A man was critically injured early Friday morning after a vehicle struck his bicycle in Ouachita Parish.
About 3:15 a.m. Friday, Louisiana State Police responded to a hit and run crash on La. Highway 34 north of La. 557. The crash critically injured 60-year-old Christopher Rice of West Monroe.
The preliminary investigation indicated Rice was riding a bicycle south on Highway 34. At the same time, an unidentified vehicle was traveling south on Highway 34. For reasons still under investigation, the unidentified vehicle struck Rice, who was ejected from the bicycle.
Rice sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact Louisiana State Police Troop F at 318-345-0000.
Although the exact cause of this crash remains under investigation, Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind bicyclists to never assume that a motorist can see you. Simple precautions such as wearing an approved bicycle helmet, reflective materials, and avoiding distractions are key to preventing crashes and avoiding injuries. Louisiana law requires bicyclists to remain as close to the right side of the roadway as practicable and obey all traffic laws. Motorists should remain alert and remember the three-foot rule when passing bicycles.
