Cyclists hit by truck, avoid serious injury in Tasmania

By Shane Goss in Launceston

Five riders were lucky to escape serious injuries when they were hit from behind by a truck during a training ride on the Bass Highway near Ulverstone in Tasmania's North-West at around 9.40am on Wednesday morning. Four of the riders, Adele Gee (30), Jason Bounday (15), Fred Guilbert and David Christie were taken to the North-West Regional Hospital in Burnie.

The fifth rider, Peter Jamieson, avoided the fall and was unhurt although distressed over seeing his training partners strewn across the road. Jamieson said the group had been riding two-abreast on a multi-lane highway when the truck collided with two of the riders instigating the fall. The group had been training for the up-coming Tasmanian Christmas Carnival Series. The rider's injuries were not considered serious and all hospitalised were in a stable condition.

The crash on the eve of possibly Australia's greatest track series again highlights the need for common sense and alertness from road users; With Summer and the festive season upon us, more and more people are taking to the roads on bicycles. Consideration, patience and sharing the roads will make Christmas a safe and happy one for all.