Bicyclist OK after being hit by car in downtown Cedar Rapids

A bicyclist rode off minutes after a car struck him and knocked him to the ground Friday afternoon in Cedar Rapids.

Police and an ambulance rushed to the crosswalk in the 300 block of First Avenue East, near the U.S. Cellular Center, around 12:45 p.m.

Sgt. Robert Collins said a westbound car was going past a city bus as they approached the crosswalk. The driver told police the bus blocked his view.

Witnesses said the bicyclist went up onto the hood of the car and to the ground. He was seen by medics but declined medical treatment. His name was not released.

“He's lucky he was wearing a helmet,” said Lisa Taylor, a witness.

Police said the roadway lights that are supposed to flash when someone enters the crosswalk did not activate.

“The bus was slowing down and the lights hadn't engaged yet,” Collins said. “The driver of the car couldn't see because the bus was obscuring his view.”

The driver, who witnesses said was slowing down, will not be charged, Collins said.

Police were unsure why the warning lights didn't flash. They were working normally for other pedestrians and bicyclists after the crash.

“I don't know if he didn't come through (the sensors) or if it just didn't sense him,” Collins said.

About 15 minutes after the accident, the bicyclist rode away.