A garbage truck driver has been arrested on drunken driving charges after an Australian tourist visiting New York City was fatally struck by his truck while riding her bike.

Police say 23-year-old Madison Jane Lyden swerved to avoid an Uber blocking a bike lane near Central Park on Friday.

They say a commercial sanitation truck hit her when she veered out of the bike lane.

The Geelong swim teacher was in New York on holiday with friends at the time of her death. Source: Facebook/ Madison Jane Lyden More

Dozens rushed to the her aid before she was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Ms Lyden, a swim teacher from Geelong, had only been in the city for a few days on holiday with friends.

The driver of the truck, 44-year-old Felipe Chairez, was later arrested on charges including driving while intoxicated. It’s not clear whether he has an attorney who could speak for him.

The advocacy group Transportation Alternatives says Ms Lyden’s death underscores the need for protected bike lanes.

Friends and family in Australia were devastated to learn her trip of a lifetime could have ended so tragically as news of her death reached home.

Ms Lyden had been working at a Waurn Ponds aquatic centre for almost two years.

A colleague described her as “bright and bubbly.”

“She’s really well liked by her team and also the families that come to the centre,” they told 7 News.

With AP