Cyclist hit by truck: Is Smithfield bypass safe for cyclists?
A cyclist was hit by a truck on the Smithfield bypass on Thursday just weeks after it opened sparking fears the road might not be fit for cyclists.
Cairns
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A CYCLIST was hit by a truck on the Smithfield bypass on Thursday just weeks after it opened sparking fears the road might not be fit for cyclists.
Paramedics were called to the highway’s on-ramp at McGregor Road in Smithfield at 5.52am.
They assessed the 52-year-old man at the scene for a serious arm injury and a potential amputation.
He was then taken to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition. A Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service spokesman confirmed he was still in a stable condition on Thursday afternoon.
It is understood the truck driver was not injured in the crash.
A police spokeswoman said there was an ongoing investigation into what had happened but no one had been charged.
The incident occurred on the $164m Smithfield bypass that opened late last month, three years after work began on the 3.8km road.
The bypass was fitted with a clear bike path on both the road and off the road.
Barron River MP Craig Crawford said all new roads were built to the highest safety standards for both motorists and cyclists.
Mr Crawford wished the man involved in the incident a quick recovery.
“I don’t know any of the circumstances – but I do hope the injured man has a speedy recovery,’’ Mr Crawford said.
“It’ll be up to Queensland Police and the Main Roads department to investigate.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the road was safe for cyclists and they were investigating the incident.
“The bypass was built to current road safety standards for bike riders and motorists,” the spokesperson said.
“The current road rules aim to provide a safe environment for everyone to use roads and paths throughout the state.
“These rules, if adhered to, allow for safe interactions between vehicles and bicycles across the road network.”
The Smithfield Bypass was launched with a Cairns Cycling Club race on November 28.
Cairns Cycling Club secretary Mark Procter said he also went with a group of five to six people last Sunday and enjoyed riding on the new road.
“It was a nice smooth surface and a well-designed road. We found it was safe,” he said.
“It’s no less safe than any other of the new roads around Cairns.”
Mr Procter said he liked that there was an option to ride on a separate bike path that was away from the cars if people chose to.
He has been on the road with other cyclists and he said so far there had not been any negative comments.
The Smithfield bypass was a project that many waited for to improve travel time.
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Originally published as Cyclist hit by truck: Is Smithfield bypass safe for cyclists?
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