Peak WA trucking body, the Western Roads Federation (WRF), is warning truckies and operators to be on high alert for cyclists in an unofficial endurance race now underway from Perth to Sydney.
WA Police reported two tragic incidents from the event yesterday, including a fatality near Madura, about 180km west of Eucla.
Between 5.30am and 6am, police said a cyclist – travelling east on Eyre Highway – was struck by a passing vehicle, possibly a truck, which was also travelling east.
The 62-year-old male rider died at the scene.
Investigations are being conducted to confirm the other vehicle involved.
A short time later, a second cyclist in the same event – aged in his 50s – was struck by a passing vehicle near Frasers Range about 100km east of Norseman.
The male rider was taken to Norseman Hospital by St John WA, before he was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries.
In a notice to members, WRF Cam Dumesny urged all operators to pass on the news of the unofficial event, formerly called the Indian Pacific Wheel Race.
“Authorities, like us, only found out about the race yesterday,” Dumesny said.
“The cyclists are riding unsupported, spread out and with no support/warning vehicles behind them and they are riding at all hours of the day and night.”
Former truckie Murray O’Neill, now a compliance coordinator for an SA transport company, said he feels for all the families directly, or indirectly involved in yesterday’s tragic incidents.
But he questions whether this event should have been allowed to proceed, particularly in light of the increased road train traffic on the highway due to the rail network being out because of recent flooding.
“As expected there is also a number of operators, and their respective drivers, on this highway that wouldn’t normally be travelling this route,” said O’Neill who has encountered cyclists in the event during his days driving road trains.
“This creates further problems as these drivers may, or may not be used to travelling these distances and extended driving/work hours.
“In view of all this I question whether the organisers of this endurance cycle race should not have cancelled this planned event, and indeed, even in ‘normal circumstances’ should this event be given permission to proceed?
“Should professional drivers be submitted to these challenges?
“It puts all drivers at risk of being involved in an incident or accident that could potentially be life altering to them and their loved ones.”
The official race was cancelled after the death of Mike Hall in 2017, but the Australian ultra community continue to provide “moral support and encouragement to all riders who choose to follow in his pedal strokes,” according to bikepacking.com.
Investigators are appealing for any witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.