Mike Hall Inquest
Discussion
Confused reporting by the BBC, 60 mph, turning onto the highway, dark, couldn’t see, dark clothing.....
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-4562238...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-4562238...
IPWR posted this earlier on their FB feed, they don’t hold back on the “quality” of the police investigation....
Close to two years after participants set out from Fremantle for the inaugural Indian Pacific Wheel Race, the release of the findings in the Coronial Investigation into the death of Mike Hall brings the event to a conclusion.
There is no criticism made by Coroner Boss of us, in the findings as the organisers of the Indian Pacific Wheel Race. We, nor any Dragon Face Pty Ltd employee were ever formally interviewed by police investigating Mike’s death.
Coroner Boss has ruled that Mike’s death was avoidable – and we agree.
Listening to the evidence presented to the court late last year, like many, we are frustrated by the Australian Federal Police handling of the crime scene on the Monaro Highway. Visibility was a key consideration during the inquest. Unfortunately, important reflective equipment used by Mike to stay visible on the morning of his death was not seized at the time of the accident and therefore was not able to be considered by the court. According to Coroner Boss “Regrettably, the clothing worn by Mr Hall was not dealt with in accordance with normal police procedures for retaining evidence.” It is disappointing that the world-class standard that Mike held himself to in life was not matched by the team investigating the circumstances of his death.
Mike was a professional – as a competitor, as a race convenor, and as a cyclist. In the words of Coroner Boss, Mike was "exceedingly experienced". It is our view given our experience riding with him that he knew what was necessary to remain visible in all conditions. He rode through most of 13 nights in the last days of his life, cycling 5,000 km across Australia. During that journey he was passed safely by thousands of vehicles, day and night. It has been disappointing throughout this process that there has been doubt as to his behaviour on this day.
It cannot be said that the driver of the vehicle that collided with Mike set out that morning March 31, 2017, intending to or would ever have wished to take a life. But the release of the findings does not change the fact that Mike Hall’s name was added to the long and unnecessary list of cyclist deaths on Australian roads. Many lives were irrevocably altered that morning close to two years ago and our thoughts, as always, are with Mike’s family and loved ones.
Mike was a friend, and as such, it will take some time to digest the findings in their entirety. This process has left us overwhelmingly sad, confused and at times, angry. Further comment may be made once this report has been appropriately considered.
Until then, we remind all road users that our roads are a shared space. Respect and look out for one another. Your patience will save lives.
Thank you for your understanding.
The findings can be found here - https://courts.act.gov.au/magistrates/decisions/in...
📸 Credit: Gene Kehoe
Close to two years after participants set out from Fremantle for the inaugural Indian Pacific Wheel Race, the release of the findings in the Coronial Investigation into the death of Mike Hall brings the event to a conclusion.
There is no criticism made by Coroner Boss of us, in the findings as the organisers of the Indian Pacific Wheel Race. We, nor any Dragon Face Pty Ltd employee were ever formally interviewed by police investigating Mike’s death.
Coroner Boss has ruled that Mike’s death was avoidable – and we agree.
Listening to the evidence presented to the court late last year, like many, we are frustrated by the Australian Federal Police handling of the crime scene on the Monaro Highway. Visibility was a key consideration during the inquest. Unfortunately, important reflective equipment used by Mike to stay visible on the morning of his death was not seized at the time of the accident and therefore was not able to be considered by the court. According to Coroner Boss “Regrettably, the clothing worn by Mr Hall was not dealt with in accordance with normal police procedures for retaining evidence.” It is disappointing that the world-class standard that Mike held himself to in life was not matched by the team investigating the circumstances of his death.
Mike was a professional – as a competitor, as a race convenor, and as a cyclist. In the words of Coroner Boss, Mike was "exceedingly experienced". It is our view given our experience riding with him that he knew what was necessary to remain visible in all conditions. He rode through most of 13 nights in the last days of his life, cycling 5,000 km across Australia. During that journey he was passed safely by thousands of vehicles, day and night. It has been disappointing throughout this process that there has been doubt as to his behaviour on this day.
It cannot be said that the driver of the vehicle that collided with Mike set out that morning March 31, 2017, intending to or would ever have wished to take a life. But the release of the findings does not change the fact that Mike Hall’s name was added to the long and unnecessary list of cyclist deaths on Australian roads. Many lives were irrevocably altered that morning close to two years ago and our thoughts, as always, are with Mike’s family and loved ones.
Mike was a friend, and as such, it will take some time to digest the findings in their entirety. This process has left us overwhelmingly sad, confused and at times, angry. Further comment may be made once this report has been appropriately considered.
Until then, we remind all road users that our roads are a shared space. Respect and look out for one another. Your patience will save lives.
Thank you for your understanding.
The findings can be found here - https://courts.act.gov.au/magistrates/decisions/in...
📸 Credit: Gene Kehoe
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