Western Australia’s cycling community is mourning the death of Perth Cycling IT Professionals (PCITP) club member Joseph Paratore, 40. He was on an early-morning training ride in Bibra Lake when a white Toyota Prado struck him at about 05:20 on Tuesday 20 October 2026. The vehicle did not stop and Paratore died at the scene.
Police said Paratore was riding on a painted shoulder designated for cyclists. CCTV footage released by police shows his front light was on moments before the crash.
After a two-day manhunt, Craig Daniel Strawbridge, 40, was arrested at his home in Yangebup on Wednesday 21 October 2026. He has been charged with failing to stop and ensure assistance after an incident occasioning death, and failing to report the incident.
He appeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court on Thursday 22 October, did not apply for bail and remains in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday 23 November 2026.
In a Facebook post, PCITP said the team was devastated. It described Paratore as a larger-than-life character with a booming voice and infectious energy, and, above all, a devoted husband and father to two young boys. The club added: “No one should head out for a bike ride and never make it home.”
Cycling advocacy group WestCycle’s chief executive, Wayne Bradshaw, said this was Western Australia’s sixth cycling death this year, compared with an annual average of four. He argued that the state’s safe-passing law had not worked and called for changes to improve cyclist safety.
Gran Fondo Daily News extends its condolences to Paratore’s family, friends and the PCITP team.
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