ABC Legend Margaret Throsby, 84, Recovering After E-Bike Hit on Shared Path

Former ABC Classic presenter Margaret Throsby is recovering in hospital after being struck by an electric fat bike on a shared path in Illawarra, south of Sydney, on September 25. The 84-year-old suffered a broken hip, head injuries, and a broken thumb in the collision with two teenagers on the bike. She underwent surgery the next day. Her daughter, musician Holly Throsby, is now calling for restrictions on high-powered e-bikes used by children on pedestrian paths.

What happened on Sandon Drive

Margaret Throsby was walking on a shared path at Sandon Drive, Bulli, when she was struck by an electric fat bike carrying two teenage riders. The impact threw her to the ground, breaking her hip and causing severe head injuries. Holly Throsby witnessed the aftermath and described it as a sickening scene, with her mother’s face covered in blood and two large haematomas on her head. Paramedics gave her pain relief before surgery the following day at the hospital.

The teenagers and police response

A 16-year-old boy was riding the fat bike with a passenger when the collision occurred. Both remained at the scene and assisted Margaret until help arrived. Holly Throsby said the teenagers appeared “completely mortified and scared” and she does not want them charged. NSW Police confirmed officers spoke with the rider and passenger, and inquiries are ongoing. The day after the incident, police launched Operation Spoiler to target illegal e-bikes and trail bikes in the Wollongong and Lake Illawarra districts.

Calls for e-bike restrictions on children

Holly Throsby has called for mandatory restrictions on the use of heavy, fast electric bikes by children without driver’s licenses, particularly on shared pedestrian paths. Transport for NSW reminded users that cyclists must give way to pedestrians and use legal bicycles. The state government has already announced reforms enforcing a 250-watt power limit for e-bikes and requiring motorized assistance to cut off at 25 km/h. Sydney Children’s Hospital Network reported that admissions for e-bike injuries among children rose by one-third over the past year to 94 cases.

Margaret Throsby’s broadcasting legacy

Margaret Throsby spent 55 years as a presenter across ABC programs, including ABC Classic. She became a household name in Australian broadcasting and remains well-known in the community. Her injury has drawn widespread attention to the safety risks posed by high-powered e-bikes on shared paths used by pedestrians and older Australians.

Final Thoughts

Margaret Throsby’s serious injuries have reignited debate over e-bike safety on shared paths. With child admissions for e-bike injuries rising one-third in a year, the incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of power limits and age restrictions on high-speed devices in pedestrian areas.

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