Cyclist's speed a 'primary contributor' in Kamloops crash: RCMP

RCMPsayan accident that left a Kamloops, B.C., man in critical careat Vancouver General Hospital was not the fault of the vehicle driver involved in the crash.

Last month, cyclist Andrew van der Westhuizencollidedwith a commercial truck that was crossing amulti-use path in the Juniper neighbourhood of the interior B.C. city.

"The speed of the cyclist appears to be the primary contributor to the collision," RCMPCpl.Crystal Evelyn said Tuesday,afterthemunicipal traffic unit concluded itsinvestigation.

"Our thoughts go out to all those involved in this unfortunate situation."

Cycling safety concerns remain

The posted speed limit along the pathway is 20 km/h, but one cycling advocate said that speed isn't realistic for most cyclists.

"I seriously question how that speed was determined considering the length and grade of the multi-use path and thatit is separated from the rest of traffic," saidCheryl Fraser,advocate and founder of the Kamloops Cycling Coalition.

"At 20 km/h,[you] would have to be pushing pretty hard and [using] brakes [the] entire way down."

Fraser said thecrashshould be seen asa call to action.

"Some very serious conversations need to be happening at the local government level on prioritizing a culture that values cyclists and shows that they're very equal member on the road."

The city of Kamloops is looking at reducing the number of crashes on area roads through its Vision Zerostrategy. Details of theproposed planwill go before city council this fall.

The family of van der Westhuizen told CBCthey didnot wish to comment on the RCMP's investigative findings.