There has been an outpouring of grief over the death of ‘true cycling gentleman’ who died in a freak road accident after his tyre got locked in a part normally used to attach trailers to cars.
Peter Fitzgerald, 63, came off his bike near the corner of Dooley Street and St James Crescent of the southwest Victorian city of Warrnambool at around 10:40am on Sunday morning.
Paramedics were called to the scene, and Mr Fitzgerald was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition, but two days later, he succumbed to his injuries.
Barry Warren was riding with Mr Fitzgerald at the time of accident.
‘We had finished our ride just the three of us just riding along talking and heading home,’ Mr Warrn, who was friends with Mr Fitzgerald for 30 years, said.
‘We were only doing around 23 or 25 kph, just cruising home. Just a speed where you could chat with one another.’
Tragically Mr Fitzgerald’s front wheel picked up a d-shackle, which is typically used to hitch a trailer to a car, and it caused him to come off his bike.
‘One of those lodged on his front tyre and just a freak thing,’ Mr Warren said.
‘Just one second in time and it’s terrible.’
Peter Fitzgerald, 63, succumbed to injuries after coming off his bike on Sunday in the Victorian city of Warrnambool
Mr Warren said he could see his friend had suffered catastrophic injuries to his head and back.
‘The fire brigade, police and ambulance were there and they were just unbelievable,’ Mr Warren said.
‘The work that they did was just amazing.’
Mr Warren said he had been on hundreds of rides with Mr Fizgerald who was the youngest person to ever complete the Melbourne to Warrnambool 270km cycling race at just the age of 16.
‘He was a just a good man, he didn’t rock anyone’s boat, a good family man, a hard worker,’ Mr Warren said.
The Warrnambool Cycling Club posted a Facebook tribute to Mr Fitzgerald and announced they would hold a ride in his honour.
Mr Fitzgerald had been a keen member of the Warrnambool Cycling Club from his teenage years
‘It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our dear friend and fellow cyclist Peter (Fitzy) Fitzgerald,’ the post said.
‘Our thoughts are with his wife Lisa, son Tom, daughter Georgia and the rest of their family.
‘Fitzy has been a committed member of the club since he was a junior and will be greatly missed.
‘To remember Fitzy instead of our club race we invite cyclists to join us this Sunday morning at 8.30am at Aberline Rd outside Anchor Point for a Cudgee loop ride finishing in town for coffee.’
Mr Fitzgerald’s wife Lisa also posted notice of his passing on Facebook.
‘It is with great sadness we regret to announce Peter Fitzgerald, lost his life to an unexpected bike accident on Sunday morning, passing earlier today with unsurvivable injuries,’ the post said.
‘A special thank you to Barry Warren & Bill Murphy for desperately trying to save his life & to the wonderful Warrnambool Ambo’s and staff at the Royal Melbourne.
‘Life will not be the same without Peter. Love your family, Lisa, Georgia, Tom, Maria, Louis & Kai.
Messages of love and support flooded in for both posts.
Mr Fitzgerald, who was remembered is survived by his wife Lisa, son Tom, daughter Georgia
‘Peter Fitzgerald was a good man,’ wrote Barry Warren under the cycling club’s post.
‘I will miss you Fitzy.’
‘A true cycling gentleman,’ another said.
‘There are no words, I am so very sorry for your loss,’ one person wrote.
‘Such a gentle soul, softly spoken, kind neighbour for more than 25 years, my heart goes out to Lisa, Georgia & Tom xx.’
‘Peter was such a beautiful person who will be greatly missed,’ another said.
The tragic accident occurred when the front wheel of Mr Fitzgerald’s bike picked up a d-shackle, typically used to hitch trailers to cars, off the road
‘Remembering the old school days at Caramut Rd, a lovely guy, cherish your beautiful memories you Georgia & Tom all our love an deepest sympathy at this very sad time,’ another person commented.
A police spokesperson said the accident was still under investigation and anyone with relevant information is urged to come forward.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.
