RCMP believe alcohol was a factor in a crash that sent a 15-year-old cyclist to hospital Sunday morning on North Pender Island.
The girl, a Pender Island resident, rode through a stop sign on Shoal Road around 9: 30 a.m. and was struck by a van heading down Schooner Way.
Outer Gulf Islands RCMP arrived at the scene and suspected the driver was drunk, Cpl. Rod Pick said in a statement.
A breathalyzer test showed the 43-year-old resident of the island was impaired.
RCMP have recommended impaired driving charges against the driver.
The girl was transported on a water taxi to Sidney and then by ambulance to Victoria General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Outer Gulf Islands RCMP are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call them at 250-629-6171.
kderosa@timescolonist.com
