Bridie Lee, 32, was part of a group from the Canberra Bilbys Triathlon Club when a blue Hyundai Accent struck them on Gungahlin Drive in Palmerston, an area in Canberra's north, last Thursday morning. Lee died at the scene despite the efforts of bystanders and emergency services.
Two other cyclists were injured and transported to the hospital, with one sustaining critical injuries. The 40-year-old female driver of the car is cooperating with police as the investigation continues. No charges have been filed.
Lee, originally from Perth, had moved to Canberra several years prior to pursue her career as a data specialist at the Australian Bureau of Statistics. She was reportedly planning to visit Perth in December for her father's and grandmother's birthdays.
Friends and family have remembered Lee as a vibrant individual. Her uncle, Graham Lee, described her as "absolutely the life of any party" with "an amazing sense of humour and was always laughing and giggling." He added, "She took life by the horns. She was an amazing, funny, clever and beautiful girl, and we will miss her so very much."
An active triathlete and participant in parkrun events, Lee had previously spoken about her positive experiences with exercise. "I've changed from a person who saw exercise as an annoying necessity to someone who does it because I enjoy it and it makes me feel better," she stated earlier this year. "I've made some amazing friends, travelled to new places and done some things that I never knew that I was capable of."
Her involvement with the Canberra Bilbys Triathlon Club was significant. Lee served on the club committee and managed its social media, earning the club person of the year award in June for her contributions and positive influence. The club expressed its condolences to Lee's family and friends, noting the widespread impact of her death. They also extended gratitude for the support received from other clubs within the wider triathlon community.
Tributes have also poured in online from friends and former classmates. One friend wrote, "Bridie embodied everything that is good about community sports," praising her dedication and volunteerism. A former university classmate described her as a "driven and wonderful person."
The ACT road toll for 2026 now stands at 10.