Heidelberg Heights man dead after motorised unicycle crash on Darebin Creek Trail, Bellfield

The family of a unicyclist wishes he knew “how dangerous it was” after he was killed when he crashed into a guardrail in Melbourne’s north.

A man has died after crashing his electric unicycle at Bellfield.

The family of a unicyclist wishes he knew “how dangerous it was” after he was killed when he crashed into a guardrail in Melbourne’s north.

James Barella was riding the electric unicycle in Bellfield on Monday about 5pm when he lost control of the vehicle.

James Barella was riding the electric unicycle in Bellfield on Monday about 5pm when he lost control of the vehicle and died. Picture: Supplied.

Police say the 35-year-old father-of-one may have been speeding through a section of the Darebin Creek Trail, near Wimpole Cr, before the incident.

It is believed the dad, who had been riding for more than 10 years, had moved onto the wrong side of the trail and lost control after trying to avoid two oncoming cyclists.

Brother Alex Barella was distraught at his loss.

“I’ll never get to see him again,” he told 9News.

“He tried to brake and lost control of it on leaves and now he’s gone.

“I just wish he had have been more conscious about how dangerous it was.”

He urged other riders to be careful.

“Think about what happened to my brother and what you could put your family through,” he said.

Mr Barella’s social media feed is filled with images and videos of him riding the unicycle.

Friends took to social media to mourn the loss of the rider.

“May you rest in peace up in the clouds my bro,” Declan Trentini wrote.

“You didn’t deserve this and you should still be here riding with us.

“I will forever miss your laughs and the energy that you brought to the group rides.

“Rest easy up there brother.”

James Barella

Mr Barella leaves behind a six-year-old son.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers