Cyclist sustains life-threatening injuries

A cyclist from Yuma, Ariz., is fighting for his life after being struck by a vehicle on Pioneer Trail.

The 70-year-old man was riding north on Pioneer Trail between Susquehanna and Jicarilla when a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 35-year-old man from Southern California clipped his handlebar with the side mirror after drifting into the bike lane. The vehicle was traveling about 45 mph – the speed limit, and the cyclist 20 mph.

“The cyclist lost control, was ejected from the bicycle, struck his head and rolled over a number of times,” California Highway Patrol Officer Chuck Brothers told Lake Tahoe News.

Despite wearing a helmet the victim sustain serious head injuries as well as severe abrasions. He was flown to Renown Medical Center in Reno after the 11:40am June 9 collision.

Because of the life threatening nature of the injuries, names of the two people involved are not being released.

Brothers said alcohol or drugs are not factors. The investigation is ongoing.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report