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Changes to traffic signals, a popular cycling route and heavy vehicle standards are among recommendations a coroner has made after a Melbourne mum was killed while cycling to see a friend.

The findings into the death of cyclist Arzu Karakoc at Yarraville, in Melbourne’s inner west, have been handed down in the Coroners Court of Victoria.

They included nine recommendations.

The 35-year-old mum was heading to see a friend in Williamstown and was cycling across an intersection at Whitehall Street and Somerville Road about 5.40pm on March 10, 2017.

She entered the intersection and paused when she saw truckie Prabhjot Singh turn into the road. The truck’s trailer swung into her and she was dragged under its wheels.

The driver continued into a container yard and said he never felt a bump when he hit the woman.

The beloved mum of two died at the scene.

Both Mr Singh and Ms Karakoc had green signals at the time of the crash, according to the coroner.

In her findings, Caitlin English recommended the state’s Department of Transport temporarily redirect the popular Federation Trail cycling route away from Whitehall Road until a crossover bridge was completed.

She also recommended the department review traffic lights at the intersection “given if both are simultaneously green the risk for accidents is increased”.

Other recommendations calling on the federal government to do more to tackle heavy vehicle standards were backed by the Bicycle Network.

“Sadly, nothing will bring Arzu back to her family, but we are hopeful that some good can come out of this tragedy,” the network’s Craig Richards said.

Among changes the coroner recommended included adopting vehicle standards to mandate side underrun protection among commercial heavy vehicles, standards for blind spot technology and retro-fitting indirect vision devices.

There were also concerns about distracted driving, with the Deputy State Coroner saying it was “very likely” the truck driver was on a phone call at the time of the crash.

“This explains why he did not see Mrs Karakoc crossing the road, did not feel a bump and did not stop his truck.”

She said the driver’s consistent position was that he was not on the phone, was reluctant to acknowledge Ms Karakoc’s death and gave evidence there was no-one at the intersection.

“His immutable position diminished his credibility overall, as did his varied explanations about the phone call,” she said.

As passers-by rushed to help the injured woman, Mr Singh kept driving.

He was arrested and taken to a nearby police station after paint from his truck matched paint found on the bike, but he was not interviewed because an interpreter was not available at the time.

The driver told police he did not see any cyclists and was aware he needed to give way to pedestrians at the crossing.

No charges have been laid against him.

“Just like drunk driving in the 1970s, we hope this tragedy will help spark a much-needed crackdown and culture change around using your mobile phone while driving,” Mr Richards said.

Mr Karakoc’s lawyer Allanah Goodwin said the “tragic accident” could have been prevented.

“We were pleased to see a large number of recommendations come out of the inquest,” she said.

“We hope that these provoke a greater focus on the prevention of serious injury and a further investment in road safety.

“Ms Karakoc’s death had an enormous impact on her husband and children”.

The law firm has confirmed it will seek compensation on behalf of Ms Karakoc’s family.

The Department of Transport said its thoughts remained with the family and friends of Ms Karakoc.

“We’ve improved safety for cyclists and pedestrians at this location following the tragic crash,” a spokesman told NCA NewsWire.

“We’re building a new connection along Hyde Street and Harris Street in Yarraville to redirect cyclists from the intersection of Somerville Road and Whitehall Street.”

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