Last week, the West Shore region experienced two separate incidents involving collisions between cyclists and vehicles.
The first collision occurred on April 19th at approximately 2:40 p.m. in the parking lot of Canadian Tire in Langford.
The incident involved a Dodge Ram pickup truck and a cyclist. The 34-year-old driver of the truck remained at the scene and exhibited signs of alcohol impairment.
He took a breathalyzer test that indicated his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit.
The cyclist sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital.
The truck was impounded, and the driver was given a prohibition from driving. Police are recommending charges related to impaired driving under the criminal code.
The second collision occurred on April 25th at approximately 11:10 p.m. near the intersection of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Goldstream Avenue.
A Hyundai Accent struck a cyclist as the driver was making a left-hand turn in the intersection while the cyclist was proceeding straight through it.
Officers at the scene noted the low light conditions may have contributed to the driver not seeing the cyclist. The cyclist suffered minor injuries. The driver was sober, cooperative, and remorseful, and was issued a verbal warning without receiving a violation ticket.
“If you have been consuming alcohol plan for a safe ride home,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officers.
“In general, we would like to remind drivers to please be mindful of cyclist who are sharing the roadway. Always check to make sure the bike lane is clear before making turns or going through an intersection.”
