Vernon

Vernon RCMP have identified the teen killed when she was struck by a car in the early morning hours of August 17.

Police says Mercedes Mari-Lynne Fraser died in hospital a few hours after she was hit by a car while riding her bike on 37th Avenue about 6:30 a.m.

RCMP spokesman, Gord Molendyk, says Fraser was riding in the bike lane at the time of the crash.

Molendyk says police continue to investigate but cautions it could take a few months before all the reports are in.

Over the past several weeks, Molendyk says police in the North Okanagan have received several complaints of incidents between bikes and vehicles.

"Under the Motor Vehicle Act, a bicycle has the right to be on the travelled portion of the highway like a car," says Molendyk.

"The police are asking both bike riders and vehicle drivers to please respect the rules of the road and respect each other as you use the roadways. This latest accident is a stark reminder of what happens when a vehicle and a bike meet."