Ararat - Ararat Police and Ambulance Victoria are warning bicycle riders to obey the road rules and ensure their bikes are roadworthy following two incidents in which cyclists collided with cars, causing serious injuries to one youth.
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The first incident occurred last Monday at around 3.25pm when a male youth collided with a vehicle in Barkly Street.
Sergeant Shane Allgood said the youth was knocked from his bike and spoke briefly with the driver, telling her he was 'ok' before riding away.
"The driver of vehicle was very distraught and upset and reported the matter at the police station," he said.
"The identity of the youth is unknown at this time."
A youth was seriously injured in the second incident, which occurred last Tuesday at around 4.28pm.
Two males, aged 13 and 14, were riding their bikes north in Ellerker Avenue, Ararat, attempting to cross Banfield Street. The first youth, aged 14, travelled through the intersection at speed, narrowly avoiding collision with a vehicle, but the 13 year old collided with the passenger side door of a tray ute, fell from his bike and is believed to have gone under the rear wheels of the utility.
Sergeant Allgood said the youth suffered a broken leg and was conveyed to the Ararat Hospital before being airlifted to the Alfred Hospital and later being operated on at the Royal Children's Hospital, where he spent time recovering.
"The driver of the utility was shaken by the incident but has been exonerated of any fault," Sgt Allgood said.
Stawell Ambulance Station Officer Wayne Rice also issued a warning to bike riders.
"Bicycles are like cars, they need to be roadworthy, have brakes and good quality tyres," he said.