By Gemma Grant
Police are hoping to speak to the driver of a white SUV that was captured in CCTV footage in Melbourne’s inner north moments after a cyclist was struck in a fatal hit-and-run.
The cyclist, a man who is believed to be in his 40s or 50s, died following the collision in Coburg, and the driver, who fled the scene, continues to evade police.
The victim was standing or pushing a bike on Moreland Road at about 6.20pm on Sunday when he was struck by an unknown driver’s vehicle, police said.
He was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with life-threatening injuries from which he died early on Monday morning. The man is yet to be formally identified.
Officers are yet to speak to the driver involved, who fled the scene without offering assistance.
Police said they believe the car involved is a small to mid-sized European model SUV, coloured white or silver.
A cyclist has died following a hit-run in Melbourne’s inner-north.Credit: Nine News
A loud bang can be heard in CCTV footage obtained by this masthead from a resident’s house near the crash site, before a white SUV is seen driving west towards the Tullamarine Freeway moments later.
Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy said that there would be significant damage to the passenger side, front headlights, and bonnet of the vehicle involved in the crash.
“The driver of the SUV who collided with this pedestrian will be well and truly aware that they were involved in a collision,” McEvoy said.
“We are calling on witnesses who may have seen the collision, and we’re also calling upon the driver of this car. Please come forward,” he said.
“I encourage everybody just to slow down. Take care. If you have been involved in a collision, do not drive away. Stop, render some assistance. Be a good human.”
Coburg resident Brendan, who didn’t want to give his last name, was walking his dog along Moreland Road when he saw the crash happen. He said he noticed the cyclist behaving erratically before getting struck.
“He wasn’t on his bike at any stage. He was wheeling his bike while screaming along the footpath … he was continually screaming.” Brendan said.
“He stepped out into traffic and got collected. The car didn’t deviate at all. The car was going 50km/h … as any car would on Moreland Road,” he said. “Obviously, it’s crazy that the car didn’t stop or even slow down up the road.”
“Another car came by and hit his bike in the middle of the road … then I saw the [body] under a parked car.”
The accident happened close to John Fawkner Private Hospital, near the intersection with Glencairn Avenue, on a strip where there are bike lanes in both directions.
Brendan called it a “crazy road,” and one of the busiest in his suburb.
Police are yet to speak to the driver involved in the Coburg crash. Credit: Nine News
Coburg resident Yim-Wah Choi, who lives opposite the crash site, said she was serving dinner on Sunday night when she heard a loud screech from Moreland Road.
“That sort of huge impact, that sort of collision. What sort of spineless person are you to not even consider stopping and investigating?” Choi said.
“I have family members who ride bikes to and from work ... The minute they leave on the bike until the minute they come home, I am constantly worried. That’s the fear you have at the back of your mind.”
“They have dedicated bike lanes… [but] everyone’s in a hurry to get from one place to another.”
Choi said the Moreland Road was blocked off and emergency services remained outside until after midnight on Sunday.
CEO of Bicycle Network Alison McCormack called the incident “an absolute tragedy” on ABC Radio on Monday morning.
“The cycling community will be absolutely devastated to hear the news of last night and this morning,” McCormack said. “We hear a lot of reports about driver behaviour. It is becoming an increasing issue, particularly in a place like Merri-bek.”
“It’s a huge bike riding community. The community is on board with safety. And there still aren’t those protected lanes that we need in some places.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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