The tragic death of 20-year-old cyclist Max McDowall in May 2021 at a busy intersection in Brisbane has brought attention to the safety of cyclists on the road. McDowall, described as an experienced and cautious rider by his family, was hit by a Brisbane City Council bus driven by Andrew Rudnicki. Despite being initially charged over the crash, the charges were later dropped. McDowall’s family has highlighted his passion for protecting the environment as his reason for cycling.
The three-day inquest into the circumstances surrounding McDowall’s death began this week, with Coroner Donald MacKenzie tasked with examining Rudnicki’s ability to see McDowall and determining if any recommendations need to be made to improve safety in the area. The intersection where the collision occurred, at Gillingham and O’Keefe streets near Buranda train station, is a busy one that connects to the South East Busway along the Pacific Motorway. This intersection plays a pivotal role in the routes of many buses and cyclists in the area.
Rudnicki, who continues to drive buses for the council, testified in the Coroner’s Court that he had driven the route many times and was familiar with the intersection where the crash occurred. He explained that he was waiting at a red light and intending to turn left onto the busway when the light turned green. Despite checking his mirrors and seeing no immediate danger, Rudnicki stated that he did not see McDowall before the collision. He emphasized that he was driving cautiously, traveling at a speed of no more than 10 kilometers per hour, and had signaled his intent to turn.
The apology offered by Rudnicki in court for his role in McDowall’s death highlights the broader issue of road safety for cyclists and the need for improved visibility and awareness on the part of drivers. As the inquest delves into the specifics of the crash and Rudnicki’s actions leading up to it, there may be recommendations put forth to enhance safety measures at the intersection where McDowall lost his life. The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerability faced by cyclists on the road and the importance of vigilance and caution from all road users.
The impact of McDowall’s death reverberates beyond his family and friends, touching the wider community and sparking conversations around cyclist safety in Brisbane and beyond. McDowall’s commitment to environmental protection through cycling serves as a poignant testament to his character and values, further underscoring the need for safer infrastructure and increased awareness on the roads. The inquest’s findings and any subsequent recommendations could have a lasting impact on road safety measures and serve as a catalyst for improved protections and awareness for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists.
As the inquest continues, the focus remains on uncovering the circumstances that led to McDowall’s tragic death and determining what, if any, actions can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The intersection where McDowall was killed serves as a critical point of contention, with its busy nature and connections to major transportation routes highlighting the complexities of ensuring the safety of all road users. The apology from Rudnicki and the ongoing examination of the crash underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for comprehensive solutions to mitigate risks for cyclists and other vulnerable users of the road. Moving forward, the inquest’s conclusions and any resulting recommendations will be closely watched by the community as a step toward improving safety and preventing further tragedies on the roads.
