A vehicle hit a cyclist on the Trans-Canada Highway in View Royal on Wednesday morning while making an abrupt move into a merge lane through a no-driving area.
The incident happened at the exit for Island Highway and Burnside Rd. when a driver appeared to make a last-minute decision to take the exit. A cyclist heading northbound on the highway was in the white-lined triangular area that separates the exit lane from the highway, when the vehicle hit them.
The cyclist had only minor scrapes and bruises but was taken to Victoria General Hospital out of precaution. The driver was fine but West Shore RCMP issued them a ticket for an unsafe lane change.
"Everybody's going to be fine, which is a nice thing to hear," spokesperson Cpl. Kathy Rochlitz said.
Police are applauding the cyclist for wearing a helmet and a high-visibility vest and recommend all cyclists do likewise. Drivers are being reminded to look out for cyclists and follow the rules of the road.
"It's the time of year where people are starting to get their bikes out," Rochlitz said. "As more bikes take to the road, be extra cautious, be extra vigilant and think big picture: see further ahead and peripherally, making sure you are doing your shoulder checks."