'Hatred towards cyclists unrivalled': Film probes notorious Victorian cycle race
In a bid to ease tension between motorists and cyclists, a documentary is being made about the controversial weekly unofficial race in Victoria.
As revealed in the documentary, the Black Rock to Mt Eliza 'Hell Ride' is infamous for cyclists speeding, running red lights and the occasional bingle.
Ten years ago, an elderly pedestrian James Gould was killed during the unofficial training ride that follows the coastline of Port Phillip Bay, but film-makers claim the riders are “misunderstood”.
Willian Raisin-Shaw was convicted over Mr Gould's 2007 death.
Filmmaker Jonas Christensen told 7 News the behaviour of the group of thrill riding cyclists, who race each Saturday, was much better now.
The film aims to give the riders' side of the story, documenting the group's camaraderie and their fitness.
“Hell Ride' is misunderstood. It has a stigma about it because of the actions of a few,” Mr Christensen said.
Hell Ride veteran Lee insists only a tiny minority breaks road rules.
“It won't be eliminated the same way cars speeding and running red lights won't be eliminated."
Even Olympic gold medal cyclist Kathy Watt used to do the Hell Ride.
“I saw one guy go head on into the back of a truck, so I stopped doing it after that," she revealed.
By revealing the good, the bad and the ugly of the Hell Ride, the filmmakers hope it will increase the understanding they say is ”desperately needed” between cyclists and motorists.
"The hatred towards cyclists in Australia is unrivalled anywhere else," Mr Christensen said.
A Hell Ride Kickstarter campaign has been set up to help fund the project. To learn more about the project, visit Bike Chaser.
