A new low: It appears two cyclists were hit on purpose for videos shared to social media

In a shocking series of events on Monday morning, two cyclists were left seriously injured after hit-and-run collisions in Cheltenham and Beaumaris in Melbourne, Australia, sparking concerns about the safety of cyclists.

Around 5:20 am, according to a Victoria Police report, police responded to the first incident near Charman Road in Cheltenham, where a 51-year-old cyclist was struck by an unidentified vehicle. The driver fled the scene, leaving the victim with severe injuries. Shortly after, at another location on Beach Road in Beaumaris near Tramway Parade, a second cyclist, a 72-year-old man, suffered a similar fate as the vehicle involved failed to stop.

The day’s events took an even more disturbing turn when, at approximately 8:50 am, a reportedly stolen Holden Astra was discovered on Central Avenue, Black Rock. While the police have yet to confirm if this vehicle was connected to either collision, an ongoing investigation is in progress.

However, what has sent shockwaves through the cycling community is the revelation that the perpetrators not only callously injured two cyclists but also filmed one of the collisions from inside the vehicle. The footage was later shared on social media platforms, raising concerns about a concerning trend where individuals seek to gain attention and validation by inflicting harm on others.

Expressing outrage at the situation, authorities are now urging anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward. The police can be contacted through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or via the website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

At Alfred Hospital, according to a 7News report, the 72-year-old victim is undergoing surgery and is reported to be in a serious but stable condition. Meanwhile, the 51-year-old is receiving treatment for upper body injuries at Dandenong Hospital. Both victims were struck on Beach Road, a popular route for cyclists in the region.

The cycling community is left grappling with the impact of these incidents on safety and is calling for increased vigilance. Cyclists and community members alike are anxiously awaiting answers and a reassurance that such incidents will not go unpunished in the future.

There is a news report about the cyclists hit from 7News in Australia at this link. We did not seek out the original social media video, and hope it remains buried.