News.com.au: Pedestrian, 77, killed in cycling’s Hell Ride - 29 August, 2006

An elderly man has died after being knocked down on a pedestrian crossing by a speeding cyclist in an unofficial race called the “Hell Ride”. James Gould, 77, was on the crossing in Mentone in Victoria, when he was hit by the cyclist about 8.30am (AEST) on Saturday. He died in hospital yesterday. The 30-year-old cyclist, from East St Kilda, will be issued with a penalty notice for allegedly failing to stop at a red light. A police source said the rider could not be charged with culpable driving because he was not behind the wheel of a car.

The Hell Ride is a loosely organised race that attracts about 300 riders every Saturday. It starts at a Black Rock roundabout at a designated time then snakes along Beach Rd to Mt Eliza and back. Cyclists reportedly reach more than 60km/h as they race along the bay. The ride has been staged for more than 20 years and is not officially aligned with a cycling club.

Mr Gould, from Mentone, was on a walk when he was hit while crossing the road in front of the Mentone Surf Life Saving Club, near Naples Rd. He was taken to The Alfred hospital with serious injuries. Police told the Herald Sun the riders started early and were on their way back from Frankston when he was hit. Mr Gould strolled each day along the strip as a morning ritual.

His neighbour of four years, Richard Sherburn, said Mr Gould was a jovial man who was well liked in Mentone. “He used to walk down there every day and he’d smile and wave, and talk to everyone,” he said. “He loved living here near the beach and he was always such a happy man.” Mr Gould, who was born in England, had never married or had children, and told his neighbours he had no living family.

He jokingly referred to himself as the orphan. Neighbours said Mr Gould worked at a city accountancy firm for 30 years and since retiring often returned to England by ship for holidays. A police officer said the Hell Ride was a regular problem through the bayside suburbs as they raced along at up to 60km/h.

“It’s an unofficial race. That’s the easiest way to put it,” the source said. “These guys have no regard for motorists. “They ride on the wrong side of the road, they don’t give way to cars, they don’t stop at red lights.”