A Vernon cyclist was taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital after colliding with a vehicle on 32nd Street (Highway 97) near downtown Thursday.
Police and emergency crews were dispatched to the accident scene near the Fruit Union Plaza at 5:30 a.m.
“The driver of a Pontiac Sunfire was driving northbound in the outside lane when the cyclist rode out in front of her, resulting in an impact on the passenger side of the vehicle,” said Vernon RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk.
Witnesses told investigators that the cyclist was wearing all black clothing and riding his bike without a helmet westbound through the alley between Earl’s and Sir Winston’s Pub.
The cyclist was taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital with serious injuries which may include a punctured lung and possible internal injuries.
The driver of the car, a Vernon woman, was not physically injured but was quite shaken up by the incident which was being investigated Thursday morning.
An RCMP traffic analyst was called to the scene.
The northbound lane of 32nd street was closed for some time Thursday morning while the investigation took place.
