Police are urging motorists to drive with care and responsibility, and to share the road, following a road crash that has led to serious injuries and criminal charges.
The crash occurred at approximately 3.10pm on 25 May on Poihipi Road, Taupo. Two vehicles were travelling along Poihipi Road in convoy and in the same direction as two cyclists. The first vehicle pulled wide to avoid the cyclists but the second vehicle collided with them.
Both cyclists were airlifted to Waikato Hospital with serious injuries and both underwent surgery. The male rider aged 52, from the Taupo area has since been discharged from hospital, but requires out patient treatment. The 49-year-old female rider from the Taupo area is recovering on a ward in Waikato Hospital.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is now complete and as a result, a 17-year-old man from the Taupo area has been charged with two counts of careless driving causing injury and one count of driving while his licence was revoked. A 51-year-old man from the Taupo area, who was driving the other vehicle, has been charged with counselling another driver to drive while their licence was revoked.
They will both appear before Taupo District Court on 27 June.
Constable Nick Weight said: "It is a stark reminder that riders and motorists have equal rights and responsibilities on the road.
"Cyclists are particularly vulnerable and other motorists are urged to be aware of their surroundings at all times. It is recommended that a 1.5m distance is given to cyclists and if circumstances prevent this, then drivers should be patient until they are sure they can pass safely."