Victoria Police release woman from custody after alleged hit and run

A woman who handed herself in to police after a cyclist was injured during an alleged hit and run has been released from custody.

A woman who had handed herself in to police following an alleged hit-run collision involving a cyclist in Melbourne’s southeast has been released from custody.

Robert Clarke, 59, was riding along Douglas St in Noble Park at 6.40am last Thursday when he was hit from behind by a white sedan.

Dashcam footage captured the moment a white 2008-17 Mitsubishi Lancer accelerated towards the cyclist, slightly mounting the kerb and then hitting him before dragging his bike 100m down the road.

Police are investigating an alleged hit-run in Noble park which left a cyclist injured. Picture: Victoria Police

The driver left the scene after Mr Clarke was knocked off his bicycle.

A 40-year-old Dandenong woman was interviewed by Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol officers and released pending further inquiries.

She had voluntarily come forward to police on Monday about the incident.

No charges have been laid relating to the alleged hit and run.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

On Monday, Mr Clarke recalled the terrifying experience, revealing he had sustained soft tissue damage, an internal injury to the back of his rib cage and that was still unable to sit properly.

Douglas Clarke was bruised and grazed after the incident. Picture: Victoria Police

He said he heard a car repeatedly accelerating before the driver overtook him.

“There was no apparent movement … so I kept going,” he said.

“Then, of course, I heard the acceleration and I thought, ‘Here’s another smart-arse, they’re going to rev, scare me, then keep going.’

“And the next thing I knew, the world was spinning.

“He hasn’t hurled abuse … hasn’t thrown anything at me, he just hit me.

“You can speculate all sorts of things about road rage, but I didn’t impede on the lane or falter in front of the driver … I’ve been cycling in the area for six or seven years.”

Police are still investigating after a 40-year-old woman handed herself in to police. Picture: Victoria Police

While he didn’t suffer any major physical injuries, Mr Clarke urged drivers and cyclists to remain aware of their surroundings.

“We share the road; I know there are cyclists who take up more space than they should, and I appeal to them to have more consideration, but for drivers, they’re in a big vehicle – have a bit of care,” he said.