Cyclist suffers serious head injury in Vanier Parkway collision

A 45-year-old man was taken to hospital in critical condition after he was struck by a vehicle while cycling on the Vanier Parkway Monday morning, according to Ottawa paramedics.

Paramedics said they were called to the intersection of the Vanier Parkway and Donald Street just before 6:30 a.m.

When they arrived they found a 45-year-old man who was unconscious with a head injury, along with some cuts and bruises.

He was taken to the trauma centre at the Ottawa Hospital's Civic campus in critical condition, but paramedics said he regained consciousness on the way.

As police closed off the intersection, a red bicycle lay on the parkway just north of Donald Street and a car with a smashed windshield was parked nearby.

Ottawa police said they couldn't share any details of what happened because the crash is still under investigation.

One cyclist who lives nearby said in general, patience can wear thin for all kinds of Vanier Parkway users.

"I'll bike around here but you really have to watch it… lots of people aren't aware at times when they go through [this intersection], whether it's a driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian," said Leonard Poole.

"I'm always concerned, this is a very busy street and this is a big mix [of commuters]."

Roads in the area were closed for a little more than two hours before reopening around 8:50 a.m.