Cycling club in shock after member mowed down in Armidale

A regional community is in mourning after a crash killed one cyclist and injured several others.

The northern NSW community of Armidale is devastated after “an absolutely wonderful man” in his 60s was killed by a car while competing in a cycling race.

Tributes from across the tight knit community have begun to flow after a car killed the man and injured several others who were competing in the Long Swamp graded scratch 30km race run by the Armidale Cycling club on Saturday.

In a statement reported to the Armidale Cycling Club’s Facebook page, the Armidale Bicycle Centre extended, “our deepest condolences to those mourning their loved ones and wish for a full and speedy recovery to the injured”.

“We’re all thinking of you all,” one resident commented.

Speaking to ABC news, former club president Mark Bullen said the community is in total shock.

“Every person I spoke to, they said they’re numb,

“It has devastated the community and it’s going to be ongoing for quite a long time.”

In a Sunday morning Facebook post, local state MP Brendan Moylan urged members of the community to “Please take it easy on the roads, particularly over the Christmas period.”

“I’ve been the member now for just over 4 months and unfortunately I have received accident notifications basically every week.”

Emergency services were called to Long Swamp Rd in Armidale about 3.30pm on Saturday following reports of a crash.

One of the cyclists – a man in his 60s – died at the scene, while three others aged 57, 39 and a boy in his teens were treated for injuries at the scene.

A fire crew responded after the car hit a tree following its collision with cyclists. Source: ABC New England North West

Police said the driver collided with the group of cyclists before hitting a tree.

The car caught on fire in the hours following the incident.

A female driver in her 30s was trapped in the car before being released by first responders. Ambulance NSW confirmed she was treated on scene before being flown to John Hunter Hospital in critical condition.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service confirmed on Sunday that the boy in his teens was flown alongside her.

The Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service confirmed via a Facebook video that the driver – a woman in her 30s – was flown to hospital alongside the injured teenage cyclist. Picture: Facebook/ Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service – Official Site

A crime scene has been established, and Long Swamp Road, near the Edwards Road intersection, will remain closed until Sunday for police investigations.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue, police are urging any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.