There has been much sadness following the death of a ‘true cyclist’ who was killed in a freak accident. His tyre got stuck in a part that is normally used to attach trailers to cars.
Peter Fitzgerald, 63, fell from his bicycle on the corner of Dooley Street and St James Crescent in the south-west Victorian city of Warrnambool at around 10.40am on Sunday morning.
Ambulances were called to the scene and Mr Fitzgerald was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition, but he died of his injuries two days later.
Barry Warren was sitting next to Mr Fitzgerald at the time of the accident.
“The three of us had finished our trip and were driving around, talking and heading home,” said Mr Warrn, who had been friends with Mr Fitzgerald for 30 years.
‘We were only going about 23 or 25 km/h, just going home. Just a speed where you could chat with each other.’
Unfortunately, Mr. Fitzgerald hit a shackle (a shackle typically used to secure a trailer to the back of a car) with his front wheel and fell off his bike.
“One of them was stuck on his front tire and was just a strange thing,” Warren said.
“Just one second in time and it’s horrible.”
Peter Fitzgerald, 63, died from injuries after falling from his bicycle in the Victorian city of Warrnambool on Sunday
Mr Warren said he could see his friend had suffered serious injuries to his head and back.
“The fire brigade, police and ambulance were there and they were just incredible,” Mr Warren said.
“The work they did was simply astonishing.”
Mr Warren said he had done hundreds of rides with Mr Fizgerald, the youngest person ever to complete the 270km Melbourne to Warrnambool cycle race at just 16 years old.
“He was just a good man, didn’t upset anyone, a good family man, a hard worker,” Warren said.
The Warrnambool Cycling Club posted a Facebook tribute to Mr Fitzgerald and announced they would be hosting a ride in his honour.
Mr Fitzgerald was an avid member of the Warrnambool Cycling Club from his teenage years
“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our dear friend and cyclist Peter (Fitzy) Fitzgerald,” the message said.
‘Our thoughts are with his wife Lisa, son Tom, daughter Georgia and the rest of the family.
‘Fitzy has been a dedicated member of the club since his junior years and he will be greatly missed.
‘To commemorate Fitzy in lieu of our club race, we invite cyclists to join us on Sunday morning at 8.30am on Aberline Rd outside Anchor Point for a Cudgee loop ride finishing with a coffee in town.’
Fitzgerald’s wife Lisa also posted a message about his death on Facebook.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you that Peter Fitzgerald passed away Sunday morning in an unexpected bicycle accident and passed away earlier today from non-survivable injuries,” the statement said.
‘A special thank you to Barry Warren and Bill Murphy for their desperate efforts to save his life, and to the wonderful Warrnambool Ambo’s and staff at the Royal Melbourne.
‘Life won’t be the same without Peter. Love your family, Lisa, Georgia, Tom, Maria, Louis & Kai.
Both messages received many expressions of love and support.
Mr Fitzgerald, who was remembered, is survived by his wife Lisa, son Tom and daughter Georgia
“Peter Fitzgerald was a good man,” Barry Warren wrote under the cycling club’s post.
“I’ll miss you, Fitzy.”
“A real cycling gentleman,” said another.
“There are no words for this, I feel for you all so much,” one person wrote.
‘Such a gentle soul, soft spoken, kind neighbour for over 25 years, my condolences go out to Lisa, Georgia and Tom xx.’
“Peter was such a beautiful person, he will be greatly missed,” said another.
The tragic accident occurred when the front wheel of Mr Fitzgerald’s bicycle hit a D-hitch, normally used to attach trailers to cars, and veered off the road
‘Thinking back to old school days on Caramut Rd. A lovely man. Cherish the wonderful memories of you Georgia and Tom. All our love and deepest sympathy at this very sad time,’ said another.
A police spokesman said the accident was still under investigation and anyone with relevant information should come forward.
Funeral arrangements still need to be made.