Darkness, Rain A Hazard For Bike Riders
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday September 12, 1997
A letter from Lute Ellon (Herald, September 8), deserves support, concerning the dangers of damaged or uncleared road surfaces on the northern exit from the Harbour Bridge.
In my own case, the journey home by motorcycle from city shopping could have proved fatal. One July evening, close to 5 pm, in the darkness and with rain falling, neither unrepaired, water-filled potholes, stray bricks, nor hubcaps, whatever, were visible, the riding problem being compounded by treacherous repair strips and ineffective road lighting in the wet conditions. (This was close to the Ridge Street overhead walkway.)
The combination of these factors managed to throw me off my bike, while travelling in an almost straight section of roadway. A stream of traffic was close behind during a very busy period of the evening.
The bike was a mess, but being well protected, I escaped with a bruising, an altered state of consciousness and a much more intimate knowledge of this stretch of road than I expected. My 60 km/h-zero slide along the surface was one way to celebrate a birthday, but I'm trying to give it up for next year. (My wife agrees.) My thanks to the traffic for stopping to admire the spectacle.
Some days later I noticed freshly laid tar - clear signs of recent repairs at this same point. As you've guessed, I look forward to contributions shortly from the RTA towards the $1,500 insurance excess payable. In the meantime, take care out there.
Paul Brock, September 11Waitara.
Riders of two-wheeled vehicles (bicycles and motor cycles) should take great care when crossing the shiny black asphalt sealing (Letters, September 8) when wet - it becomes very slippery and is especially dangerous in such conditions. RTA, take note.
Ken C. Taylor, September 10Eastwood.
© 1997 Sydney Morning Herald
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