The incident occurred about 10.30pm Wednesday at the intersection of Pacific and Scott streets, Newcastle East.

Police have been told the 51-year-old man came off his bike after attempting to cross the rail lines, falling and hitting his head.

Numerous members of the public rendered assistance to the man while emergency services were contacted. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital where he later died.

A crime scene was established by officers from Newcastle City Police District, and inquiries into the incident are continuing.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

In November cyclist Nick van Veld broke his right knee in two places trying to cross light rail lines on Scott Street.

At the time Newcastle photographer Edward Cross and witness to the accident, which also occurred on the corner of Pacific Street and Scott Street, questioned whether cyclists would be allowed to continue using that route to cross the tracks.

"That section where the light rail goes across from one side of the road to the other is really nasty for cyclists," he said in November.

"You have to make sure you cross the tracks at an angle and there's a deviation that you have to get through there to negotiate the section.

"I've seen three accidents there and it really is a problem.

"I don't know what they are going to do but personally I wouldn't be surprised if they have to say that cyclists can't ride through there. It's not safe because of the rail line crossing the road and with the slippages and the accidents that have happened. It's a difficult space to get through."

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