A cyclist is in a critical condition after being hit by a car outside Cambridge Airport, the base of Tasmania’s emergency air service, this afternoon.
The man, aged in his 50s, was riding along Kennedy Drive, east of Hobart, just after midday on Wednesday when a crash occurred involving him and a white Mazda.
Acting Inspector Rob Bessell said paramedics and doctors were with the cyclist within moments.
“It was extremely critical that paramedics and doctors were at the scene in a very quick time,” he said.
The man was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital with head and neck injuries.
“The cyclist was wearing a helmet and that played a significant part in how he survived the crash,” Bessell said.
Police believe the car was travelling towards Hobart and turning into the airport at the time of the crash. The cyclist was riding towards Sorell.
The driver, a woman in her 70s, was shaken but not injured. She stopped at the scene and is helping police with their investigation.
“There is no indication at this stage that speed or inattentiveness was a cause of the crash, but the circumstances are yet to be determined,” Bessell said.
Kennedy Drive was closed for about two hours while crash investigators examined the scene, with traffic diverted via Bungana Way.
With the holiday period and grand final weekend approaching, Bessell urged drivers to take care, avoid drink-driving and stick to the speed limit.
“It is important to remind all road users that cyclists are vulnerable road users and to keep their eyes open and be attentive at all times when using the roads,” he said.
