By Luke Voogt
A security camera could have filmed a vehicle that allegedly ran down a cyclist at Drysdale, according to police,
But the camera images showed two separate vehicles of similar appearance, prompting investigators to seek public help identifying which was involved in the alleged hit-run last year.
A 48-year-old Leopold man was riding north on Princess Road at 5.30pm on 27 October when a white twin cab utility allegedly struck him from behind.
The collision left the man with both elbows fractured, a fractured eye socket and broken ribs.
A witness discovered the male rider lying on the asphalt at 127 Princess Road, a vacant lot, and chased a white ute back towards Drysdale.
But the witness lost track of the ute and was unable to obtain its registration number.
Bellarine Senior Constable Pat McElligott attended the scene of the crash.
“It’s appalling, really, just to leave a cyclist on the side of the road,” Sen Const McElligott said.
“He’s been struck from behind and left for dead.”
Sen Const McElligott said the man was riding responsibly and wearing a high visibility clothing.
“He was riding on a quiet country road and it would have been easy to go around him.”
An ambulance took the cyclist to Geelong Hospital. He recently returned to work but spent six weeks recovering from his injuries.
Police this week released two images of utes that were in the area at the time on social media.
They hoped the owners of either of the vehicles could assist with their enquiries.
Sen Const McElligott urged the driver to come forward.
“They should take some responsibility for their actions,” he said.
Police urged witnesses to the accident or anybody with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Bellarine Police Station on 5256 2698.
