A 40-year-old man has been charged over a hit-and-run crash that left a cyclist dead in Perth’s southern suburbs.
Father of two Joseph Paratore, 40, was riding his bike on North Lake Road in Bibra Lake on Tuesday morning when he was hit by a four-wheel drive about 5:20am.
He died at the scene.
Police at the scene of the fatal hit-and-run incident in Bibra Lake. (ABC News: Lauren Smith)
Police held a media conference yesterday appealing for witnesses as they searched for the driver, who at that point had been at large for more than 24 hours.
The alleged driver was arrested later in the day in the nearby suburb of Yangebup, 18 kilometres south of the Perth CBD.
He has been charged with failing to stop and ensure assistance and failure to report an incident occasioning death.
The man was refused bail and is due to face Fremantle Magistrates Court later today.
Police said they had seized the white Toyota Prado allegedly involved in the crash and were continuing to investigate.
Sixth WA cycling death this year
Mr Paratore was struck while cycling north on North Lake Road, just before the intersection of Sobek Pass. He was riding in a painted shoulder suitable for cyclists.
CCTV recorded at a nearby business and released by police yesterday showed Mr Paratore cycling along the side of the road in the early morning light with his front light illuminated.
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Moments later, after Mr Paratore exits the frame, a white four-wheel drive comes into view and speeds quickly past.
Mr Paratore was a husband, and father to two young boys, with friends describing him as a “larger-than-life character” who was adored by the cycling community.
Flowers and a helmet with a message that says ‘keep riding in the sky’ have been left at the scene of the fatal hit-and-run. (ABC News: Mya Kordic )
Jeff Grbelja, who was part of the same cycling group as Mr Paratore, said he was a “loving husband and a devoted father”.
“Joseph embraced cycling because he wanted to improve his health and fitness and, most importantly, live a long and healthy life with his family,” Mr Grbelja said.
A tribute left at the scene for Joseph Paratore. (ABC News: Mya Kordic )
“He often told me that cycling had saved his life. Those words are particularly heartbreaking now.
“The cruel irony that Joseph lost his life doing something he loved, something he genuinely believed had given him a new lease on life, is incredibly difficult to comprehend.”
WestCycle CEO Wayne Bradshaw said Mr Paratore’s death marked the sixth cycling death in WA this year, compared to an average of four a year.
The ABC has chosen not to publish Mr Paratore’s photo at his family’s request.