Cyclist Philip Pawsey remembered after Nudgee Rd, Hendra, truck crash

A local cyclist group has blamed Council inaction for the death of a north Brisbane cyclist after a turning truck driver reportedly could not see him due to cars parked in a bike lane.

Philip Pawsey was cycling to work when he was hit by a truck and died. Picture – Facebook.

A cycling group has blamed Council inaction for the tragic death of a north Brisbane cyclist earlier this week after repeated calls for it to ban cars from parking in an on-road bike lane.

Philip Pawsey, 53, of Nundah, was cycling to work in the city along Nudgee Road, Hendra about 7.45am on Monday, May 8, when he was hit by a truck reportedly turning right on to the intersection at Long St.

According to witnesses, Mr Pawsey was dragged under the truck. Marks on the road appeared to confirm that.

Some witnesses claimed there were cars parked on the road near the crash site, hampering visibility.

A witness held Mr Pawsey’s hand and comforted him while he died.

The 48-year-old male truck driver was uninjured. Police are still investigating and no one has been charged.

Philip Pawsey was killed while cycling southbound along Nudgee Rd on his way to work. Picture – Facebook.

Mr Pawsey, originally from the UK, worked for an architecture firm in the CBD.

According to his cycling friends and strava account, he rode the trip almost daily on weekdays and was a slow, careful rider.

The Brisbane riding community, along with Mr Pawsey’s friends and family, have been left devastated by his tragic and untimely death.

His nephew, Daniel Pawsey, took to social media to share a touching tribute, saying “cycling was his passion’’.

“The way Philip lived life was something everyone can aspire to. He was always telling us about how he had a cool road trip he was going on, living life day by day,” Daniel Pawsley said.

“He created so many memories for me and Ben.

“He was always the first one to wish us happy birthday, taking us out for a street BBQ in Brisbane (having a tourist coming to film us, thinking we were real Australians), taking us to Moreton Island.

“(He also took) us sea kayaking in Byron Bay, where me and him capsized trying to get back on to shore.

“When we first went to Australia, he took us to Coolum Beach for the first time. It was one of coolest days of my life.

Philip Pawsey died on Monday, May 8. Picture – Linked In.

“I still remember seeing him for the first time back in the UK.

“We took him to the Velodrome and he was so happy to be there as cycling was a passion of his.

“There are so many more, but the memories I have because of him are something I will be forever thankful for.

“He lived life day by day and I hope to do the same for him now.

“Enjoy the roads of the sky. I know you’re with Nana now.

“Life is short. I plan to make the most of it for him now.

“You were a great uncle, son and brother. Rest In Peace. Thank you for the memories.”

Philip Pawsey with family. Picture – Facebook/Daniel Pawsey.

A Brisbane cycling group said it had lobbied Brisbane City Council for years to not allow vehicles to park in the bike lane on Nudgee Rd.

Airport BUG (Bicycle user group) president Mitch Bright said Council “has blood on their hands’’.

“Airport BUG has been highlighting the need for dedicated bike lanes on Nudgee Rd for many years, with a petition as recently as 2022,” Mr Bright said.

“Bicycle lanes allow a safe place for people to ride and let drivers know to expect cyclists and where to look for cyclists.

“Our petition advised Council of the conflicts between cyclists and motorised vehicles, caused by lack of dedicated bicycle lanes on Nudgee Rd.

“Council’s reply to the petition was that they are happy with the situation and are not going to do anything to make Nudgee Rd safer.

“Brisbane City Council rejected even the basic suggestion of removing cars parked in the sporadic painted bike lanes that exist.

“They went on to say if we feel the motor vehicle traffic is dangerous, we should complain to the police.

“In the light of the recent tragedy councils reply is hollow, dismissive and heartless.”

Philip Pawsey with family. Picture – Facebook/Daniel Pawsey.

Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy said his “heart goes out to the cyclist’s family and loved ones’’.

“It’s unfortunate there is commentary about the accident before an investigation by authorities has been undertaken,’’ he said.

“Council is fully cooperating and will review any recommendations that come as a result of this investigation.’’

Last year’s petition argued that Nudgee Rd was a priority route on the Principal Cycle Network Plan.

The plan was developed in response to a 2013 Parliamentary Inquiry into cycling following the death of Richard Pollett, who was hit and killed by a cement truck in Kenmore in 2011.

“It is a well-used route for commuter cyclists riding between the Lores Bonney Riverwalk on Kingsford Smith Drive and the Kedron Brook Bikeway,’’ Mr Bright said.

“Many people who work at Brisbane Airport ride Nudgee Rd, as do people who ride across the Gateway Bridge Cycleway.

“The purpose of the plan was to guide state and local government to prioritise development of safe, appropriate, fit-for-purpose cycling infrastructure along those primary routes.

“Considering Nudgee Rd is on a principle cycle network, we thought council world be happy to improve safety for people who ride there.”

Mr Pawsey’s workplace and family were also contacted for comment.

Forensic Crash Unit officers have been investigating the crash.

They appealed for any witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward.