EIGHTY-two-year-old cyclist Lindsay says he’s lucky to be alive after a hit-run driver slammed into him in Main Ridge, throwing him from his bike and leaving him with serious injuries.
Lindsay was struck by the vehicle about 11.15am on 21 May on the Mornington-Flinders Rd at the intersection of Shands Rd. The driver, believed to have been in a dark ute, fled the scene, leaving the cyclist seriously injured in the middle of the road.
According to witnesses, the driver had allegedly driven through the stop sign at the intersection at speeds between 60kph and 70kph. Several Good Samaritans stopped to help with an ambulance also called. Lindsay was taken to Frankston Hospital in a stable condition after suffering injuries to his shoulder, fracturing four ribs and severely traumatising his right hip and thigh, as well as cuts and abrasions.
“It was a shock, I just didn’t know what had happened,” Lindsay recalled to The News last week as he recovered at his Cape Schanck home. “My peripheral vision picked up that ute and I had the impression he was stopping but then the next thing he drove straight into me,” he said. “He just took me out. I was on the ground. I could’ve been dead or even more severely maimed than I am.”
Lindsay, who did not want his surname used, expressed his gratitude for the quick response and support from the passers-by who helped him off the road while another supported his back until the ambulance arrived. He then spent three days in hospital. He is currently on pain killers and will have to see his orthopaedic surgeon this week and “see where it goes from there”.
“I’m lucky. Anything could’ve happened; I could’ve been killed, I could have been a paraplegic, anything,” Lindsay said. “For my age, I’m a pretty fit fella … but I feel it’s going to be a bit of a haul to get back. But I love my riding, and I’m determined to do what I can even if it takes several months as it probably will.”
In the meantime, Lindsay’s specialised bike, worth $19,000 brand new, was badly damaged with about $5000 of it being salvageable.
Lindsay thanked all those involved in helping him, saying “everyone was very sympathetic and helpful”.
Police are investigating the incident, with a Victoria Police spokesperson saying, “officers have been told the vehicle stopped for a short time before fleeing the scene”. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
First published in the Mornington News – 3 June 2025
