Garbage truck driver charged over Aussie's death in NYC

A garbage truck driver has been charged with drink-driving after hitting a 23-year-old Australian woman as she rode a bike near New York's Central Park.

Madison Jane Lyden Source: Facebook

A garbage truck driver is facing drink-driving charges after he fatally hit Australian woman Madison Lyden while she was riding a bike on a New York City street.

Police say 23-year-old Ms Lyden swerved to avoid a livery cab blocking a bike lane near Central Park on Friday.

A bike is seen on the sidewalk in New York City Source: Rudy Buccianti/PIX11 News

They say a commercial garbage truck hit Ms Lyden when she veered out of the bike lane. Lyden was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The driver of the truck, 44-year-old Felipe Chairez, was later arrested on charges including driving while intoxicated.

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

Ms Lyden moved from Lauderdale in Tasmania to Geelong in Victoria in 2016 to study.