THE family of a cyclist killed on Sunday have issued a heartbreaking road safety plea amid reports police are investigating whether the young woman driver was texting at the time.

Tom Curtis, 60, was hit by a car driven by a 20-year-old woman on Marshall Road in Bennett Springs before 6am.

He later died in hospital.

His wife Liz had planned a surprise birthday party for her husband that same day.

Mr Curtis’ uncle Harold Tyler told Nine News that people needed to be more mindful behind the wheel.

“These things happen and it’s just happening too often. People are just in so much of a hurry and a rush these days,” he said.

“It comes down to people thinking they’ve got to do everything instantly. There’s always time, pull over if you’ve got to text.

“The last thing Liz said, she never expected to kiss her husband goodbye and never see him alive again.”

Nine News reported that police are investigating whether the 20-year-old woman was texting at the time and have seized her mobile phone.

“How tragic, that young girl ... whether it was her fault or not she’s got to live with this for the rest of her life and so does her family,” Mr Tyler said.

No charges have been laid to date.