Cyclist killed in collision with dump truck in downtown Vancouver

Police are investigating after a cyclist was killed in a collision with a dump truck in downtown Vancouver Wednesday morning.

The accident happened at the intersection of Pacificand Hornbystreets around 7:30 a.m.

The 28-year-old male cyclist died at the scene after efforts to save his life were unsuccessful.

Police say the truck driver is co-operating with the investigation, and investigators do not believe speed or impairment were factors.

Police are asking anyone with information or dashcam video footage to assist the investigation by contacting theVPD's collision investigation unit at604-717-3012.

Be aware, advocate says

Jeff Leigh, the vice president of the cycling advocacy non-profit HUB Cycling, said it's uncommon for cyclists to be killed on the road in Vancouver, but when it happens, a large truck is generally involved.

"This is terrible news," he told All Points West guest host Rohit Joseph.

"This is something we just don't ever want to see happen, and unfortunately, it still happens."

Leigh said it's up to cyclists and drivers to be aware of their surroundings, particularly at busy intersections in the urban core.

However, drivers, especially those in large trucks, need to be especially sharp because the consequences of their actions can be more severe, as demonstrated in this situation, Leigh said.

"If someone isn't paying as much attention on a bike, they may fall down and hurt themselves," he said.

"It's a huge responsibility to be driving a vehicle in a place where there are vulnerable road users and not be aware of those vulnerable road users and looking out for them."

He suggests anyone driving large vehicles on roads that cyclists frequent should look at getting additional mirrors and cameras to increase visibility, and if possible, they should be avoiding those high traffic areas during peak travel times.