Endurance cyclist Mike Hall's death 'avoidable', Canberra coroner finds - ABC News

The accident that claimed the life of British endurance cyclist Mike Hall outside of Canberra two years ago was "avoidable", possibly in part due to the dark clothing he was wearing, a Canberra coroner has found.

Key points:

Coroner unable to assess whether Mike Hall was wearing adequate reflective material
Said Mr Hall's death will be a 'catalyst for changes'
Six recommendations to increase rider safety handed down

Mr Hall had been participating in the 5,500km Indian Pacific Wheel Race when he was hit by a car south of Canberra on March 31, 2017.

Today, Coroner Bernadette Boss released her report, finding Mr Hall died instantaneously from multiple head, chest and abdomen injuries.

"Mr Hall's death was avoidable, which makes the loss of this remarkable person even more keenly felt by his family and the community," Dr Boss said.

Coroner Boss found that Mr Hall had been wearing dark clothing, but was unable to make any assessment as to whether he was also wearing adequate reflective material. She said evidence from other drivers who saw him on the road was inconclusive.

"Regrettably, the clothing worn by Mr Hall was not dealt with in accordance with normal police procedures for retaining evidence," she said.

"As a result it has not been possible to test the clothing for reflective properties and therefore to conduct completely accurate reconstructions.

"It is unfortunate that the investigation into his death has been to some degree compromised by the loss of significant evidence in the form of his clothing and bicycle accoutrements.

"There is however sufficient evidence for his death to be the catalyst for changes that will enhance rider safety into the future."

Coroner Boss made six recommendations, including that the ACT Government review the intersection on the Monaro Highway where Mr Hall died, and amend legislation about visible gear and lighting to be used by cyclists in low-light conditions.

Mr Hall described as 'careful', 'meticulous'

Outside the courtroom, fellow endurance rider and Canberra resident Michael James outlined how well-prepared Mr Hall had been for the race.

A man with orange hair and glasses looks serious outside a building.

"When you set out to ride across Australia you're setting out to do an inherently quite dangerous thing. The thing that I don't think has been really realised in these proceedings is that you do it very, very carefully," Mr James said.

"Mike Hall was an Olympic athlete preparing for the event at which he was arguably the world champion. He did this meticulously.

"He did it using gear that he was experienced with, that he knew was reliable, that he knew did the job. Every detail of his kit and visibility system were really carefully thought out, and I think that hasn't been properly appreciated.

"He was a gentle giant, he was such a lovely man. A really balanced and thoughtful individual."

A cyclist sitting on grass looking at his phone.

Mark Boast from the advocacy group Pedal Power said cyclists always knew Mr Hall's death was preventable.

"Mike Hall was riding legally, he was well lit. We've had video of him … we know what he looked like from behind," he said.

"Cyclists are basically in a situation where they're legally doing what they're entitled to do, and not being respected on the road."

Tragedy unfolded over live mapping

The Indian Pacific Wheel Race, marketed on its extraordinary difficulty, commenced at Fremantle in Western Australia and finished at the Sydney Opera House. Mr Hall was in second place when he was hit and killed.

Indian Pacific Wheel Race route across Australia.

Hundreds of keen cyclists were following the race via a live map.

Participating cyclists were all equipped with extremely precise location trackers to make sure they could not cheat and go off course. Known as "dot watchers", people watching online could see precisely where they were at all times on a map — they even knew when the riders had stopped at a public bathroom for a toilet break.

When Mr Hall's dot stopped in the early hours of the morning, it became apparent to hundreds of dot watchers that something was seriously wrong.

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