Chico, CA : Bicyclist injured after being struck by an SUV in crash near Lindo Channel on Tuesday, July 26, 2016

A bicyclist was hospitalized Tuesday after being struck by an SUV in central Chico, officers said.

The accident happened about 9:50 a.m., when Chico police and city firefighters responded to a call reporting a vehicle had struck a cyclist in the area of East Fifth and East Lindo avenues, Sgt. Cesar Sandoval said.

The driver of a white Oldsmobile Bravada was westbound on East Fifth Avenue when the cyclist was struck near the intersection with East Lindo Avenue, Sandoval said.

It was not yet clear in which direction the cyclist was traveling, he said. Further investigation was needed.

The bicyclist, only identified as a 28-year-old man, appeared to have suffered head injuries in the crash, the sergeant said. The extent of the cyclist’s injuries was not immediately known. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The police did not release the name of driver of the SUV at the scene. The driver was a woman and was clearly distraught as officers investigated the crash. She declined comment to this newspaper.

Sandoval said there were no immediate signs the driver was impaired. No arrests or citations were immediately issued.

The front-end of the SUV sustained significant damage. The vehicle’s windshield was smashed and its hood and roof were dented.

Sandoval said based on the evidence it appeared the cyclist hit the windshield.

It was not known whether the bicyclist was wearing a helmet. Adults are not required to wear helmets under California law.

“Basically what we want bicyclists to know is that when they are riding a bicycle, they do have to follow all the rules of the road that vehicles have to follow,” the sergeant said. “And we recommend that they wear helmets. Minors have to wear helmets, but adults should wear helmets.”

The crash remained under investigation, Sandoval said.

A stretch of East Fifth Avenue was closed for a period as officers and emergency personnel responded to the crash. The roadway was reopened about 10:20 a.m.

Source :
Bicyclist hospitalized in crash near Lindo Channel