For Rita Moir, it was meant to be a relaxing Sunday bike ride in Newcastle. Instead, she ended up on the ground at Honeysuckle with a dislocated shoulder, fractured upper arm and facial injuries.
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That ride to hospital came about when Mrs Moir attempted to leave the pop-up cycleway by using a driveway at the new Lume apartments. Her tyre hit the edge of the driveway, and she crashed.
"I went over and took it all on my arm," Mrs Moir said.
While waiting for the ambulance to arrive for his wife, Kerry Moir said, another cyclist came off at the driveway.
The temporary cycleway has proven popular since it was installed along Honeysuckle Drive about two months ago. But according to cyclists, there has been a spate of crashes at the spot outside the apartments, as riders have attempted to exit via the driveway.
"I can count eight people who have done the same thing as me at the same spot," Rita Moir said.
Keen North Lambton cyclist Alan Toby said he also crashed on the driveway and suffered injuries.
On August 8, Mr Toby fractured a knee, injured his mouth and sustained a deep cut to his finger, when his bike's front tyre hit the driveway's concrete lip.
"All you've got to do is get the angle slightly wrong, and you're off," he said.
Just to the east of the driveway is a ramp for cyclists. However, on this day, Mr Toby said, it was partially blocked by a truck.
Sam Reich, the president of Newcastle Cycleways Movement, said riders were using the driveway because they didn't see the ramp, or it was blocked by vehicles. He has been discussing the issue with Newcastle council.
"This cycleway is so popular, this particular driveway is being used, and they [cyclists] are coming to grief," Mr Reich said.
A City of Newcastle spokesperson said the organisation was "aware of a small number of incidents involving cyclists" at the site.
"The city has taken steps to improve cyclist safety, including increased parking enforcement activity, additional marking on the road and footpath, and cycle logos and left arrows added prior to the exit ramp," she said.
"The city is reviewing further proposed changes, which may include widening the exit ramp or provision of an additional exit ramp, in consultation with Newcastle Cycleways Movement."
Mr Reich said he hoped the Honeysuckle Drive hotspot could prompt council to look at all driveways near designated cycleways in the city, and consider having the edges ground smooth.
He also hoped the driveway safety issue was addressed in the city's updated cycling strategy, which he said was expected to be released by the end of the year.
Read more: New speed limit at Honeysuckle.
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