Portsmith bike crash rider dies

A TRINITY Beach man has died after his motorcycle crashed into a parked car at Portsmith on Thursday morning.

The 69-year-old motorcyclist collided with a ute at the intersection of Lyons St and Ray Jones Dr about 7.10am.

Paramedics transported the man to Cairns Hospital in a critical condition, where he later died.

The crash, near the Portsmith rail station, blocked traffic in both directions along Lyon St, between Scott St and Ray Jones Dr, and caused delays to motorists on Ray Jones Dr.

Inspector Monique Ralph from Cairns police said it was still unknown how the crash occurred.

“Unfortunately he was involved in an incident where he struck a parked car while on his motorbike,” Inspector Ralph said.

“It appears he was attempting to make a turn which has resulted in him colliding with that parked vehicle.

“It’s very early stages … we’re keeping an open mind throughout the investigation.

Inspector Ralph said the crash served as a warning for motorists to be vigilant as the Easter Holiday period approached.

“We’re moving into the school holidays … road safety is everybody’s responsibility,” she said.

“We’re all required to do our part, and that includes the big five – making sure we’re not distracted, not speeding, drink driving or drug driving, and fatigue is the big factor with a lot of people travelling through our region over the Easter period.

We’re asking all motorists to plan ahead … and think about other road users.”

Inspector Ryan said Thursday’s fatality brought the Far North’s 2023 to five.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam vision from the accident area to come forward.