Kangaroos constant danger on some Adelaide roads, cyclists say after Norton Summit Rd crash
A COLLISION between a cyclist and a kangaroo that left a 52-year-old man in a critical condition in hospital hasn’t surprised other riders, who say they need to be constantly vigilant for the animals.
A COLLISION between a cyclist and a kangaroo which left a 52-year-old man in a critical condition in hospital hasn’t surprised other riders who say they need to be constantly vigilant, with the animals a common presence on roads.
The crash happened at 8.45am on Sunday while the cyclist, from Seaton, was riding down Norton Summit Rd, at Teringie. The road is one of the most popular within Adelaide’s cycling fraternity.
The man was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital with life-threatening injuries. It is believed the cyclist suffered multiple fractures in the accident.
Regular cyclist Bruno Scheidt said it was possible the man would have been travelling at speeds of up to 60km/h as he made his way down Norton Summit Rd and may not have had time to react to a kangaroo appearing on the road.
“You can be doing about 50 or 60km/h and if there is something jumping out of the bush, it’s a risk you don’t want to think about,’’ he said.
“You have nothing really to protect you.’’
The accident occurred after the cyclist had come around a bend on the notoriously winding stretch of road, meaning it’s likely he would have not been aware of the danger ahead until the last second.
The 38-year-old Campbelltown resident Mr Scheidt said he had often seen kangaroos while on his weekly Sunday morning ride.
He said he tried to avoid riding around dusk or dawn when they were more prevalent, but said he had seen kangaroos as late as 11am.
He also said if he saw one kangaroo he usually stopped his ride. “The minute you see one kangaroo go across the road, you may as well stop because they come in bunches.’’
Riding partner Warren Carpi said there was not much that could be done as kangaroos were part of the natural environment.
“I have seen them before on Norton Summit Rd and it is their place at the end of the day,’’ he said. “We are in their place.’’
Both cyclists spoke to The Advertiser at the Norton Summit Hotel where they had stopped for a break during their 70km ride and said the news of the accident was likely to make them more careful before heading down the steep Norton Summit Rd decline back into the city.
“I think I will be taking it a bit slower,’’ Mr Scheidt said.
In 2015, a 62-year-old cyclist died from injuries sustained after colliding with a kangaroo at Victor Harbor.
A video last year showed a roo bounding out of the bush at Humbug Scrub, striking the helmet of one of a group of cyclists before landing on the road and hopping off.