James Roberts: Coroners inquest findings into cyclist’s tragic accident

James Roberts died in 2019 from head injuries caused when he fell off his bike at speed. His family hopes recommendations on helmet safety from his inquest will save others the same heartache.

The parents of a man who died in a Rockdale bicycle accident have welcomed a coronial inquiry recommendation for a rating system to be implemented to improve the safety of helmets.

James Edwin Roberts died on February 11, 2019 at St George Hospital from head injuries caused when he fell off his bike at speed.

Deputy State Coroner Magistrate Harriet Grahame published her findings into his death where she recommended Transport for NSW give immediate consideration to working with stakeholders and experts to conduct a study to assess the need for a star rating system for bike helmets.

Mr Roberts’ grieving parents Bob and Lorraine were “elated” with the finding.

“At least James’ accident could contribute to change,” Mr Roberts said.

Bob and Lorraine Roberts support the findings from a coronial inquest into their son’s cycling accident. They welcome the recommendation of a star rating system for bike helmets. Picture: Supplied

He described his son as a “very experienced mechanic with cars, motorcycles and bicycles”, noting the tragedy of him dying while wearing what he believed was an adequate safety helmet.

“We are grateful to the Coroner for bringing this matter to the government on behalf of the many innocent users of such ‘safety’ helmets,” Mr Roberts said.

“We are so grateful the magistrate who took up the issue.”

Transport for NSW’s safety, environment and regulation deputy secretary Tara McCarthy said any death on NSW roads was a tragedy and Transport for NSW extended its sincere sympathies to Mr Roberts’ family and friends.

“Transport for NSW will consider the recommendations made by the NSW Coroner,” she said.

“Transport for NSW continues to provide road safety information to educate and encourage customers regarding bicycle safety equipment, including correct use of bicycle helmets.”

James Roberts loved Sydney Harbour. Picture: Supplied

Mr Roberts, 51, left his home in Clarence Street, Rockdale about 2.30pm and rode a red Repco pedal bicycle with an orange ‘’Sai Global Fluid’ helmet.

For some unknown reason, when Mr Roberts was travelling at high speed, the bicycle chain dislodged from the sprocket and jammed into the rear wheel, the report said.

Mr Roberts was ejected over the handlebars and landed heavily on the bitumen roadway.

Marks on the road indicated that he skidded for about 20 metres. When Mr Roberts came to a stop he was on his back with one leg on top of the bike and the other underneath.

Residents came to his aid and called Triple 0. Paramedics found Mr Roberts unconscious and suffering significant injuries, including bad grazing.

Following an operation be was diagnosed with an “unsurvivable brain injury” and his parents made the difficult decision to turn off his life support.

The bike was relatively old but appeared to be in reasonable working condition, the findings said.

Senior Constable Davies, a NSW Police bicycle operative examined the bike and discovered the front and rear derailleurs, which are the devices that changes gears,were misaligned and it meant the chain could not flow freely.

The Roberts family in happier times. Picture: Supplied

Magistrate Grahame wanted to know whether Mr Roberts’ old and well used helmet offered adequate protection and engaged two experts to assess it.

Professor Raphael Grzebieta provided his opinion stating, “the impact James suffered was so great that even a helmet compliant to current standards could not have adequately protected him”.

“Professor Grzebieta stated that the current Australian standard, while providing significant protection, should nevertheless be treated as a “baseline minimum performance requirement” for cycling helmets,” the findings said.

“Further he suggested that consideration should be given to instituting an Australian consumer safety rating system similar to the safety rating system for motorcycle helmets.”

“Such a consumer star rating system would precipitate the development of novel helmet designs that are likely to make such higher speed impacts possibly survivable as well as provide protection for the more wide and common concussion injures.”

Dr Andrew McIntosh said the main beneficiaries of a star rating program would be consumers.

Magistrate Grahame accepted “none of the currently compliant helmets on the market could have provided James with sufficient protection for him to avoid significant brain injury, given his speed and the surface on which he fell”.

“I am persuaded that it is possible that a consumer star safety system has the long term potential to drive innovation and to provide specific user groups with information that will assist them in choosing the helmet that will offer them the best protection available,” she said.

“I accept Dr McIntosh’s view that a star rating system is a ‘good idea’ and replicates the approach taken with motorcycles helmets, child restraint systems and motor vehicles. It has an educative and protective value for consumers.

“I hope James’ family are given some small comfort by a recommendation which calls for a system which may drive creative innovation.”

The Coronial recommendation was also supported by Bicycle NSW executive officer, Peter McLean.

“We would be very supportive of working with Transport for NSW and other stakeholders to make valuable additions and updates to the current Australian standard for helmets,” he said.

“I have done a lot of riding over many years and I have unfortunately been in some accidents.

“I have always been happy to purchase a premium helmet.

“A number of years ago helmets came out with carbon fibre webbing which gave them a stronger foundation.”

Bob and Lorraine Roberts are working on a mission to honour their son and his ambition to help those in need through his artwork. Picture: Supplied

Mr McLean hoped the star rating model would be simple.

“As long as the star rating was put into a model that gave a clear indication to the consumer that they were purchasing a more premium product that would protect their head in an accident,” he said.

“The starring system would have to be quite simple, like three stars such as base model, improved model, then premium model.

“Like other fashion items, you can pay hundreds of dollars for a helmet but the model would be give guidance tools to allow people to choose ones that give additional protection in an accident.”

Mr Roberts said he believed his son was rushing to earn money to pay for his Master of Fine Art course when he met with his fatal accident.

James Roberts had graduated from a first degree in fine art.

“He was independent, proud and had particular taste. He only liked top quality things,” Mr Roberts said.

James Roberts loved art. Picture: Supplied

He said his son was a “wonderful, positive person”, who was “nice, empathetic and inclusive of all nationalities”.

He loved art as a young boy growing up in Papua New Guinea and eventually pursued it in studies.

Mr Roberts’ son worked at the Sydney Opera House for nine years and was well respected by his colleagues.

Mr and Mrs Roberts are working on a mission to honour their son and his ambition to help those in need through his artwork.

In honour of Mr Roberts’ life, his parents created a biography book complete with his drawings and artwork.

They have also created ‘Balance With Colour’, which is a simple nature-inspired technique they discovered through their grief.

The technique helps to cultivate positive thinking and actions by perceiving nature's messages.

“If the mission gains the international interest we are aiming for we want to donate the money to the National Art School, that James loved so much, for struggling students, like he was, to pay their fees,” Mr Robert said.

To find out more, visit, balancewithcolour.com.