Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Mystery cyclist killed in collision with van on Pat Bay near McTavish

A cyclist was killed at mid-day Wednesday in a collision with a van on the Patricia Bay Highway south of McTavish Road. Both the cyclist and the van that struck him were travelling southbound.
Photo - Police lights generic

A cyclist was killed at mid-day Wednesday in a collision with a van on the Patricia Bay Highway south of McTavish Road.

Both the cyclist and the van that struck him were travelling southbound.

It appears the cyclist veered from the shoulder of the highway into the van’s path, said Cpl. Erin Fraser of Sidney/North Saanich RCMP.

The cyclist carried no identification and police were trying to find out his identity and locate his family.

He was wearing an older helmet that was significantly damaged in the collision, Fraser said.

Southbound traffic was diverted around the scene until about 3:45 p.m.

North Saanich Fire Chief Gary Wilton said the collision occurred about 500 metres south of the McTavish Road interchange. When he arrived, emergency responders were trying to resuscitate the cyclist, who appeared to be near 50 years old and was riding a road bike.

The crash is under investigation by Sidney/North Saanich RCMP. Neither speed nor alcohol were factors, said Fraser. The van appeared to be travelling below the 90 km/h maximum.

The cyclist was pronounced dead at Saanich Peninsula Hospital.

Edward Pullman, president of the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition, said the death points to the need for better infastructure such as separated bike lanes.

“That’s the only way we’re going to eliminate fatalities,” said Pullman.


View McTavish Rd & Patricia Bay Hwy in a larger map