The Facts
Experienced cyclist participates in charity ride
In April 2008, a cyclist participated in an annual
Sydney-to-Queensland charity ride.
The cyclist was an avid and experienced cyclist of 15 years and
had participated in the event nine times before.
Cyclist crosses bridge in poor state of repair
Along the route of the charity ride, it was necessary to cross a
bridge.
The bridge consisted of longitudinal timber planks which had
been spray sealed with asphalt. However, the asphalt had eroded in
various places.
The planks also had gaps of varying sizes between them, and some
planks were damaged with holes.
Approximately two months before the accident, the bridge had
been inspected by a council road inspector, who had observed some
gaps between the planks of the bridge.
