Cyclist in his 50s dies in morning commute after crash at Kingston Beach

It has been revealed roadworks at the scene of Tuesday’s fatal cycling accident on Kingston Beach have been fast-tracked. WHAT HAPPENED >>

Update - Wednesday February 23: Roadworks at the scene of Tuesday’s fatal cycling accident on Kingston Beach have been fast-tracked at the request of the local council.

Kingborough Council confirmed it had contacted TasNetworks, which were carrying out the works, about getting the works completed.

“Kingborough Council has contacted TasNetworks in regards to the site of the tragic accident yesterday on Osborne Esplanade, Kingston Beach and the remediation work needed,” a statement read.

Breaking News Breaking News Floral tributes laid at site of fatal cyclist crash. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Council has been assured that resealing work will be carried out today (Tuesday).”

A cyclist in his 50s was killed just before 7am Tuesday after being struck by a car on a steep, winding road next to Kingston Beach.

A resident in the area told the Mercury in Tuesday morning it appeared the cyclist struck gravel and slid into the path of the oncoming car.

‘Shocked’ local recalls how tragic cycling accident unfolded

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

INVESTIGATORS will examine whether recent roadworks contributed to a crash that killed a road cyclist in Kingston on Tuesday.

A cyclist in his 50s was killed just before 7am after being struck by a car on a steep, winding road next to Kingston Beach.

The cyclist was coming down the hill on Mt Royal Rd and was struck while turning onto Osbourne Esplanade in Kingston.

A local resident who was one of the first to arrive on the scene said he believed that loose gravel on the road may have contributed to the tragic accident.

He said recent maintenance work following a power blackout in the area two or three weeks ago involved sections of the road being dug up by workers.

WorkSafe Inspectors at the scene. Cyclist fatality on Osborne Esplanade Kingston Beach. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“It appears the cyclist was coming down the hill and turning the corner, has struck the gravel and slid into the path of the oncoming car, who was on the correct side of the road,” the resident said.

“The car didn’t even have time to hit the brakes.

Cyclist fatality on Osborne Esplanade Kingston Beach. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“It looks like it was just a terrible accident.” The driver, who was in their late 40s, did not appear to suffer any serious injuries but was taken to Royal Hobart Hospital for an examination.

Kingston senior sergeant Peter Borish (pictured left) said it was not yet known whether gravel on the road was the cause of the crash.

“We understand early investigations indicate there was some roadworks conducted in the year but we can’t determine if that was a cause of today’s unfortunate incident,” Sergeant Borish said.

Senior Sergeant Peter Borish Tasmania Police. Cyclist fatality on Osborne Esplanade Kingston Beach. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Tasmania Police are undertaking extensive investigations in relation to this matter and they’re been supported by crash investigation services.”

The coroner attended the scene and made some preliminary investigations.

Shocked Kingston resident Marcus Halsey was walking his dog along Kingston Beach when he heard about the death.

Mr Halsey said it was a sad day for the community.

“Obviously very, very sad for the people involved in families and friends and family, whoever the person might be,” he said.

Cyclist fatality on Osborne Esplanade Kingston Beach. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“It’s a close-knit area down here, so everybody knows each other.”

A Kingston cyclist said it was a notoriously steep and windy stretch of road for bicycle riders.

“I ride down there all the time, but I never ride on the road – it’s way too scary,” she said.

Cyclist dies after crash at Kingston esplanade. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I come down this way a few times a week and it’s a really hairy road to go down – a real hard one.”

A Kingborough Bicycle Users Group spokesman said it was a terrible tragedy for the cycling community that raised many serious questions. “Today, the bicycling community has lost another of its own,” the spokesman said.

“KBUG will be asking why and how the accident occurred and why the emergency response to the tragedy caused so many local people enormous distress at the scene and why it was not properly managed.”