Cycle Tragedy Moggill Road
Monday, 05 December 2011 09:34
I was horrified to see a brilliant young musician receiving world acclaim and just 25 years old killed whilst riding his bicycle inbound on Moggill Road just past the roundabout.
Richard Pollett was visiting our area after a stint performing and studying music in Europe. I understand charges have been laid against the truck driver (although details are not public). I shall await the investigation report to see if road conditions also contributed to this tragedy.
Particularly as we approach the Christmas/New Year season, I repeat here what I have said many times before. Our road and transport system in this area is completely inadequate. Moggill Road is a major through arterial road carrying 55 000 cars a day and growing yet it has none of the features that would normally be part of such a major state arterial road. In places, notably where this tragic accident occurred, there is no shoulder whatsoever. Not only does this mean that other road users than cars have nowhere to go but of course also means that when accidents do occur there is no easy way of removing vehicles from the roadway, resulting in major dislocation. The road also has no bus lane, transit lane etc.
All road users have a right to be on the road - through traffic on its way to Brisbane, local traffic going to schools, shops, etc in Kenmore, cyclists, trucks and commercial vehicles.I repeat my appeal to local motorists to drive with the greatest caution and to respect the fact that other road users may be using the road for different purposes than what you are.
I’ve extended the sympathies of our local community to Richard’s parents.
Something you can do
Richard spent much of his short life as a struggling musician even busking in Switzerland to pay the bills whilst he was studying. His family wants to honour his memory by creating The Richard Pollett Memorial Award. This award would be given to a young violinist who has displayed outstanding personal and musical attributes. The Memorial Award is to be co-sponsored by the Australian Youth Orchestra with whom Richard played.
Particularly if you are a music lover, can I suggest you consider a donation to the Queensland Youth Orchestra (an orchestra I know many local people have derived great pleasure from) in support of getting this Award up and running. If you know of any business or corporate that would like to be a donor in the area of the arts and music you may be able to assist by drawing it their attention. Donations are tax deductible.