Motorcyclist escapes serious injury after collision with pickup

CEDAR RAPIDS – Police said a motorcyclist was not seriously injured when he slammed into the side of a pickup Tuesday morning in Cedar Rapids.

Officers responded around 7:40 a.m. to the corner of Mount Vernon Road and Ninth Avenue SE when the accident was reported. A southbound pickup was crossing Mount Vernon Road when the eastbound motorcycle collided with it, police said.

The pickup driver, Chris Formanek, 32, of Cedar Rapids, said he was on his way to work when the motorcycle came zipping around the curve. The motorcycle hit the front edge of his passenger's side door, and the driver fell to the ground, he said.

“I didn't even see him,” Formanek said. “I feel horrible.”

Sgt. J.D. Verschoore said the motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, was conscious and talking at the scene. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center.

Police said charges were pending against Formanek. Verschoore said a witness told officers the motorcycle appeared to be traveling normal speed before the accident.