Cyclists were struck and injured by cars in two separate Saanich incidents on Saturday, March 30th. One of the cyclists received serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Both of the car drivers were charged by police.
The most serious collision happened at about 8:15 a.m. on McKenzie Avenue at Braefoot Road.
A 64 year old Saanich man was cycling westbound on McKenzie in the marked bike lane. An oncoming Toyota Sienna was heading east on McKenzie. The 43 year old Saanich woman driving the Toyota did not see the cyclist and she began to make a left turn onto Braefoot.
The head-on impact was substantial. The cyclist was thrown approximately 30 feet (nine metres). He was taken to Victoria General Hospital with serious injuries which may include some broken facial bones. He has additional injuries to a hand, an elbow, his legs and a knee – along with a probable concussion.
His bike helmet was severely damaged and police believe that it might have saved his life. The Toyota driver was charged with Failing to Yield to the cyclist.
Four hours later at 12:15, another cyclist was struck by a car – this time on Tillicum Road at the entrance to Burnside Plaza. A 70 year old Sidney woman driving a Chrysler PT Cruiser was making a right turn. During the slow turn she sideswiped a cyclist who she did not see – and who was heading in the same direction.
The 24 year old Victoria man was thrown off his bike and he sustained a number of road abrasions. The car driver was charged with Failing to Yield to the cyclist.
There is a great deal of extra activity on our roads and sidewalks due to the Easter long weekend and the outstanding sunny weather. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are all urged to pay extra-careful attention to their surroundings.
S/Sgt. Scott Treble