Emergency crews responded to a vehicle collision involving a cyclist in south Nanaimo yesterday afternoon.
According to a Nanaimo RCMP report, Nicol Street between Needham Street and the south end of Haliburton Street were closed to traffic on Tuesday, Jan. 3o, after a cyclist was reportedly hit by a truck in the 700 block of Nicol Street at approximately 4:20 p.m.
Nanaimo RCMP posted on social media at 6:30 p.m. that a patient remained in hospital following the collision, and that the scene had been cleared and all lanes re-opened.
Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, said in the morning on Wednesday, Jan. 31, that the 43-year-old cyclist was recovering in hospital.
“He’s in hospital in serious condition. The investigation is continuing and investigators are looking to speak with eyewitnesses or anyone who may have dash cam video,” O’Brien said.
The cyclist, who was riding an electric assist bicycle, was not wearing a helmet. The 32-year-old male driver of the pickup truck stayed at the scene and co-operated with police.
Investigators spoke with several witnesses and the driver. It was determined that that the cyclist rode out of a parking lot onto the roadway, where he was struck by the southbound pickup.
“Drugs and/or alcohol and speed were ruled out as contributing factors on the part of the driver,” O’Brien said.
Any motorists who witnessed the collision or have dashcam video are asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP detachment non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
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