The family of a Tasmanian woman who died when she was struck by a garbage truck while cycling in New York City has spoken of their loss.
Madison Lyden, 23, was with a friend near Central Park about 4.45 pm on Friday when the twin sister swerved to avoid a livery cab blocking a bike lane and was hit.
"Madison was a beautiful, beautiful daughter. She was loyal and loving," her father Andrew Lyden told The Mercury on Monday.
"For her to be taken from us in such an horrific way is gut wrenching. No words can describe how heartbreaking this is."
Ms Lyden had recently completed university. "She was applying for masters this year and she has been travelling the world with her best friend having the adventure of a lifetime," her mother Amanda Berry said.
Her twin sister Paige said words could not describe what her sister meant to her.
The driver of the truck, 44-year-old Felipe Chairez, was later arrested on charges including driving while intoxicated.
Ms Lyden had moved from Lauderdale in Tasmania to Geelong in Victoria in 2016 to study.
The family own Lyden Builders in Cambridge near Hobart and have asked customers for their understanding.
"We are a family business and this weekend we have been hit with the devastation of losing our darling daughter, sister, niece, aunty and cousin," it said.
"We ask for your patience and understanding in the coming weeks while we deal with our broken hearts. During this period we will have limited staff, so please understand if you don't get responses from all emails, messages and calls."
Ms Lyden was pronounced dead at a hospital.
