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Australian pro Jason Lowndes killed during training ride

State of Victoria rejected minimum passing distance legislation in March

23-year-old Australian pro Jason Lowndes has been killed after a motorist hit him from behind near Bendigo yesterday afternoon. The Herald Sun reports that the driver, a 20-year-old woman, stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their inquiries.

Lowndes had been riding to meet someone on Sedgwick Road, Mandurang, when he was hit from behind at about 10.15am. He was flown to hospital, but later died.

He rode for Drapac in 2016, Israel Cycling Academy this year and had signed to ride for British team JLT-Condor for the season ahead.

In a statement, Israel Cycling Academy said: “We are deeply grieved by the tragic death of our dear friend, rider, and teammate, Jason Lowndes. Jason, who just celebrated his 23rd birthday eight days ago, was hit by a car while training today on his bike near his home town in Bendigo, Victoria.

“Jason raced for Israel Cycling Academy during the 2017 season and his constant broad smile, ever cheerful personality, and warm heart will be terribly missed forever by all of us. We wish to send our deep condolences to Jason's family and friends all over the world. Good bye, wonderful mate.”

JLT-Condor said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Jason Lowndes this morning. The peloton has lost a friend, a teammate and a family member. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace.”

Lowndes death has brought to the fore the issue of minimum passing distances in the state of Victoria.

Most other Australian states have introduced, or are trialling, minimum passing distance laws, but ABC reports that in March the Victoria government rejected a recommendation to introduce a mandatory 1.5m gap for vehicles passing cyclists. It said it would try a public education campaign first.

Many social media users have been employing the hash tag #ametrematters in posts about Lowndes’ death.

 

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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7 comments

Avatar
BehindTheBikesheds | 6 years ago
2 likes

No arrest at the scene is all rather telling.
Given that Australian plod is more interested in pulling over people on bikes for doing nothing wrong than enforcing distance passing laws it's doubtful having the passing law in Vic would make sod all diff. It has to be a mentality change from the top and enforced, in Australia it simoly isn't, not even close!

Avatar
davel replied to BehindTheBikesheds | 6 years ago
1 like
BehindTheBikesheds wrote:

No arrest at the scene is all rather telling.
Given that Australian plod is more interested in pulling over people on bikes for doing nothing wrong than enforcing distance passing laws it's doubtful having the passing law in Vic would make sod all diff. It has to be a mentality change from the top and enforced, in Australia it simoly isn't, not even close!

This.

And we are not far behind.

There needs to be a concerted effort to get lawmakers and police encouraging sustainable transport.

That isn't so that I can wear lycra or ride anywhere I like. It's to stop prioritising single-occupant metal death-boxes which kill thousands, over green transport solutions that are good for physical and mental health, and save the NHS money.

The message currently is that cyclists are acceptable collateral set against every citizen's right to drive wherever the fuck they like. That has to change.

Avatar
Yorkshire wallet | 6 years ago
2 likes

Australia seems even softer on drivers than us. She'll get no real punishment.

Avatar
Russell Orgazoid | 6 years ago
4 likes

Check her phone records and activity. Daylight FFS.

Avatar
Grahamd | 6 years ago
0 likes

Sad news, condolences to his friends and family. 

 

Avatar
Christopher TR1 | 6 years ago
1 like

Terrible. Another avoidable death. RIP.

Avatar
don simon fbpe | 6 years ago
1 like

RIP brother.

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