Usually motorcycle riders are the victims in hit and run accidents but one trail biker is giving us a bad name after hitting a 77-year-old pedestrian and fleeing the scene.
Queensland Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident in Kin Kora, near Gladstone, around 5pm on 31 August 2019.
The local man was walking along the pathway that runs between Emmadale Drive and the soccer field at the end of Pioneer Drive when he was struck by a blue trail bike as it sped past him.
“The man fell to the ground while the rider of the bike failed to stop and render assistance,” police say.
The man was transported to Gladstone Hospital and treated for his injuries, then later discharged.
Sadly, the man passed away on Tuesday (September 10).
Police investigations
Police investigations are continuing to determine whether or not the incident contributed to the man’s death and the matter has been referred to the Coroner.
Gladstone Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who have seen a blue trail bike in that particular area at any time to come forward.
Police believe the trail bike has been seen in the area several times in the past, particularly along the roadway that leads from the end of Pioneer Drive to the soccer field.
The rider is described as wearing a dark coloured helmet with dark goggles.
Anyone who may know the rider of the bike is also urged to contact police.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24 hours a day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
An 81-year-old rider is counting his blessings after hitting an oil spill and sliding his BMW until the front wheel hung over a precipitous drop into a deep gorge.
Allan Shephard of Brisbane says he was enjoying a midweek ride on his old R 80 RT on the Sunshine Coast hinterland when the frightening incident occurred.
He says he reported the oil spill to the Main Roads Department and was surprised at how quickly they responded to fix the dangerous spill and warn other road users.
How it happened
Obi Obi Rd is bitumen uphill and gravel downhill
“I left Mapleton after a pie and coffee at the bakery and approaching the unsealed divided down section on Obi Obi Rd I was being pushed by a four-wheel-drive ute in a hurry,” Allan says.
“I pulled over and let him go, then proceeded fairly slowly down the gravel section.
“Midway down the top section there is a sealed section through some tight down hill corners. On a left-hand turn a bit tight and steep I hit a lengthy oil spill that covered the left hand side of the road all around the corner.
“In the instant I saw it I thought it was water on the road.
“I was under gentle brakes just to steady my speed. The old R 80 had a very quick lie down, losing the front wheel.
“The left crash bar dug in and spun the bike across the road ending with the front wheel hanging over the drop into the gorge below!
“I bumped along behind the bike, covered my left side in oil and severely scratched my new Shoei visor. I said a big ‘bugger’, I think.”
Allan says he was pleased that about 10 vehicles stopped to help.
One woman helped him pull the bike back on to the road and a truckie helped him stand the bike up in a safe place and bandaged his right hand.
Oil spill
Contractors clean oil spill
Allan says that on his ride home he noticed many more streaks of oil all the way to Kenilworth where “the offending vehicle turned towards Imbil”.
Concerned that another rider may not be as lucky as he was, Allan rang 000 to report the spillage.
“The 000 lady was concerned that I was ok and said she would report the hazard,” he says.
“One of the guys who witnessed my fall reported the hazard to the off-duty police officer at Kenilworth.
“He reported to me that he had gone to the Council Depot at Kenilworth to report the hazard and was told that it was not a matter for the council but for the Main Roads Department.”
Main Roads action
Allan says he is pleased to find that Main Roads had a team on site by 3.30pm to deal with the spill and erect warning signs at the top of the range.
“Well done, I would think,” he says.
“I’ve put the Main Roads Traffic Hazard reporting number (13 19 40) in my wallet for future reference.”
A Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson says they “responded immediately” and their maintenance contractor applied an absorbent treatment to the oil.
“Hazard warning signs were put in place and a message published on the QLDTraffic website to advise road users of works underway,” the spokesperson says.
“We are continuing to monitor the site.
“All state-controlled roads are regularly inspected to ensure they are safe and traffickable, however, road conditions can change quickly.
“We encourage the public to report safety hazards on the road, so they can be urgently assessed.
“We had not received a road hazard report for this location before this incident.”
Report hazards
Riders are urged to report hazards on roads by contacting the relevant authority.
The problem is that it can be difficult to ascertain whether the road is controlled by a local council or the state department.
If emergency services are required due to a crash with injuries, call 000.
If Triple Zero doesn’t work, call 112. You don’t need credit on your mobile phone to call 000 or 112 as it is free.
A 63-year-old Victorian man has died in a crash on a dirt road while out riding in a group southwest of Stanthorpe, Queensland, yesterday (Tuesday 11 September 2019).
Police say the man was riding his motorcycle around noon along Murphy’s Crossing Road at Nundubbermere (above) as part of a larger group.
They say he “lost control and crashed”.
“An off-duty nurse located the crash and provided first-aid along with the other riders, however the man was declared deceased at the scene,” police say.
The Forensic Crash Unit will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
Two people have died in a single-motorcycle crash in Sydney’s south today and another rider died in a crash at Castle Rock yesterday.
About 11.10am (Sunday 8 September 2019), emergency services were called to Forest Road, Peakhurst, after reports that a motorcycle hit a pole.
The male rider and a female pillion passenger died at the scene.
Officers attached to St George Police Area Command attended and established a crime scene, which will be forensically examined.
St George PAC have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Motorcyclist dies in crash at Castle Rock
Police are also investigating a fatal collision involving a motorcycle and a car near Muswellbrook on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency services responded following reports a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a silver Holden Commodore collided on Wybong Road, Castlerock, just after 2.30pm (Saturday 7 September 2019).
The 47-year-old male motorcyclist died at the scene.
The five occupants of the vehicle, which included a three-year-old child, were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital for treatment to non-life-threatening injuries.
Wybong Road was closed in both directions for a number of hours while specialist forensic officers examined the scene.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Our sincere condolences to the victims’ families and friends.
A driver who caused the death of a rider has walked free from court over a technicality that allows motorists to dangerously pull over on the side of multi-lane highways and motorways.
Burpengary rider Luke Harris, aged just 25, died on 28 December 2017 in a crash caused by a ute pulling out in front of his Honda on the Bruce Highway.
Ute driver Cameron Woodvine was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.
He told police he had pulled off on the right side of the highway to look for his wallet in a narrow roadside area that is not a designated stopping bay.
Luke’s sister, Renee Harris, says Luke was riding his bike in the far right lane when he collided with the ute as it slowly re-joined the highway.
He was thrown from his bike into the path of a BMW car which also crashed into another car stationary on the other side of the road.
“Luke had nowhere to go,” Renee says.
Luke with his mother Sue and sister Renee
Free
Woodvine appeared in the District Court in Brisbane on 23 July 2019 and two days later was found not guilty.
“There were no other charges, court fees, disqualifications, etc,” Renee says.
“Unfortunately this person walked free mainly due to outdated terminology in the current road rules,” Renee says.
Queensland Road Rules only allow motorists to pull over in a freeway emergency lane and only in an emergency. Otherwise, they must not stop on a freeway.
Luke with his Honda
Petition
Family friend Cressida Fraser, with the support of Luke’s family, has now started an online petition to Queensland Parliament to add multi-lane motorways and highways to the rules.
“Had this person not pulled over for a non-emergent reason then this accident never would have occurred and Luke would still be here today,” Renee says.
“We don’t want another family to have to suffer the way we have not only with the pain of losing Luke but also the impact the not guilty verdict then had on our family.”
Cressida says the current rule makes it “potentially dangerous” for all motorists.
“With traffic flowing at 100km/h, it has the potential to be fatal, especially on bikes with much less protection than cars,” she says.
“Luke’s accident was the result of outside sources and not having a way out.
“It could happen and has happened to many riders, experienced or new. We just hope this can be the start of making even a small difference to rider safety.”
A fundraiser page has been started to raise money for the family of rider Scott Rose who was killed in a collision with an unlicensed driver at Tumbulgum, NSW, on Monday (2 September 2019).
Scott died in the crash at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Tweed Valley Way in Tumbulgum near Tweed Heads, about 3.20pm on Sunday.
The driver left the scene and another rider involved was injured but later released from hospital.
Graham Belcher, 52, of Britain, was arrested at Brisbane International Airport on Tuesday (3 September 2019) at 2am as he was about to board a flight to Hong Kong.
dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous;
fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death;
negligent driving (occasioning death);
cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle;
drive while licence cancelled;
not give way to vehicle (give way sign/line); and
driver fails/refuses to disclose his identity.
Bail was refused and he was remanded in custody until November 20.
Family fundraiser
The fundraiser page was started by brother-in-law, Codie Holliday, to raise money to support Scott’s wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash.
“As the sole income provider for his family, Scott’s tragic death is impacting his family in so many awful ways, including financially,” Codie says on the fundraiser page.
“At this horrible time of need it would be most appreciated if as a community we can get together to support Tenniel, Nash and Lacey so that finances are one less thing they need to worry about.
“It is one burden that we can actually help to lift. All funds donated will go directly to the family to assist with all related costs and assist in supporting this family through this time.
“Thank you in advance to everyone who donates, to all of the people who have offered their support and kindness, the first responders on scene, and those who went past the accident and stopped to help, we are forever grateful.”
The death of a 61-year-old West Rockhampton man in a crash involving four motorcycles on the Moonie Highway yesterday highlights the risks of riding in a group.
Several riders were travelling west on the highway, about 20km west of Westmar, when one motorcycle collided with two others around 1.30pm.
Queensland Police says their preliminary investigations indicate a fourth motorcycle, which was also travelling with the group, crashed as the rider attempted to avoid the initial crash.
The West Rockhampton man was transported to St George Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
A 50-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man were also transported to St George Hospital where they remain in a serious condition.
Our sincere condolences to families and friends and our best wishes for a full and fast recovery for the two injured riders.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
Quote this reference number: QP1901726246
Group riding risks
The incident is similar to a group riding crash in July in the Lockyer Valley west of Brisbane.
Police said one rider ran into a vehicle while overtaking another and the four other motorcycles crashed while taking evasive action.
A British man facing multiple charges involving a fatal crash with two motorcycles on Sunday was an unlicensed driver in a rental car.
Graham Belcher, 52, of Britain, was arrested at Brisbane International Airport yesterday (Tuesday 3 September 2019) at 2am as he was about to board a flight to Hong Kong.
He will appear in Tweed Heads Local Court today.
NSW Police will allege his rental car was involved in the crash at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Tweed Valley Way in Tumbulgum (pictured above) near Tweed Heads, about 3.20pm on Sunday.
Crash scene
A male rider died at the scene and the other male rider was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital with minor injuries.
The driver of the vehicle failed to stop.
NSW Police have successfully applied for his extradition in Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday.
He will appear in Tweed Heads Local Court this morning charged with an outstanding warrant, as well as:
dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous;
fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death;
negligent driving (occasioning death);
cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle;
drive while licence cancelled;
not give way to vehicle (give way sign/line); and
driver fails/refuses to disclose his identity.
He is expected to be remanded in custody to appear at a later date for a hearing.
His arrest was a joint operation involving the Crash Investigation Unit, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Tweed Byron Police District officers, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Queensland Police.
Police had appealed for the public’s assistance to locate the Hyundai with Queensland registration 170-ZCP.
Similar Hyundai
It was found late yesterday in Terranora and seized for examination.
Inquiries into the events leading up to the crash are continuing.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Our condolences to the deceased rider’s family and friends and our best wishes to the other rider for a quick and full recovery.
A highly visible police presence will target motorcyclists on Victorian country roads enjoying the warmer spring weather in Operation Argus this weekend.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane says officers would have a “heavy emphasis on motorcycle safety”.
“As we head into spring we expect riders to start getting their bikes out of the garage and making the most of the warmer weather,” he says.
“We don’t want to see a repeat of the beginning of the year, where too many people never finished their ride.
“If a motorcyclist leaves the road, they don’t stand much of a chance. Sadly we have already seen more riders die on our roads this year than the whole of 2018.”
So far this year, 32 riders have died on Victorian roads compared with 21 by the same time last year and the five-year average of 24, according to the Traffic Accident Commission.
Over the past 12 months 49 have died compared with 34 the previous 12 months and the five-year average of 38.
However, Victorian Motorcycle Council media spokesman John Eacott said the scant Victorian Police assessment of crash statistics was “absolutely meaningless”.
Visible police presence
Beautiful Victorian spring weather entices riders
The highly visible police presence will target speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, seatbelt offences and driver distraction.
There will also be a strong focus on country roads, where the increase in lives lost has predominantly occurred.
“Road trauma doesn’t discriminate and we have seen that time and time again – we just can’t afford to take gambles on the road,” AC Leane says.
“We’re taking road safety seriously and we need Victorian motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to do the same.”
Operation Argus runs from 12.01am tomorrow (5 September 2019) to 11.59pm Sunday (8 September).
A 29-year-old woman has been charged with negligent driving after a collision with a motorcycle in Sydney on Sunday (1 September 2019) that left a 63-year-old male rider with a severely injured foot.
NSW Police say that about 3pm a Toyota Aurion was turning right from a driveway on to King Street, Randwick, when it collided with the motorcycle heading east.
The rider was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital for further treatment. He remains in a stable condition.
We wish him well for a full and fast recovery.
The driver of the Toyota Aurion, a 29-year-old woman, stopped after the crash and spoke with police.
About 7.50pm yesterday the woman attended Maroubra Police Station where she was charged with negligent driving.
She was given conditional bail to appear before Waverely Local Court on Wednesday, 16 October 2019. We will have an update on that day.
Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command are investigating the events leading up to the crash and appeal to anyone who might have dash camera or security camera footage and is yet to speak with police to contact them.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
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