The young man at the centre of the infamous ‘bike boy’ incident with Daniel Andrews has checked himself into a treatment centre to receive support for ‘psychological and other health issues’.

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Ryan Meuleman, then 15, was cycling in the seaside town of Blairgowrie on January 7, 2013 when he collided with the ex-Victorian Premier’s  car.

Andrews, who was Victorian Opposition Leader at the time, was in the car along with his wife Catherine, who was driving, and their three children.

They have always denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Meuleman was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries and later lost part of his spleen.

The crash is said to still haunt Mr Meuleman, with the now 27-year-old checking into a Victorian-based treatment centre last month.

It’s understood he will stay there for 30 days of care.

His father told the Herald Sun his son was ‘a kid with troubles’.

Mr Meuleman was 15 and riding his bike when he collided with the Andrews family’s SUV

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Dan Andrews said his wife Catherine was driving the car at the time of the collision

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‘He’s never really recovered from the incident,’ Peter Meuleman said. ‘But I’m relieved and proud of him for having the fortitude to face up to his demons.

‘Ryan is comfortable with people knowing that he is getting the support he needs. I think it’s great that he’s gone in there off his own bat. This time of year is never a good time for him.’

It comes as Mr Meuleman is currently engaged in a defamation action against Andrews and his wife in the Federal Court.

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He alleges online trolls labelled him a ‘grifter’ after the couple’s media statement in September 2024 said a review into the collision was the result of ‘appalling conspiracy theories’.

The Andrews have denied they defamed Mr Meuleman and refused a proposal to pay him $50,000 in compensation and issue an apology.

They were due to lodge their formal defence with the Federal Court before December 19 however this deadline was missed.

It is not known why this wasn’t lodged or if this will delay the defamation proceedings.

Under the original timetable, Mr Meuleman was given until February 6 to respond to Andrews’ arguments.

His father Peter confirmed he was receiving treatment for ‘psychological and health issues’

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Ex Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ Ford Territory car after the crash with Ryan Meuleman

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A case management hearing was also listed for February 11.

According to a Federal Court statement of claim seen by the Daily Mail, Mr Meuleman ‘continues to suffer pain from the injuries he sustained as a result of the collision’.

He also ‘continues to suffer from significant symptoms of depression, anxiety and traumatisation’, the document states.

The Meuleman family last month said their investigation team will present new evidence to the Chief Commissioner of Police.

‘Out of respect and deference to the Federal Court, Ryan and his family will not be publicly commenting on these new defamation proceedings,’ a representative said.

‘Separately, Ryan continues to advocate for a full criminal investigation into the accident.

‘His investigation team has been gathering new evidence which they will present to the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police in the coming weeks.’

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