A One Mile couple involved in a hit and run during an early morning bike ride at the end of February are calling on the driver to "do the right thing" and come forward.
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Jane and Bram Tibbs were cycling along Nelson Bay Road towards Salamander Bay just after 6am on February 23 when a dark coloured ute, believed to be an older model Toyota Hilux, struck the couple and drove away.
"It was out of nowhere," Mrs Tibbs said. "We were cruising along and out of nowhere this 4WD ute somehow swerved into the shoulder section of the road where we were riding.
"My husband was able to get a look at the car as it slowed and then sped off."
Mrs Tibbs laid on the side of the road unable to move. She first feared she had been paralysed.
"When it first happened I thought the worst," Mrs Tibbs said. "But after a while I started to move my fingers and toes and thought 'I'm going to be okay'."
Minutes later cars began passing the scene of the incident, which happened after the Frost Road turn off and about about 1 kilometre south of the Salamander Way roundabout.
Two drivers, realising there was something wrong, stopped for the couple who are teachers at St Philip's Christian College in Salamander Bay.
An ambulance was called and the Tibbs' were taken to John Hunter Hospital and treated for grazing and bruising. Mrs Tibbs was found to have a fractured coccyx and arm.
The couple, who have three children, aged 10, 9 and 7, are experienced cyclists.
On the morning they were struck by the ute, they had been cycling into Salamander Bay from their home to meet a riding group.
They were riding along Nelson Bay Road towards Salamander Bay in single file, Mrs Tibbs behind her husband, and had been wearing bright colours and their bikes had flashing lights.
"There's no reason they shouldn't have seen us, much less hit us," Mrs Tibbs said.
Three weeks following the incident, the driver of the car that hit the couple has not been identified.
Police are appealing for dash cam or CCTV footage captures in the area on February 23 to come forward in an attempt to identify the vehicle involved in the hit and run.
The Tibbs' have approached businesses in Anna Bay and Nelson Bay for footage.
"This person has made a really bad decision. We want them to come forward and take responsibility," Mrs Tibbs said. "Closure is important to us."
Mrs Tibbs has started physiotherapy for the injuries she received in the hit and run. Mr Tibbs is "already back in the saddle" and has begun training for the Bobbin Head Classic to be held in Sydney on March 24.
Police have requested anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Details can also be provided confidentially via the Crime Stoppers online reporting page at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
