More care and less complacency message from Police following cycle crash

More care and less complacency is the message from Waikato Police as they
investigate a crash that saw several school aged cyclists injured near
Taupiri yesterday.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Marcus Lynam, said the
circumstances surrounding the crash, which happened at the intersection of
Lake and Dawson Roads near Taupiri about 4.25pm, are still under
investigation.

"Initial indications on the cause of the crash are that a Toyota Estima
people mover type vehicle has failed to give way at an intersection and
collided with a group of six cyclists when it crossed from Dawson Rd on to
Lake Rd.

"Five of the cyclists, who were all members of a Hamilton secondary school's
cycling team out on a training ride, were injured in the crash with three
being flown by air ambulance helicopter to Waikato Hospital with status two
injuries while two riders were taken to hospital by ambulance with status
three injuries."

Mr Lynam said it was still too early to say what, if any, charges may be laid
in connection with the incident but in the interim there were some things
Police would like all road users to consider.

"The Waikato road network is for the use of everyone and there is clearly
sufficient room for all modes of transport if consideration is given.

"Intersection rules are there to prevent crashes such as this from occurring
if road users adhere to them. Sometimes motorists can become too complacent
and believe because they have good local knowledge they will be ok. What
Police are saying however, is that it is important that you maintain your
situational awareness and be alert of who you are sharing the road with and
potential hazards."