Cyclist In Critical Condition After Darting In Front of Truck

By Martin Henderson

The bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle Tuesday afternoon on Santa Margarita Parkway remained in critical condition Wednesday at a local hospital.

The 34-year-old male was taken by ambulance to Mission Hospital after apparently darting in front of a truck going eastbound on Rancho Santa Margarita's main drag. 

According to Lt. Brian Schmutz, the chief of police services, the cyclist was in the No. 1 lane headed westbound. About 200 feet east of Alma Aldea, he crossed onto the median and attempted to cross the westbound lanes. 

An oncoming truck, in the No. 1 lane, struck the cyclist when he darted from the median. 

"The investigation is ongoing, but the early indication is that the truck driver was not at fault," Schmutz said. "The truck was going at or below the speed limit at the time of the incident."

The speed limit on that stretch of road is 45 mph.

There is a raised median where the cyclist attempted to cross in a move that has been variously described as bunny hopping across the median.

The injured man, who has sustained life threatening injuries, was not wearing a helmet. Schmutz was unsure of the victim's city of residence.

The incident occurred at 3:40 p.m., and a SigAlert in both directions was in effect until 7:30 p.m.

Because of the severity of the accident, the OCSD activated its major accident reconstruction team.

TELL US IN THE COMMENTS: What kind of close calls have you had involving a vehicle and bicycle?