Family speak of unimaginable grief for motorcyclist killed in pothole crash

The family of the motorcyclist who died after hitting a pothole at the weekend say they hope something positive can come from his death, as debate rages about how safe Victoria’s roads are.

Peter Mason, president of a local riding club, was killed when his bike hit a pothole and he was thrown onto the Western Highway at Trawalla, near his home in Ballarat, on Sunday.

His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and anger from fellow riders and motorists about the state of Victoria’s roads.

In a statement on Wednesday, the 71-year-old’s family said they were grateful to those who had offered condolences, support and memories of Mason.

“There are no words to express the heartbreak our family is experiencing following the sudden and devastating loss,” the statement read.

“Peter was so much more than the circumstances of his death. He was a much-loved member of our family and a friend to many. His loss has left an enormous hole in our lives, and we are struggling to come to terms with a life taken far too soon.

“Knowing how many people loved and cared for him brings us some comfort during this unimaginable time.”

The family stressed they wanted authorities left to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding Mason’s death.

“If, through the appropriate processes, changes are identified that could prevent another family from experiencing this devastation, we sincerely hope something positive can come from Peter’s death. However, these matters should be dealt with by the appropriate authorities,” they said.

“We do not want Peter’s death used to promote political agendas.

“Peter was a person, not a headline. Please remember him for the life he lived, the people he loved and the memories he leaves behind.”

The family’s statement followed several days during which the state government was attacked for its record on road maintenance.

“Peter Mason didn’t come home, and he should have. This was avoidable,” Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said on Monday.

“While we’ve seen billions of dollars of cost blowouts … Victoria’s roads have been left in a state of disrepair. It is unacceptable.”

Riders left shocked following Mason’s death converged on state parliament on Monday, calling for roads to be fixed.

“This government has blood on their hands,” motorcyclist Paul Povh said.

Premier Ben Carroll said the government would prioritise fixing roads heavily used by motorcyclists, ahead of the November election.

“We accept responsibility for making sure our roads are safe,” Carroll said.

“A man has lost his life out there on a motorbike with a good mate, looking forward to a Sunday night meal with his friend. He should have come home, he should have enjoyed that meal. And my thoughts are with his family.”

The pothole involved in the fatal crash has been repaired.

Carroll announced this month an extra $352 million to be put towards repairing roads, including a plan to put minimum-security prisoners to work on basic road maintenance to speed up professional crews’ response to repairs.

A report released last week found almost half of the state’s government-managed roads were in poor or very poor condition, with decline outpacing repairs.