A cyclist reportedly veered directly into highway traffic late Tuesday afternoon and collided with a passing pickup truck along Nicol St. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

highway crash

Nanaimo man hospitalized after cycling ‘directly into traffic’ on Nicol St.

Jan 31, 2024 | 8:55 AM

NANAIMO — A 43-year-old local man remains in hospital with serious injuries after reportedly veering into Nicol St. traffic.

I happened on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at about 4:20 p.m. where emergency responders were called to the 700 block of Nicol St., near the Days Inn, after a crash between a white pickup truck and a cyclist riding an e-bike.

Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW multiple witnesses, including the 32-year-old driver of the pickup, confirmed how the incident unfolded.

“They basically said the cyclist, for unknown reasons, drove out from the parking lot, directly into traffic and was struck by the pickup. No helmet was found.”

The cyclist was treated on scene by firefighters and paramedics before being taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for further care.

nan-gab

Nanaimo-Gabriola Island candidates discuss top-of-mind issues for voters

2h ago

shaking

Minor early morning earthquake rattles Nanaimo and surrounding area

7h ago

step by step

'It's incredibly isolating:' weekend run looks to strengthen pregnancy loss community in Nanaimo

10h ago

O’Brien added alcohol and speed were ruled out by investigators on behalf of the 32-year-old truck driver, who remained at the scene and fully cooperated with police.

The incident forced a closure of Nicol St. for nearly two hours.

Detours were setup on Haliburton St. and Old Victoria Rd.

“There were a number of cars at the scene, we had to clear that area so we could safely examine. A reconstructionist was called in, so Nicol. St. was closed for about 90 minutes all the way from the 700 block to the south end of Haliburton St.”

An investigation into the incident continues and police are asking the public for any dash cam footage they have of the crash, or the area immediately prior.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

RCMP closed Nicol St. between Needham St. and Haliburton St./Old Victoria Rd. for nearly two hours on Tuesday night. Detours were setup for vehicles. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW