‘Bright, shining light’: Cyclist killed in collision outside Taronga Zoo identified as Tim Miles

A businessman who died after the bicycle he was riding collided with a bus outside Taronga Zoo has been described as a ‘pivotal figure to Supercars’.

Police on scene at Taronga Zoo after a cyclist was killed by a bus just outside. Photo: Tom Parrish

The cyclist who died after a collision with a bus in front of Taronga Zoo in Sydney’s north, has been identified.

Tim Miles died when his bicycle was struck by a bus outside the world-famous zoo at Mosman at about 10.30am on Sunday.

Mr Miles died at the scene of the accident and NSW Police said that the bus driver was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

His family on Sunday issued a statement, describing him as “bright, shining light”.

Tim Miles died in a cycling accident outside Taronga Zoo. Picture: Supplied

“Tim was involved in a tragic and ultimately fatal accident this morning in Sydney while enjoying one of his favorite hobbies - cycling,” the family said.

“His loss is keenly felt by friends and family, especially Wife, Tracy, and daughters Caley and Erin.

“Tim was a family man, though one who loved nothing more than stressing out his beloved Tracy about his latest motorsport-related purchase or adventure - all the while proudly telling stories of his two daughters’ successes in life.

“His passing will be notably impactful on his other love - a motorsport community that felt Tim’s impact as a competitor, an owner, a supporter and as a businessman for more than 35 years.”

Police on scene at Taronga Zoo after a cyclist was killed by a bus just outside. Photo: Tom Parrish

Police on scene at Taronga Zoo after a cyclist was killed by a bus just outside. Photo: Tom Parrish

“Tim was a fantastic storyteller, a man with a brilliant sense of humour and who showed genuine interest in the lives of those around him - whether he’d known them for years or just met them,” his family said in a statement.
He was born in Ashburton on New Zealand’s South Island and chased his dream of being a race driver before focussing on business and establishing Miles Advisory Partners.
He used his business to support his beloved motorsport, competing in one-make Porsche racing and GT competition and sponsoring up-and-coming drivers.

Tim Miles lived his dream by racing in the Le Mans 24 Hours earlier this year. Picture: Supplied/Ford

He had just returned from France where he lived out one of his dreams by competing in the Mustang Challenge Invitational as part of the Le Mans 24 Hours.
In a statement, the Supercars Championship said ‘they were saddened to learn of the passing of Tim Miles, an extraordinary figure in Australian motorsport. A keen racer and pivotal figure to Supercars…As a corporate advisor and former team owner, Tim played a crucial role in shaping the future of Supercars.”

“Through his company, Miles Advisory Partners, Tim was instrumental in the sale of Supercars to Archer Capital in 2011. In 2021, Tim brokered the sale of Supercars to Racing Australia Consolidated Enterprises Pty Ltd”, the statement said.

Tim Miles in action during race two of the 2019 Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup Australia at the Vodafone Gold Coast 600 at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast in 2019. Picture: Jerad Williams

“The proud Kiwi was a regular competitor in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and GT World Challenge Australia. This year, he was competing with Melbourne Performance Centre and Audi alongside countryman Brendon Leitch.”

Previously, he was a co-owner of Triple Eight Race Engineering team, selling his shareholding to motorsports driver and entrepreneur Tony Quinn in 2021. He was also co-founder of Tasman Motorsport.

A statement from NSW Police said: “The bus driver was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

“The four passengers on board the bus at the time were uninjured.”

A black tarp was wrapped around the right side of the bus to block visibility as police took photos, one officer describing the site as “a pretty gruesome scene”.

The collision took place near the famous zoo’s bus stop.

Visitors with cars parked on Bradley’s Head Road were initially escorted past the bus by zoo staff to retrieve their cars, with police later closing access to the area.

Families and couples exiting the zoo were told their vehicles parked nearby would be inaccessible while investigations continued, with one mother complaining that access to her car was needed to get home with a pram.

Taronga Zoo remains open with visitors being directed to an alternative entrance while police investigate the circumstances of the accident.

In a statement on social media, Taronga Zoo said the zoo “remains open and is operating with a few access changes”.

“There was a vehicle incident this morning along Bradley’s Head Road, which is currently being managed by NSW Police,” a spokesperson for the zoo said in a statement.

“Buses are currently not running between Mosman Junction and Taronga Zoo, as well as from Taronga Wharf to the Main Entrance.”

Ferries to and from the site have continued to run with access through the zoo’s lower entrance.

Police on scene at Taronga Zoo after a cyclist was killed by a bus just outside. Photo: Tom Parrish

“Traffic diversions are currently in place and motorists are urged to avoid the area,” police said in a statement.

“Check www.livetraffic.com for up-to-date information. As inquiries continue, anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam and or mobile phone footage about the incident urged to contact Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Originally published as ‘Bright, shining light’: Cyclist killed in collision outside Taronga Zoo identified as Tim Miles