Cyclist in horror crash
POLICE believe a driver may have been “blinded” by the sun when his ute collided with a bicycle early yesterday, leaving the rider fighting for her life in hospital.
The 47-year-old cyclist was riding down a steep incline on Marine Pde at Coolangatta at 6.10am when she was hit by the ute, which was turning right onto Petrie St.
The woman suffered severe head, chest and pelvic injuries after being thrown from her bike and smashing her head on the windscreen.
Police said the 29-year-old driver of the ute was “very upset”.
Sergeant Brendon Karr of Coolangatta CIB said the forensic crash unit were investigating. “It appears the sun may have played a factor ... it’s still a bit early to tell if he (the ute driver) will be charged,” he said.
Locals said they had long feared a serious accident in the area, which is popular with cyclists.
Sarah Burke woke to the sound of sirens as emergency services rushed to the scene.
“There are so many cyclists around here,” she said.
“It’s very sad to see this has happened (but) it was only a matter of time.”
Steve and Donna Archdeacon, owners of cafedbah on Marine Pde, said the hill was a danger for cyclists. “Locals wouldn’t ride down that hill at high speed,” Mr Archdeacon said. “They know it’s very steep and banks to the left.”