Bicyclist airlifted after being hit by vehicle

A male bicyclist was airlifted for additional medical treatment after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday night in the 1600 block of Adams Avenue, El Centro Police Department announced.

The injuries were not life-threatening, and the bicyclist’s current medical condition was not known by ECPD, Cmdr. Aaron Reel stated Thursday. The vehicle involved in the collision remained on scene.

The bicyclist’s injuries included severe injuries to his legs and pelvis. Due to the severity of the injuries, the subject was transported to El Centro Regional Medical Center and later flown out to a trauma center in San Diego.

The incident was first reported to ECPD at approximately 8 p.m. Wednesday, shortly after which officers were dispatched to the scene.

The incident reportedly occurred as the vehicle was traveling west in the left lane on Adams.

The bicyclist was traveling east on the north side of Adams, and rode off the curb and entered the roadway into oncoming traffic.

The bicycle was not properly equipped with a light as he entered the roadway in front of a parked vehicle, an ECPD news release stated.

The parked vehicle concealed him partially to traffic and prevented an oncoming vehicle from seeing the bicyclist in time to stop.

The driver of the oncoming vehicle attempted to swerve to avoid the collision. The effort failed and the vehicle struck the bicyclist, knocking him off of the bicycle and into the roadway.

“This is an important opportunity to remind everyone that pedestrian versus vehicle collisions are very high in the city of El Centro,” ECPD Cmdr. Aaron Reel said. “We would remind everyone — pedestrian and motorists alike — to please drive safely.”