The cyclist who collided with a van in Saanich Tuesday afternoon “is not expected to survive his injuries,” according to Saanich Police.
“The cyclist’s family has been contacted and has travelled to Victoria to be with him,” said acting Sgt. Jereme Leslie in a release Wednesday morning. “They are wishing privacy at this time.”
The cyclist – a 42-year-old Calgary man – was part of a group of cyclists from Alberta, who were travelling south on Prospect Lake Road when they approached a sharp right turn near the intersection of Munn Road Tuesday afternoon.
The man lost control of his bicycle, slid across the centre line and struck a service vehicle that was travelling north on Prospect Lake Road.
The crash pinned the man underneath the vehicle, from where emergency crews needed to extricate him, said Leslie.
“Once extracted the cyclist was rushed to hospital,” said Leslie. “The cyclist is currently in hospital and is not expected to survive his injuries.”
Crash analysts from the Saanich Police department cordoned off the scene and conducted the investigation, interviewing the driver of the vehicle and witnesses, while gathering physical evidence from the scene.
“Investigators are satisfied the driver of the vehicle is not at fault and speed did not play a factor in the crash,” said Leslie.
The site of the collision, Prospect Lake Road, connects Saanich with Langford and is a popular route among competitive cyclists in training. It remained closed for several hours in both directions as investigators examined the vehicle, a cable company van, and talked to witnesses.
Debris from the bike, including its seat and frame, littered the road.
Speaking at the site of the crash Tuesday afternoon, Sgt. Alan Gurzinski urged both motorists and cyclists to give each other space, while paying attention to the each other. “This is coming into summer,” he said. “It is going to be a busy season for cyclists. Cyclists are coming out, especially with the good weather. Please, cyclists and drivers, please pay attention to the road and pay attention to each other.”
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