Angus Collins, a cyclist described as someone who always had a smile on his face, tragically lost his life at a Footscray intersection while on his way home from a shopping trip for camping supplies. He was only months away from graduating with a degree in exercise science and business. The coroner’s findings revealed that changes made to the intersection due to the West Gate Tunnel works posed numerous risks to road users, including the removal of a left-turn slip lane which slowed down cyclists. Despite a road safety audit report highlighting concerns, corrective actions were not fully implemented at the time of the fatal incident.
Prior to Collins’ death, several complaints and messages of concern were raised by cyclists and road users about the risks associated with the intersection and ongoing project works. These concerns were brought to the attention of the traffic authority, but it was noted that the response from the project’s builder was inadequate. The fatal incident occurred when Collins was riding along a separated bike path parallel to Footscray Road and a cement mixer turned left into Dock Link Road, colliding with him. The coroner found that the intersection configuration significantly compromised visibility for turning vehicles, contributing to the tragic accident.
In the aftermath of Collins’ death, the coroner recommended that an independent road safety auditor be used to assess risks before projects are closed by contractors. He emphasized the need for greater education for all road users on their respective obligations and highlighted the potential risks at intersections between left-turning vehicles and cyclists traveling straight ahead. The coroner’s findings underscored the preventable nature of the tragedy and the devastating impact it had on Collins’ family and the driver of the cement mixer involved in the collision.
The case of Angus Collins serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by cyclists at intersections, particularly when interacting with turning vehicles. The failure to fully address identified risks and implement adequate safety measures contributed to the fatal outcome, highlighting the need for improved oversight and accountability in road construction projects. The recommendations made by the coroner aimed to prevent similar tragedies in the future and emphasized the importance of prioritizing road safety for all users. The loss of Collins was deeply felt by his family and friends, who continue to mourn his absence and advocate for greater awareness of the risks faced by cyclists on the road.
