New development in alleged collision after cyclist was mowed down and driver turned himself in to the police
- Police have released the 40-year-old driver
- Woman turned herself in after alleged hit-and-run
A woman who turned herself in to the police after an alleged collision with a cyclist has been released.
Robert Clarke, 59, was driving along Douglas Street in Noble Park, south-east Melbourne, at 6.40am last Thursday when he was hit from behind by a white sedan.
Dash cam footage captured the moment when a white 2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer accelerated towards the cyclist, lightly climbed the curb and then hit him before dragging his bike 100 meters up the road.
A 40-year-old woman who turned herself in to police after an alleged collision involving a bicycle has been released (photo, cyclist’s bike)
The driver left the scene after Mr Clarke was knocked off his bicycle.
A 40-year-old Dandenong woman was interviewed by Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol officers and released pending further investigation.
She voluntarily reported the incident to the police on Monday.
No charges have been filed in relation to the alleged hit and run.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
On Monday, Mr Clarke recalled the terrifying experience, revealing he had suffered soft tissue damage, an internal injury to the back of his ribcage and was still unable to sit properly.
He said he heard a car accelerate repeatedly before the driver overtook it.
“There was no obvious movement…so I kept going,” he said.
“Then, of course, I heard the acceleration and I thought, ‘Here’s another smart guy, they’re going to rev, scare me, and then keep going.’
“And before I knew it, the world was spinning.”
Dashcam footage captured the moment when a white 2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer accelerated towards the cyclist, lightly climbed the curb and then hit him before dragging his bike 100 meters up the road (pictured)
The cyclist, Robert Clarke, 59, suffered bruises and abrasions after a fall on the road (pictured)
“He didn’t call me names… didn’t throw anything at me, he just hit me,” he added.
“You can speculate all kinds of things about road rage, but I haven’t interfered on the track or tripped in front of the driver… I’ve been biking in the neighborhood for six or seven years.”
Although he suffered no major physical injuries, Mr Clarke urged motorists and cyclists to remain aware of their surroundings.
‘We share the road; I know there are cyclists taking up more space than they should, and I appeal to them to be more considerate, but for drivers, they’re in a large vehicle – be a little careful,” he said.
