roadkisser wrote:Hi,
I had a major experience on the Bike track at Dean Park North of Richmond Road just before Xmas. I was doing a morning ride and my front wheel fell into the gap of the man whole. I came off at 38kmh and dameged two new wheels, Velocity fusion rims with Suntour Cyclone hubs just built. Tore my new Continental cycling jersey and bibknicks. I scrapped my chin, elbows, wrists and knees only. I thought I would do this ride before work.
When I approached Westlink M7 for the replacement of clothing and wheels and a few minor things. I was told that Westlink had performed their safety checks and found no problem and believe the man hole was accessed by unauthorised people and Westlink cannot be held liable.
I have all the photos and the letter from Westlink.
I think I will stick to the roads around Windsor, Richmond and Penrith at least I know I will be safer on the roads because I expect to be injured by drivers so I can plan for it. I do on average 200kms a week around the Hawkesbury.
On the M7 bike track you wouldn't expect it so you don't plan for it.
ie wire across path, teenagers on motor bikes stealing peoples ipods,etc, stones being thrown at cyclists, and accessing manholes or setting up man holes as booby traps.
Shocking experience Roadkisser - probably very lucky to get out of it so lightly.
It seemed things had settled down a bit in that area - thanks to some renewed police patrols. A forum member here is involved in doing these - I understand the police are patrolling at least once a month, more regularly in school holidays. You'll see posts related to this in the
M7 Safety Alert Thread
It would be good if you could add a post to the M7 Safety Alert Thread with more specific details of the date and time of the incident. I've also made up google map where you could add a flag marking the location of the manhole - would be very helpful for others to know where the local jerks are making trouble. It's editable by anyone.
M7 Safety Alert Google Map. I've put a marker on it with my best guess of where it happened from what you've reported so far.
Almost lastly, and probably the most important, make sure you report it to the police - they are taking a very active interest and have been very supportive.
Have you lodged a claim on Westlink's insurer ? I don't think they can wipe their hands of this so easily, particularly with the history in that area. If the manhole covers can and have been removed, they need to address it and be given the necessary legal prompt.
Thank you for posting this, and welcome to the forums. Hope your future experiences here are about something less worrying !
It was almost peaceful.... 
