Sandpoint cyclist hit in crosswalk
—Photo by KEITH KINNAIRD EMTs from Bonner County and Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS prepare to load an injured cyclist into an ambulance on Friday. The teen was treated at Bonner General Health and released, Sandpoint Police said.
SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint teen was injured Friday when she was struck by a vehicle while crossing Fifth Avenue on a bicycle.
The collision happened at the Poplar Street crossing at about 1:38 p.m.
Sandpoint Police Officer Benjamin Koester said the 14-year-old girl was crossing Fifth with two other cyclists when she was struck by a southbound vehicle.
Koester said the teen was taken to Bonner General Health, where she was treated and released.
“She'll be OK,” said Koester.
Witnesses to the crash said the southbound motorist was behind another motorist who yielded to the crossing cyclists. The trailing motorist moved into the other southbound lane of travel to get around the vehicle that yielded to the crosswalk and struck one of the cyclists.
Koester said it is lawful for cyclists to pedal across a crosswalk.
The motorist who struck the cyclist was cited for inattentive driving, according to Sandpoint Police Capt. Rick Bailey.
With temperatures topping 70 degrees and Lake Pend Oreille School District students on spring break, Koester said there is a noticeable uptick in pedestrians and cyclists making their way around town.
Koester urged motorists to be cautious of other street users, but added that pedestrians and cyclists should also exercise caution as they approach crosswalks.
“Bikers and pedestrians can just assume somebody is going to stop for them,” he added.
Bailey said even the slight lapse of attention can invite trouble.
“All it takes is one second of inattention,” said Bailey.