EDMONTON – The cyclist seriously injured in Sherwood Park Monday afternoon is being identified as a 15-year-old girl. Her name is not being released.
RCMP say information provided by a citizen in the community helped them identify the injured cyclist and contact her family, who is now with her at the hospital.
She was struck by a minivan in Sherwood Park Monday around 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of Clover Bar Road and Granada Boulevard.
“The minivan, which was driving southbound on Clover Bar Road, did have the right-of-way, had a green light and proceeded through the intersection,” said Cst. Elissa Purvis of Strathcona County RCMP.
“And due to the circumstances, was unable to stop in time when the cyclist crossed in front of her. The minivan did strike the cyclist causing serious injuries.”
The 15-year-old sustained injuries to her head and legs in the collision. Her condition has been updated to serious but non-life-threatening.
RCMP say the van, being driven by a 73-year-old woman, struck the cyclist while traveling at approximately 55 to 60 kilometres an hour.
Speed, alcohol and road conditions were not factors in the collision, according to RCMP. Charges are not pending at this time.
Several witnesses reported that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet and crossed the intersection against the red light while still riding her bicycle.
RCMP are reminding cyclists of all ages of the importance of wearing proper safety equipment including a properly fitted, and safety-approved bike helmet.
In addition to following basic safety rules, they stress that cyclists should be aware that if they choose to ride on the road they must follow the same rules of the road as a motor vehicle. Cyclists are also expected to dismount when travelling through crosswalks.
As RCMP investigated the crash, the southbound lanes of Clover Bar Road were closed for approximately an hour. The road was re-opened at 4 p.m.
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