Bicyclist hospitalized after vehicle collision

A 78-year-old bicyclist was injured after he apparently steered into the path of a Ford Expedition, Merced police reported.

The bicyclist was headed west on East 21st Street near G Street about 3:30 p.m. Monday when he suddenly tried to cross the street, witnesses told police. The driver of the Ford Expedition also was headed west and tried to slow down, but could not avoid hitting the cyclist, police said.

When officers arrived, they found the cyclist in the roadway with severe injuries. He was flown to a Modesto-area hospital for treatment.

Police said the driver of the Expedition was neither speeding nor under the influence of drugs or alcohol. No charges were filed against him.

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 5:26 PM with the headline "Bicyclist hospitalized after vehicle collision."