Calls mount to fix dangerous West Melbourne intersection after cyclist struck in hit-run

The community is calling for action to fix a dangerous intersection in West Melbourne after a cyclist was left with serious injuries in a hit-run incident.

Police are investigating after a cyclist was struck by a truck while travelling along Dynon Rd at the intersection of City Link at around 8.55am on May 8.

Police allege the truck driver fled the scene. The male cyclist was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said it was “working closely with Victoria Police to support their investigation and to better understand the circumstances of this crash”.

The incident has shocked the community, with Greens State MP for Melbourne Ellen Sandell calling on the state government to improve safety at the intersection.

The incident comes after the death of cyclist Angus Collins, 22, who was struck by a truck while cycling at the nearby Footscray Rd-Dock Link Rd intersection on February 2, 2023.

“The Labor State Government has known about these dangerous intersections for well over a year, since Angus Collins was killed in a similar situation nearby,” Ms Sandell said.

“I have begged Labor to act on this issue, to change the traffic lights to stop trucks killing and injuring cyclists, and they’ve refused.”

Dr John Symons, president of cycling advocacy group BikeWest, said he had raised concerns with the state government over the nature of the dangerous nature for the past six months.

“We warned them this is exactly what would happen. We are fairly certain it will happen again,” he told North West City News.

“Changes to the intersection are absolutely vital. We would like to see a detour for bicycle traffic that takes riders around the back of the on ramp, so they avoid the intersection entirely – much like the bicycle path that goes around the on ramps on Footscray Rd.”

Failing that, the intersection needs a right-hand arrow for motor traffic heading east who are turning on to the on ramp.

As part of the West Gate Tunnel project, a new cycle path will be built above Footscray Rd, suspended between the new elevated road.

The 2.5 km veloway will be completely separated from traffic to improve safety by removing the need for cyclists to cross six intersections including busy port entries and exits.   

Anyone with information about the hit-run are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. •

Caption: Emergency services attend a collision at Dynon Rd and Citylink after a cyclist was hit by a truck. Photo: BikeWest.