‘Collapsed lung, broken ribs’: boy calls for safer Surf Coast walk bike path after accident

A Torquay teen was flown to hospital with fractured ribs, a collapsed lung and punctured liver after being struck by a car.

Aaron Tremul, 16, on the road at Bells Beach where he was struck from behind on his bike and almost killed. Picture: Alison Wynd

The family of a Torquay teen who was hit by a car and left fighting for his life is advocating for a new bike path.

Aaron Tremul was just 14 when he was left with a collapsed lung, broken ribs and perforated liver among other injuries, after he was hit by a car between Bells Beach and Southside.

Aaron now 16, said he and a friend were riding from Torquay to Anglesea to visit mates, taking the Surf Coast Walk to avoid cars.

On the only 800m stretch where bikes are required to ride on the road, Aaron was hit by a car.

Aaron Tremul in hospital after he was struck from behind on his bike and almost killed. Picture: Supplied

He was flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

His mum, Leann Tremul, said she didn’t even know he would be riding on the road.

“If I’d known, I never would have let him go,” she said.

“I was very grateful he had a good helmet on, it was smashed up, and I think it saved his life.”

Aaron Tremul's bike helmet after he was struck from behind on his bike and almost killed. Picture: Supplied

Last week the Tremul family launched a petition urging Regional Roads Victoria to prioritise constructing a bike path between Bells Beach carpark and Southside carpark

The petition already has more than 1000 signatures.

“The lack of proper bike access put cyclists at significant risk,” Ms Tremul said.

“It is time this missing link between Torquay and Anglesea was addressed.”

Ms Tremul said the bike path along that stretch of land would be a collaborative effort between Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority. Surf Coast Shire, The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and VicRoads.

Aaron Tremul, 16, on the road at Bells Beach where he was struck from behind on his bike and almost killed. Picture: Alison Wynd

Surf Coast Shire general manager placemaking and environment Chris Pike said council had worked with the Department of Transport and Planning to reduce the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h and were working to install cautionary bike warning signage.

“We’re eager to attract funding to help us work with other agencies to investigate a safer cycling route in the area,” he said.

A Department of Transport and Planning spokeswoman said it would continue to work with the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and the shire on long-term safer connections for active transport users in the area.

Vice-president of the Surf Coast Mountain Bike Club Brett Coleman said it supported the petition as the Surf Coast Walk was a major asset for bike riding in the area, but this stretch of road made it less appealing for families and visitors.

“That section between Bells Beach and Southside is a missing piece in that whole puzzle,” he said.

“A lot of families won’t do it or won’t let their kids go do it because of this stretch.”

The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as ‘Collapsed lung, broken ribs’: boy calls for safer Surf Coast walk bike path after accident