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Cyclist killed on Pat Bay Highway identified as English retiree

The identity of a cyclist who died after a collision with a van has been confirmed by the B.C. Coroners Service. Michael John Sanders, 64, a retiree from England, had been visiting the Greater Victoria area in recent months.
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Although you should always signal when leaving a roundabout, it's also a good idea to do so when entering one.

The identity of a cyclist who died after a collision with a van has been confirmed by the B.C. Coroners Service.

Michael John Sanders, 64, a retiree from England, had been visiting the Greater Victoria area in recent months.

Sanders was south of the McTavish overpass on the Patricia Bay Highway just before noon Wednesday when he was struck by a southbound van.

He was transported to Saanich Peninsula Hospital but could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead.

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

Neither speed nor alcohol were factors, Fraser said. The van appeared to be travelling below the 90 kilometres an hour speed limit.

“Mechanical inspections of both the bike and van are being conducted,” Fraser said.

The crash is under investigation by Sidney/North Saanich RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service.

Sanders’s immediate family has been told of his death, police said. He was earlier reported by police to be 65.

charnett@timescolonist.com


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