy like this one.

A Legacy of Adventure Cut Short

Fyfa was described by her mother, Sarah Campbell, as an “adventurous spirit.” Before the tragedy, she had cycled over 8,000 kilometers across the United States, showcasing her passion for travel and exploration. The irony of her life being cut short just three kilometers from her home has left the family in deep grief.

Campbell expressed frustration with the lack of safety measures at the roadworks site. “They dropped the ball,” she said. “They didn’t make a safe entrance-exit site.” Her comments reflect a growing public concern over the adequacy of traffic management in roadworks zones.

Recommendations for Safer Roadworks

In her 22-page report, Coroner Thomas made several recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies. These include the use of gate controllers, the implementation of advanced technologies such as sensors to warn drivers of cyclists, and changes to heavy vehicle specifications to improve visibility for drivers.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has accepted three of the four recommendations, while the fourth, relating to heavy vehicle standards, is under further consideration. The coroner’s findings have also prompted construction companies involved in the roadworks to commit to improving safety measures and using emerging technologies to protect vulnerable road users.

A Call for Systemic Change

The coroner’s report has highlighted a systemic issue in the way temporary traffic management is handled in New Zealand. It calls for a shift in focus from a purely vehicle-centric approach to one that prioritizes the safety of all road users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians.

As the family of Fyfa Dawson continues to mourn, the coroner’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for immediate action to prevent future tragedies.