Man killed in crash was at a cycling event

A MAN has tragically died while riding his bicycle in one of several crashes on roads around Alice Springs on Saturday

TSV Generic Emergency Services. Police, Ambulance, Fire, QFRS, Crocodile warning sign, Handcuffs, Police tape, Lights, Police Aware, Fire Hose, Fire kit, Rescue, Radio, Lifepac, Ambulance kit, Markings.

A 57-year-old man has tragically died while riding his bicycle in what was one of three crashes on roads around Alice Springs on Saturday.

The man was at an Alice Springs Cycling Club event when he was hit by a motorist who allegedly returned a positive reading to drugs.

The cyclist was hit around 8.20am on Darken Drive, Simpson Gap by a Ford Falcon sedan.

The 30-year-old driver, a resident of Alice Springs remained at the scene and was taken into custody.

MORE TOP NEWS

Boy who allegedly launched frenzied drug fuelled attack on elderly man denied bail

Minister Eva Lawler says ‘time has come’ for NT to vote on voluntary euthanasia, revealing the pain her husband went through at the end of his cancer battle

‘He was standing over me’: Backpacker attacked by rum bottle wielding intruder as she enters home

Assistant Commissioner, regional and remote operations director Narelle Beer said Alice Springs had lost an active member of the Alice Springs community.

“The 57 year old man is somebody’s son, somebody’s husband and somebody’s father, a loved member of the Alice Springs community, and of the cycling community within Alice Springs,” she said.

She said police had noticed an increase in motorists driving under the influence.

“Drinking and driving on our road has been increasing and road related harm as a result of drink driving has increased and continues to increase,” Ms Beer said.

“Road users need to go home safely to their family and their loved ones, every day and every night.

Traffic has been blocked as cops attend two crashes on and near Larapinta Drive. Picture: Daniel Wood

In a statement on Facebook the Alice Springs Cycling Club broke the sad news to the cycling community and offered support to those affected. Police are asking anyone who saw a blue Ford Falcon with South Australian plates around the Simpsons Gap area yesterday morning to contact them.

The tragic death comes as police were called to three crashes in the span of five hours on Saturday.

HOT NEW DEAL: Read everything for 28 days for just $1

At 5.30am cops were called to single vehicle rollover 25km from Alice Springs on the Stuart Hwy. The driver escaped injury after the Rav4 rolled three times. Police are investigating.

Then at 10.40am cops were called to another single vehicle rollover on Larapinta Drive involving a Holden 4WD.

A man, believed to be the driver, was treated by St John Ambulance paramedics at the scene.

Follow @JudithAisthorpe