MEDIA RELEASE

24 August 2015

Jane Farrelly Family Welcome Coroner’s Report

The family of Auckland cyclist Jane Farrelly say a Coroner’s report has cleared her of any blame for the crash that claimed her life.

Jane, a mother of two, died while cycling with friends near Taupo in March 2013. She was knocked off her bike by a passing truck while riding uphill on Poihipi Road.

The crash sparked renewed calls for greater protection for cyclists particularly a legislated minimum distance when a vehicle is passing a cyclist. No one has ever been charged in relation to the fatality.

Jane’s sister Tina McCullough says her family has just received a copy of the Coroner’s report.

“We are especially thankful to Coroner Gordon Matenga for clearing Jane of any blame,” she says.

“Mr Matenga has refuted police claims that Jane’s medication (sleeping pills) may have been a factor. Clearly that was not the case.”

“Mr Matenga also states the cyclists were not riding two or three abreast, as suggested by police investigators.

“It is our view that that the truck driver’s eyesight was a contributing factor. We note that since the accident, he has been required to wear glasses when driving”.

“We also note that Taupo District Council has plans to address Poihipi Road width discrepancies. We look forward to that section of road being made safer for cyclists and other road users”.

“The family’s hope going forward is that all cycle accidents are investigated thoroughly and that Jane’s death has raised further awareness of the need for drivers to take care when passing cyclists. The road is there to be shared by all users, and size does not equate to having ownership of the road.”

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