Several motorcycle riders slipped on gravel on the western side of Beechmont Road, Beechmont, after roadworks by Scenic Rim Regional Council left the surface unstable for the two wheel vehicles.
Jeff Eacott was riding through on April 8 when the roadworks were opened up and covered in gravel,
“Very unsafe for me on my motorbike,” Mr Eacott stated.
A month later on May 4, there was still gravel and a slippery surface which he said was unsafe for motorbike riders.
The location, a sweeping turn which is shaded by trees on the roadside, made the gravel hard to see, until riders were on it.
Michael Smith, who lives near the notorious turn and also rides motorcycles, assisted several of the riders involved in accidents on the corner and said it was not a case of riders speeding.
“They were only doing 30 to 40 kmh, not speeding,” he said.
“There has been several accidents, including one 16 year old pillion passenger.”
“The ambulance has been several times, including twice this morning.
Jules Leabres was riding between Beechmont and Canungra on Sunday, May 3 when she hit the loose gravel.
“I am an experienced rider and have been riding motorcycles for more than six years,” Ms Leabres said.
“During that time, I have never been involved in an accident caused by myself or another road user.
“On this occasion, the accident was caused by a significant amount of loose gravel left on the roadway, which created extremely unsafe riding conditions.”
“The condition of the road was hazardous to the point that another motorcyclist also crashed due to the same gravel shortly after my accident.”
Council arranged for a clean-up crew to attend and clear the gravel from the road later that same day, despite it being a Sunday.
Ms Leabres said this action demonstrates that the road conditions were recognised as unsafe and required immediate action.
“I believe the presence of loose gravel on the road directly caused my accident and placed road users at serious risk.”
“Had the road been properly maintained and made safe, this accident would not have occurred.”
