A REVIEW that NSW Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said found safety risks to cyclists near Newcastle's light rail amounts to an "extraordinary admission", Labor contends.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance told a budget estimates hearing this week that a government review of safety measures around the Newcastle light rail had been conducted.
"While the crash that prompted this safety review was the first recorded cyclist crash along the mixed running alignment, it was evident throughout this review that road safety risks to cyclists did exist throughout the section," Mr Constance said.
Mr Constance's supplementary answers noted the review covered all light rail projects and recommended improvements are under consideration.
The debate stemmed from the death of Danny Egan, 51, after he fell from his bike while crossing Newcastle East light rail tracks on July 10.
Signage along the line is due for installation in the coming months, Mr Constance said.
Labor is calling for the government to immediately reveal the details of the safety review's findings.
Shadow Minister for Active Transport Jo Haylen said Mr Constance's comments were an "extraordinary admission ... that he failed to adequately protect Newcastle cyclists".
"He is backtracking on his previous statement that cyclists had to pretty much fend for themselves," she said.
"Minister Constance should immediately release the full report of the safety review and explain why these measures weren't put in place from the beginning."
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the city's riders deserved answers.
"Newcastle residents deserve to know when the Minister and his department first knew there were safety problems along the light rail route," Mr Crakanthorp said.
"This government was told over and over again that there were issues.
"The minister needs to explain why it has taken the death of a cyclist for safety to be improved."
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