Cyclist who died after his wheel slipped into a light rail has been remembered

A cyclist who died after his wheel slipped into a light rail track has been remembered as a ‘great family man’ and father of three.

Danny Egan’s wheel is believed to have gotten stuck when he was riding across the light rail in Newcastle on Wednesday, causing him to fall off his bike and hit his head.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital where he later died. 

His friend, Mitch Hudson, told The Sunday Telegraph that he had joined Mr Egan and a third friend – Wayne Bennetts – at a pub to watch State of Origin before he attempted to make his way home.

‘We know the accident occurred because of the tram tracks but Danny, me and Wayne had been drinking beer and people will say it was the beer, which we can’t defend,’ Mr Hudson said.

‘But we’re blokes in our 50s who drink mid-strength beer.’

He described Mr Egan as a ‘great family man’, while Mr Egan’s neighbour John Percival said the family were ‘doing the best they can’.

Friends and family have flooded social media with heartfelt messages for the 51-year- old, including Ride for Chopper, the group that organises a charity ride for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. 

‘All of us at the Ride for the Chopper are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of our good friend and fellow rider, Danny Egan,’ a post on the page read.

His friend, Mitch Hudson, told The Sunday Telegraph that he had joined Mr Egan and a third friend – Wayne Bennetts – at a pub to watch State of Origin before he attempted to make his way home

Mr Egan has been described as a ‘great family man’, while Mr Egan’s neighbour John Percival said the family are doing the best they can

‘Danny rode with us for many years, and was always happy to share his knowledge of riding and a good laugh with anyone.’

The post said Danny was rarely seen without a smile and ‘his infectious personality, constant encouragement and love of pies will live on in our ride forever.’

The post asked people to keep Danny’s family in their thoughts. 

Newcastle’s light rail website advises riders to ‘take care near tracks [as] wheels can catch in the tracks or can slip and cause a fall’.

Newcastle’s light rail website advises riders to ‘take care near tracks [as] wheels can catch in the tracks or can slip and cause a fall’

The website also advises to slow down before crossing the tracks and to try and cross at a right angle.  

A spokesperson for the transport department said everything had been done to alert cyclists to issues of riding across the tracks including a safety campaign spread in the media, on social platforms and in brochures.  

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Transport NSW for comment.