Tag Archives: accident

Fundraiser for hit-run crash victim’s family

A fundraiser page has been started to raise money for the family of rider Scott Rose who was killed in a collision with an unlicensed driver at Tumbulgum, NSW, on Monday (2 September 2019).

You can support the fundraiser by clicking here. So far, more than $6400 of a $10,000 goal has been raised from 76 donations.

Scott died in the crash at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Tweed Valley Way in Tumbulgum near Tweed Heads, about 3.20pm on Sunday.

The driver left the scene and another rider involved was injured but later released from hospital.

Graham Belcher, 52, of Britain, was arrested at Brisbane International Airport on Tuesday (3 September 2019) at 2am as he was about to board a flight to Hong Kong.

fundraiser unlicensed Scott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash
Graham Belcher

He appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court yesterday morning charged with an outstanding warrant, as well as:

  • dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous;
  • fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death;
  • negligent driving (occasioning death);
  • cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle;
  • drive while licence cancelled;
  • not give way to vehicle (give way sign/line); and
  • driver fails/refuses to disclose his identity.

Bail was refused and he was remanded in custody until November 20.

Family fundraiser

The fundraiser page was started by brother-in-law, Codie Holliday, to raise money to support Scott’s wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash.

“As the sole income provider for his family, Scott’s tragic death is impacting his family in so many awful ways, including financially,” Codie says on the fundraiser page. 

“At this horrible time of need it would be most appreciated if as a community we can get together to support Tenniel, Nash and Lacey so that finances are one less thing they need to worry about.

“It is one burden that we can actually help to lift. All funds donated will go directly to the family to assist with all related costs and assist in supporting this family through this time.

“Thank you in advance to everyone who donates, to all of the people who have offered their support and kindness, the first responders on scene, and those who went past the accident and stopped to help, we are forever grateful.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Fatal crash highlights group riding risk

The death of a 61-year-old West Rockhampton man in a crash involving four motorcycles on the Moonie Highway yesterday highlights the risks of riding in a group.

Several riders were travelling west on the highway, about 20km west of Westmar, when one motorcycle collided with two others around 1.30pm.

Queensland Police says their preliminary investigations indicate a fourth motorcycle, which was also travelling with the group, crashed as the rider attempted to avoid the initial crash.

The West Rockhampton man was transported to St George Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

A 50-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man were also transported to St George Hospital where they remain in a serious condition.

Our sincere condolences to families and friends and our best wishes for a full and fast recovery for the two injured riders.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP1901726246

Group riding risks

The incident is similar to a group riding crash in July in the Lockyer Valley west of Brisbane.

Police said one rider ran into a vehicle while overtaking another and the four other motorcycles crashed while taking evasive action.

Click here for tips on safe overtaking in a motorcycle group.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Hit-run fatal driver was unlicensed

A British man facing multiple charges involving a fatal crash with two motorcycles on Sunday was an unlicensed driver in a rental car.

Graham Belcher, 52, of Britain, was arrested at Brisbane International Airport yesterday (Tuesday 3 September 2019) at 2am as he was about to board a flight to Hong Kong.

He will appear in Tweed Heads Local Court today.

NSW Police will allege his rental car was involved in the crash at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Tweed Valley Way in Tumbulgum (pictured above) near Tweed Heads, about 3.20pm on Sunday.

A driver, 52, wanted in connection with a double motorcycle crash that killed one rider and left another injured has been arrested about to board a flight to Hong Kong.
Crash scene

A male rider died at the scene and the other male rider was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital with minor injuries.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop.

NSW Police have successfully applied for his extradition in Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday.

He will appear in Tweed Heads Local Court this morning charged with an outstanding warrant, as well as:

  • dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous;
  • fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death;
  • negligent driving (occasioning death);
  • cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle;
  • drive while licence cancelled;
  • not give way to vehicle (give way sign/line); and
  • driver fails/refuses to disclose his identity.

He is expected to be remanded in custody to appear at a later date for a hearing.

His arrest was a joint operation involving the Crash Investigation Unit, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Tweed Byron Police District officers, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Queensland Police.

Police had appealed for the public’s assistance to locate the Hyundai with Queensland registration 170-ZCP.

A driver, 52, wanted in connection with a double motorcycle crash that killed one rider and left another injured has been arrested about to board a flight to Hong Kong.
Similar Hyundai

It was found late yesterday in Terranora and seized for examination.

Inquiries into the events leading up to the crash are continuing.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

  • Our condolences to the deceased rider’s family and friends and our best wishes to the other rider for a quick and full recovery.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Highly visible police target spring riders

A highly visible police presence will target motorcyclists on Victorian country roads enjoying the warmer spring weather in Operation Argus this weekend.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane says officers would have a “heavy emphasis on motorcycle safety”.

“As we head into spring we expect riders to start getting their bikes out of the garage and making the most of the warmer weather,” he says.

“We don’t want to see a repeat of the beginning of the year, where too many people never finished their ride.

“If a motorcyclist leaves the road, they don’t stand much of a chance. Sadly we have already seen more riders die on our roads this year than the whole of 2018.”

So far this year, 32 riders have died on Victorian roads compared with 21 by the same time last year and the five-year average of 24, according to the Traffic Accident Commission.

Over the past 12 months 49 have died compared with 34 the previous 12 months and the five-year average of 38.

Operation Argus follows a police report last month that demonised riders as thrill seekers.

However, Victorian Motorcycle Council media spokesman John Eacott said the scant Victorian Police assessment of crash statistics was “absolutely meaningless”.

Visible police presence

CFMoto-650 Vicroads online Survey motorcycle safety levy Victoria Yarra Black Spur country visible
Beautiful Victorian spring weather entices riders

The highly visible police presence will target speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, seatbelt offences and driver distraction.

There will also be a strong focus on country roads, where the increase in lives lost has predominantly occurred.

“Road trauma doesn’t discriminate and we have seen that time and time again – we just can’t afford to take gambles on the road,” AC Leane says.

“We’re taking road safety seriously and we need Victorian motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to do the same.”

Operation Argus runs from 12.01am tomorrow (5 September 2019) to 11.59pm Sunday (8 September).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Negligent driving charge over motorbike crash

A 29-year-old woman has been charged with negligent driving after a collision with a motorcycle in Sydney on Sunday (1 September 2019) that left a 63-year-old male rider with a severely injured foot.

NSW Police say that about 3pm a Toyota Aurion was turning right from a driveway on to King Street, Randwick, when it collided with the motorcycle heading east.

The rider was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital for further treatment. He remains in a stable condition.

We wish him well for a full and fast recovery.

The driver of the Toyota Aurion, a 29-year-old woman, stopped after the crash and spoke with police.

About 7.50pm yesterday the woman attended Maroubra Police Station where she was charged with negligent driving.

She was given conditional bail to appear before Waverely Local Court on Wednesday, 16 October 2019. We will have an update on that day.

Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command are investigating the events leading up to the crash and appeal to anyone who might have dash camera or security camera footage and is yet to speak with police to contact them.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

The crash was one of three on Sunday in NSW and Queensland.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Driver arrested over fatal rider hit-run

A driver, 52, wanted in connection with a double motorcycle crash that killed one rider and left another injured has been arrested about to board a flight to Hong Kong.

NSW Police will now apply for the extradition of the man, who was arrested trying to board an overseas flight in Brisbane this morning (Tuesday 3 September 2019).

A male rider died at the scene of yesterday’s crash involving two motorcycles and a blue 2019 Hyundai i30 rental car which failed to stop.

NSW Police say the crash occurred at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Tweed Valley Way in Tumbulgum (pictured above) near Tweed Heads, about 3.20pm.

The rider died at the scene and the other male rider was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital with minor injuries.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop.

Driver arrested

The man was arrested at 2am today at Brisbane International Airport after a joint operation between the Crash Investigation Unit, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Tweed Byron Police District officers, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Queensland Police.

He is currently in custody at the Brisbane watch house.

Crash Investigators will seek extradition to speak with the man about the collision.

Police are appealing for the public’s assistance to locate the Hyundai with Queensland registration 170-ZCP.

A driver, 52, wanted in connection with a double motorcycle crash that killed one rider and left another injured has been arrested about to board a flight to Hong Kong.
Similar Hyundai

It is believed the vehicle has considerable damage to the right-hand side and a missing front registration plate.

Crash investigators believe this car could be in northern NSW or South East Queensland.

Inquiries into the events leading up to the crash are continuing.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Our condolences to the riders’ family and friends and our best wishes to the other rider for a quick and full recovery.

Spate of hit and runs

This follows recent reports of a number of hit-and-run crashes involving motorcycles.

In NSW, the requirement for those involved in a crash to remain at the scene until police arrive was dropped in 2014, even if a tow truck is required.

However, the motorists must report the incident to police and remain at the scene if anyone is injured.

If they don’t, police can charge a motorist with failing to stop at the scene of an accident which is considered a serious offence.

Depending on whether someone is injured or killed in the crash, the motorist responsible could face serious charges with up to 10 years in jail.

Police say motorists leaving an accident scene where someone is injured decrease a victim’s chance of survival.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider dies in crash after driver failed to stop

A male rider has died at the scene of a crash involving another motorcycle and a car which failed to stop in the NSW Northern Rivers region today.

NSW Police says the crash occurred at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Tweed Valley Way in Tumbulgum, near Tweed Heads, about 3.20pm (Monday 2 September 2019).

The rider died at the scene and the other male rider was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital with minor injuries.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop.

Police are now searching for a small bright blue hatchback with front-end damage and Queensland registration plates 170 ZCP.

Anyone with information regarding this vehicle should contact Triple Zero or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Our condolences to the riders’ family and friends and our best wishes to the other rider for a quick and full recovery.

This follows recent reports of a number of hit-and-run crashes involving motorcycles.

In NSW, the requirement for those involved in a crash to remain at the scene until police arrive was dropped in 2014, even if a tow truck is required.

However, the motorists must report the incident to police and remain at the scene if anyone is injured.

If they don’t, police can charge a motorist with failing to stop at the scene of an accident which is considered a serious offence.

Depending on whether someone is injured or killed in the crash, the motorist responsible could face serious charges with up to 10 years in jail.

Police say motorists leaving an accident scene where someone is injured decrease a victim’s chance of survival.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Stolen bike ridden on wrong side of road

A 38-year-old man has been arrested after feeing police on a stolen motorbike, riding on the wrong side of the road at Pomona on the Queensland Sunshine Coast overnight (1 September 2019).

Police will allege that at 9.17pm they spotted a stolen motorcycle on Pomona Connection Road at Pomona and activated their lights and siren.

The rider crossed double lines to the wrong side of the road on a corner and accelerated away, turning into Bakers and Enchelmeier roads before heading on to a track and hitting a wire fence.

“The man fled on foot and was subsequently located by a police dog and arrested,” police say.

The Torquay man has been charged with one count of dangerous driving, burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, receiving tainted property, unlicensed driving, possession of dangerous drug (amphetamine) and evade police.

He has also been charged with two counts of assaulting police and four counts of obstructing police.

The man suffered non life-threatening injuries to his neck and was transported to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital where he remains.

He will appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court at a later date.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP1901707869

It follows another crash involving a stolen motorcycle on Thursday night in Granville, NSW.

Fatal crashnsw cops police Horror bike crashes in two states lying seeking dubbo overnight bail wrong

In another motorcycle incident last night, a man has died after a motorcycle crashed int a tree in Sydney’s west.

NSW Police say the accident occurred about 6pm at the end of Grafton Place, near Cobb Place, Jamisontown.

The rider was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition.

Sadly, he later died.

Our sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends.

Police are yet to formally identified the man but is believed to be aged 35.

Officers from Nepean Police Area Command established a crime scene and the circumstances surrounding the crash are being investigated.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider, 64, dies after crashing into ditch

A 64-year-old male rider has died after crashing into a ditch near Kempsey on the NSW mid-north coast about 12.15pm yesterday (Saturday 31 August 2019).

NSW Police say he was riding his Ducati along Gowlings Hill Road towards the intersection of Dondingalong Road, Dondingalong.

“As the man attempted to negotiate the bend, he appears to have lost control, leaving the roadway, and crashing into a ditch,” police say.

“The man was thrown from the motorcycle and was seriously injured. The man was assisted by members of the public until emergency services arrived.”

He was taken to Port Macquarie Hospital where, sadly, he died.

Our condolences to the man’s family and friends.

Concern about police crash reports

NSW motorcycle police - scrooge
MBW comment

Since police will prepare a brief for the Coroner it is presumptuous of them to assume the circumstance of this crash.

There are many other possible explanations including stray livestock or wildlife, or another vehicle.

Our concern is that references to riders “losing control” creates the impression in the public’s mind that riders are reckless or careless.

Statistically, riders are the most likely motorists to be involved in a crash.

However, statistics also show that at least half of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle.

And it could be much higher.

If another vehicle causes a motorcyclist to crash, but then leaves the scene, it is considered a single-vehicle accident.

We have recently reported on a number of hit-and-run crashes involving motorcycles, so what about those incidents where another vehicle caused the crash, but did not hit the rider?

This sort of scenario is difficult to prove, but if police make reference to the possibility another vehicle or animal is involved, then it is a fairer assessment of a motorcycle crash where the cause is not known.

It would also provide the public with a fairer view of motorcycle crashes and may educate them to look out for vulnerable riders.

Currently, biased police reporting of motorcycle crashes such as this only serve to demonise riders in the eyes of the public.

How can we expect other motorists to look out for riders or be concerned about our vulnerability if they think we are careless or have a death wish?

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Roller barriers may be safer for riders

Motorcycle rider advocates have cautiously welcomed a Western Australia trial of new roller barriers with high-visibility plastic rollers on steel polls that rotate when hit by a vehicle.

Similar barriers have been used overseas and have been under trial with VicRoads at three locations for about four years.

The new roller barriers are being installed on Perth’s Murdoch Drive Connection ramp connecting Roe Highway to Kwinana Freeway northbound.

Roller welcomeRoller barriers may be safer for riders

Unlike wire rope barriers, these barriers have received a cautious welcome from motorcycle rider advocates.

Dave Wright of the Motorcycle Riders Association of Western Australia says they have been waiting “for some time” for these to be installed.

“We believe the outcome of a motorcycle rider crash will result in far less injuries than conventional crash barriers currently in use,” he says.

“However we will wait until after the trail period to give these barriers our blessing.”

Australian Motorcycle Council spokesman Guy Stanford says are “always nervous about barriers”.

“There are no crash barriers that can be considered ‘motorcycle friendly’,” he says.

“In the event of a motorcyclist impacting with any crash barrier the likelihood is that they will be severely injured.

“But we are pleased they are investigating this and coming up with new systems.”

Fellow MC  member Rob Salvatore says it is important the spacing between the rollers is kept to a minimum and the top of the roller posts are smoothly capped.

Local manufacture

The safety barriers have been adapted from South Korean barriers for Australian conditions by Geraldton-based firm Mid-West Traffic Controllers who also supplied two of the Victorian roller barriers.

Spokesman John Wheatland says a motorcycle or any other vehicle is likely to hit the rollers at an angle which reduces the gap for a limb to get caught.

“Riders are more than welcome to have input for safety changes,” he says with suggested updates tested at their facilities in Christchurch.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com