Cyclist dies following crash

Photo: Carmen Weld

Cpl. Joe Duncan

A Kelowna man has died after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike on Friday.

Cpl. Joe Duncan says police responded to an incident on Sept. 25 just before noon, at the intersection of Springfield and Belgo road, after receiving a report a cyclist had been hit by a vehicle.

“The 63-year-old man was riding north on Belgo road toward Springfield, while the vehicle was traveling east on Springfield toward Belgo,” says Duncan. “The vehicle attempted an emergency stop, but could not avoid the collision.”

Duncan says the cyclist allegedly did not stop at the stop sign and was struck by the vehicle that was unable to avoid the man on his bike.

The man was transported to Kelowna General Hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

Duncan was not sure whether or not the cyclist was wearing a helmet, but it is believed he may not have been.

Duncan explained that the RCMP collision analyst team conducted a detailed scene survey, but that, that information is not yet complete.

The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been laid at this time.

This is believed to be the second fatal accident involving a cyclist in Kelowna this year, on top of several other cyclists that have been seriously injured as a result of incidents involving vehicles.

Duncan reminds cyclist that there is a requirement by law to wear a helmet while cycling and that infraction tickets can, and will be, issued to those violating the law.

-- With files from Carmen Weld