Beverley Peat, who caused the death of Dentistry lecturer Dr. Chris He last November by opening her car door as he was cycling past, has been charged with “causing death by careless operation of a vehicle,” and remanded on bail for sentencing in May. Dr. He, described by a student as a “well-respected, approachable teacher,” was among the 122 cyclists who died on New Zealand roads last year, bringing to light the danger cyclists experience on our roads.
Critic spoke to an Otago dentistry student, who said the accident was “a tragic combination of the driver, cyclist, and environment, but I wouldn’t like to credit any party with the blame.”
Cycle safety activist and Otago researcher Prof. Hank Weiss expressed to the ODT that Peat is “a victim in all this as well.” After the trial, Peat said that she felt “bloody awful” about the incident, and one of her supporters added, “our hearts go out to [the family]” on her behalf.
The NZTA and the DCC say they are doing their part by “making significant investments to improve the safety of the roads.” Prof. Weiss states that “there is some evidence that this tragedy is leading to some real change in the community,” but that there is much room for improvement.
Driver admits liability in cycle death
