Brisbane Greens councillor Jonathan Sri has walked back a remark that cyclists were going “too fast” before a shocking crash in inner-city Brisbane that saw five riders sent to hospital.

His comments on Tuesday came as Brisbane City Council transport chair Adrian Schrinner defended the safety of the West End street in question, saying neither a lower speed limit nor a separated bike lane would have prevented the crash.

Five riders were injured in the crash.

Cr Schrinner was telling a Public and Active Transport committee meeting that speed was not an issue in the crash when Greens Councillor for The Gabba Jonathan Sri interjected.

“Cr Schrinner, the cyclists were going too fast,” he said, before apologising for interrupting.