Serious Crash Unit Still Investigating Motor Cycle Fatality

Posted by Waikato Police on

Respect the road that you are riding on is the message from Waikato Police investigating the second fatal motor cycle crash on the Coromandel in a week following the death of rider on Friday.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said it was particularly tragic that the crash, which happened on SH25 near Tairua about 6pm, occurred just three days after a woman lost her life in the same area while riding a motor cycle.

"The crash that claimed the life of 47-year-old Taupo rider, Peter PAUL, is still under investigation by the Serious Crash Unit however initial indications are the north bound rider died after losing control of his motor cycle on a gentle right hand, just after passing another vehicle.

"Excessive speed does not appear to have been a factor in the crash, more it appears Mr PAUL has misjudged his line, left the road and collided with a group of small trees 2-3 metres from the side of the road." 

Mr Tooman said over recent weeks, with the weather steadily improving, the number of motor cyclists traversing the so-called 'Coro Loop' around the Coromandel Peninsula had increased significantly and not all rider have the experience required to negotiate such a challenging route.

"As beautiful as the route is in places it is as equally deadly with some very tricky stretches and coming off a straight riders can often find themselves in the wrong line to negotiate a corner.

"What we're pleading for people to do is watch their speed and if you are the more experienced rider, travel behind your less experienced colleague, not in front, that way you can offer valuable advice at the next rest stop."