Teen avoids serious injuries after collision with vehicle in Nanaimo intersection

Nanaimo RCMP are urging cyclists to wear helmets following an incident last week that saw a teenager struck by a vehicle.

The collision occurred on Friday, September 20th, at around 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Sixth Street.

According to RCMP, the 13-year-old boy was riding his bicycle westbound on Georgia Avenue when he rode through the intersection and collided with a Hyundai sedan.

Witnesses told police the teen failed to stop at the intersection before hitting the vehicle, which was driven by a 22-year-old woman.

The boy narrowly avoided serious injury and was treated at the scene by paramedics before being transported to the hospital for further evaluation.

Thankfully, RCMP say the youth did not sustain any significant injuries.

Police said the driver of the sedan, who remained on the scene, cooperated fully with the investigation. The car suffered minor side-end damage, but no charges are being pursued against the driver.

Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson Const. Gary O’Brien said the incident should serve as a wake-up call, not just for the young cyclist involved but for others who might take safety precautions lightly.

“Firstly, he was riding his bike without a helmet and then rode through the intersection without regard for other vehicles or his own safety,” said O’Brien. “He is very lucky that he was not seriously injured.”

Those caught riding with a helmet could face fines under provincial law. Additionally, cyclists must adhere to traffic rules just like any other road user.