An experienced motorcyclist, identified as Peter 'Tiki' Mason, has died after his bike struck a pothole on the Western Highway near Trawalla, Victoria. The 71-year-old artist was riding on Sunday when he lost control of his motorcycle after hitting the pothole, resulting in his death at the scene. Police are investigating the exact circumstances of the crash.
Mason was a life member and former president of the Ballarat The Dodgy Few Social Motorcycle Club and a member of the Eureka Social Riders, groups known for their participation in regional charity events. A close friend described him as a beloved rider and a proud New Zealander, husband, and father.
Friends and locals have directed anger at the condition of Victoria's roads, with many pointing to the pothole as the direct cause of the fatal accident. "F****n potholes caused this, the government has something to answer for with the conditions of our roads!" one social media post read. Another resident described the potholes on that stretch of road as a common issue, often filled temporarily with gravel only to reopen shortly after.
"We used to worry about hitting kangaroos. Now it’s a constant (effort to) dodge the potholes," the resident added, highlighting a growing concern for road safety.
The incident comes as the Victorian government faces increasing scrutiny over its road maintenance. Just a day before the crash, the state government announced a $40 million investment in motorcycle safety measures, including infrastructure upgrades and improved signage. In August, the government also pledged an additional $352 million to double the number of potholes fixed this year, aiming to repair 500,000 potholes across major roads.
These government initiatives are met with skepticism by those affected. "Its a game of Russian roulette with pot holes, messing with human life, thinkin about their own pockets & I'm a rider, & I'm sht scared riding two wheels on this sht we call roads," one friend commented. Another expressed that "this discusting grubberment has so much blood on their hands & so much to answer for."
The death also follows a report by the Victorian Auditor-General finding that half of the state's road network is in poor or very poor condition, with a growing backlog of unrepaired potholes. Road conditions have become a significant issue in political campaigns, with opposition parties also pledging substantial funds for road repairs. Victorian Liberals leader Jess Wilson proposed a $5 billion plan to address one million potholes.
Sunday's crash marks the 171st life lost on Victorian roads this year. Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the crash to contact Crime Stoppers.