ADA COUNTY – A California cyclist was injured Saturday morning after a crash on Highway 55.
According to Ada County Police, the cyclist, a 56-year-old man visiting the Treasure Valley from Lodi, California was riding north on Highway 55 just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
A 34-year-old Boise man, driving a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero north on Highway 55, clipped the cyclist with the passenger side mirror of the SUV, causing the rider to fall off his bicycle and onto the highway.
The 52-year-old driver of a Ford pick-up, who was driving behind the Montero, saw the collision but was unable to react in time to avoid hitting the cyclist as he fell onto the road.
Ada County Paramedics transported the injured cyclist to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. The cyclist suffered serious injuries to both legs and unknown internal injuries. His injuries did not appear to be life-threatening, but his current condition is unknown.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing. It is expected to take several days to reconstruct the incident and determine exactly what happened and who, if anyone, is at fault. The investigation will also determine what, if any, citations will be issued or charges filed.
Visibility is likely a factor in this crash. At the time of the crash, the bright sun is believed to have caused the drivers of the Montero and the pick-up truck to have difficulty seeing.
Police want to remind both drivers and cyclists that this is a very busy time of year on the roads and to take precautions to stay safe.
