Police name Napier boy killed on road

Residents living near the scene of a collision which claimed the life of a 12-year-old cycling to school say the tragedy was "inevitable".
Taradale Intermediate School student Joshua Paul Bennie, 12, was killed after a collision with a van heading south on Guppy Rd outside Reignier Catholic School about 8.10am yesterday.
The young cyclist was less than a kilometre from his school.
It's understood passing nurses, who were first on the scene, attended to the boy before St John staff arrived. Despite their efforts he was pronounced dead 15 minutes later.
A nearby resident told Hawke's Bay Today she'd witnessed many close calls on the street. "They [cars] race down here all the time ... it was inevitable, in my mind, particularly around school drop off times as it's always crazy busy."
Cars regularly "lock up" on the street, she said.
Another neighbour said the road was a busy thoroughfare. "I moved from Auckland to Taradale years ago, yet oddly enough the traffic noise here on Guppy Rd is louder than where I was in Auckland."
Taradale Intermediate principal Dennis Coxon said young cyclists were always at risk on roads. "Every road, every corner, every street, kids are cycling to and from school and there's always a high risk," he said.
"It's a challenge for both the kids and motorists."
Since yesterday's tragedy he said his students were dealing with the loss of a friend as best they could. "Our internal support structures are working really well."
Police Inspector Kevin Kalff confirmed the youngster was wearing a cycle helmet.
"Victim support response has been initiated for not only the victim's family, but also for the witnesses and the schools associated with the incident," Mr Kalff said.
Serious Crash staff are continuing the investigation.
Hawke's Bay Today returned to the scene 24 hours after yesterday's tragedy at 8.10am today. Traffic flow was steady in both directions, but not at peak. In addition to cars and buses, there were a number of children on bikes and scooters as well as parents dropping off children directly at the gates.
Traffic flow increased between 8.10am and 8.30am when the patrol signs directly outside Reignier Catholic School were put in place.
Groundskeeper from Reignier School James Williams said traffic along Guppy Road was dangerous during the busy times between 8am and 9am, then again after school from 2.30pm.
"It's a main arterial route. It's a high flow traffic area with three schools within 2km of each other ... there's a lot of kids on bikes."
Yesterday's tragedy has highlighted the need for particular care around schools at peak times. Spotted today was an adult cycling in a fluoro vest following three young cyclists on their way to school as well as children riding on footpaths rather than cycle lanes.