‘A beautiful young man’: Tributes to cyclist who died in Footscray truck crash

An elite cyclist has been remembered as a “beautiful young man” with an “infectious smile”.

Angus Collins, 22, was riding his bike when he was hit by a truck at the intersection of the Footscray Road trail and Dock Link Road on Thursday about 12.30pm. He died at the scene.

Angus Collins, who died in a collision with a truck last week.

Collins, a member of the Brunswick Cycling Club from a young age, was a much-loved figure, club president Tony Maughan said.

“We’re deeply saddened by the tragedy. He was a very bright, energetic and lively member of the cycling community,” he said.

“We will continue to support each other as a community during this time. Our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.”

Collins was completing a double degree in sports science and business at Deakin University, and was working as a trainee pyschologist at the Victorian Institute of Sport, according to his LinkedIn profile. In his bio, he described himself as a “passionate coach of elite road cyclists with experience as a state and national level road cyclist”.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Brunswick Cycling Club to raise money that will be given to the Collins family to support his funeral and related expenses.

The family has directed people to the Amy Gillett Foundation and its educational resources, which aim to reduce death and injury among bicycle riders on Australian roads.

“Such a beautiful young man who always had a wonderful smile and brought energy and joy to all those around him,” the description of the fundraising page reads.

“You will always have a place in our hearts and will always be remembered for your kindness, your energy, and your constant and infectious smile.”

Thirty-six people have died on Victoria’s roads so far this year.

The truck driver stopped following the collision and is now assisting police with their inquiries. Officers are still investigating and no charges have been made.

Collins’ death prompted calls from the Victorian Greens for the state government to establish a parliamentary inquiry into road safety for cyclists.

“This young man’s death was a preventable tragedy, caused by a government that gives too little care and thoughts to cyclists and pedestrians,” Greens state deputy leader Ellen Sandell said.

The party’s transport spokesperson Katherine Copsey added: “An inquiry into road safety would help identify the main issues and recommend a path forward so that all Victorians can use our roads safely.”

Bicycle Network chief Alison McCormack said the organisation, which advocates for cyclists, would support action on road safety.

“We are seeing a rise in deaths on roads, and we have seen a rise in rural Victoria too. It’s very concerning and sad.

“It is important we work on changing these behaviours [which lead to fatal collisions], and understand why these sorts of accidents happen.”

Thirty-three people died in road-related incidents in January – 10 more than were killed over the same period last year. The five-year average for deaths on Victorian roads in January is 19.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash-cam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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