Arabic version: عائلة راكب الدراجات تحث على عدم استغلال الوفاة لأجندات سياسية

According to ABC News, the family of Peter “Tiki” Mason says it is heartbroken by the “sudden and devastating loss” of the 71-year-old, who died while riding on the Western Highway near Trawalla on Sunday.

Police are continuing to investigate. They said emergency services responded to reports that a motorcycle had struck a pothole and lost control on the regional Victorian highway.

In a statement, Mr Mason’s family said he was “much more than the circumstances of his death” and described him as a much-loved family member and friend to many. They said his death had left an enormous hole in their lives.

The family acknowledged public interest in the road’s condition and said they hoped appropriate processes could identify changes that might prevent another family experiencing similar devastation. However, they said such matters should be dealt with by the appropriate authorities.

They also said they did not want Mr Mason’s death used to promote “political agendas”, asking that nobody speak for the family or claim to represent its views. Victoria’s road condition has become an issue ahead of the November state election, after an auditor-general report found almost half of state-managed roads were in poor condition.