CFA members douse the man’s motorbike, which was completely destroyed.
A BENDIGO motorcyclist whose bike caught fire when he hit an animal yesterday afternoon escaped uninjured thanks to the protective clothing he was wearing.
The 51-year-old was riding along Hermitage Road in Maiden Gully about 4.45pm when a wallaby jumped out in front of him.
The rider took evasive action and stayed on his bike until he realised it had caught fire.
Thinking quickly, he decided to set the bike down on the road rather than pull over and risk starting a bushfire.
The bike, which was insured, was completely destroyed.
First Constable Matt Lewis said police attended the scene a short time later.
“There was a leak in the bike and that has ignited,” First Constable Lewis said.
“Thankfully he remained upright and he was wearing all the protective gear.”