Trinity Cycle Works owner Oliver Wacek injured in Whitfield road accident

Well wishes flowed for a leading figure of the Far North’s cycling scene after a road accident left him in intensive care. How the community is reacting.

OLIVER Wacek, owner of Trinity Cycle Works in Cairns City and deeply respected member of the Far North’s cycling community, is recovering after a collision with a vehicle left him in hospital last week.

The incident occurred on the McManus St off-ramp in Whitfield about 8.30am on August 13, according to Cairns police, who are still investigating the circumstances of the accident.

Indicating the strength of Mr Wacek’s reputation and admiration of his character, many people in Cairns offered their support to him as he recovered in the intensive care unit of Cairns Hospital.

Owner of Trinity Cycle Works, Oliver Wacek.

Cairns Cycling Club coach Richie Bates said: “He’s an unmistakeable character in the sport up here. We hope he’s doing well.

“He’s probably one of the longest running cycling proprietors … in Cairns City.

“Anyone who walks through his shop’s doors, he’ll invest time into giving them a quality experience.

“He’s been actively involved in promoting cycling in the region, both recreationally and as a commuter activity.”

Oliver Wacek from Trinity Cycle Works with customer Barry Keys in 2005. Mr Wacek is one of the longest operating cycling proprietors in Cairns.

The Far North community has recently lost respected citizens and experienced cyclists to road accidents, including one man on Christmas Day last year and universally-adored teenager Luke Azzopardi in February 2021.

Mr Bates said Mr Wacek’s accident serves as a reminder that cyclists are the most vulnerable road users.

“Conditions for cyclists are getting better, but there’s more to be done. It benefits the community to increase cycling infrastructure and road safety laws, as well as good road safety education,” he said.

Trinity Cycle Works customers were notified of Mr Wacek’s situation on Tuesday morning via a Facebook post that read: “The owner of Trinity Cycle Works is in ICU … Shop will be closed until further notice”.

More than 100 people responded almost immediately with message of support, including Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt who wrote: “I hope everything will be OK Oliver. Thoughts are with you mate”.

Mr Wacek was discharged from Cairns Hospital on Thursday morning and is recovering at home.

Originally published as Trinity Cycle Works owner Oliver Wacek injured in Whitfield road accident