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Cyclists bruised and battered in Saanich rush hour

Inattentive left-turning drivers struck cyclists in two separate incidents in Saanich during Monday's afternoon commute.

Inattentive left-turning drivers struck cyclists in two separate incidents in Saanich during Monday's afternoon commute.

The first incident happened around 3:40 p.m. at the intersection of Haliburton Road and the Pat Bay Highway.

A 15-year-old cyclist travelling westbound from Haliburton onto Elk Lake Drive hit the windshield and was thrown to the ground after being cut off by a driver attempting to turn northbound onto the Pat Bay. The young cyclist received minor bruises and lacerations.

The 19-year-old driver had a learner's license, and, contrary to conditions on his licence, was the sole occupant in the vehicle. He was issued two violation tickets: failing to yield on a left turn and driving contrary to restrictions, which comes with a total of $276 in fines.

The second incident happened half an hour later on Elk Lake Drive, possibly as a result of traffic being impacted by the first crash, 1.5 km up the road. A vehicle attempting to make a left turn into Saanich Commonwealth Place hit a southbound cyclist.

The 16-year-old received minor injuries. The 23-year-old driver was issued a $167 ticket.

"Anyone operating a vehicle, regardless of whether you're getting waved on by another person, it is your responsibility, as the operator of that vehicle, to ensure that it is safe to move that vehicle," said Saanich police Sgt. Steve Eassie.

"If you are proceeding on a left-hand turn, specifically if you're being waved on by someone else in another car, you have to be aware of any cyclists or any pedestrians that may also be in the area."

kslavin@saanichnews.com