Bicyclist crashes into road sweeper going downhill
This is a press release courtesy of Oregon State Police
A bicyclist was critically injured Monday afternoon when he crashed into the back of a Jackson County road sweeper as he rode downhill on Dead Indian Memorial Road east of Ashland.
Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation and asking for help from any additional witnesses traveling in the area when the crash happened.
According to OSP Lieutenant Brian Powers, on Oct. 13, 2008 at approximately 3:15 p.m. Michael James McLeod, 53, was riding his road bicycle downhill westbound on Dead Indian Memorial Road near milepost 10 when he crashed into the rear of a westbound Jackson County road sweeper.
The road sweeper was traveling approximately 5 - 8 mph actively sweeping at the time of collision.
McLeod was wearing a bicycle helmet.
He was transported by Mercy Flights air ambulance to Rogue Valley Medical Center with critical injuries. His driver license indicated an Imperial Beach, Calif., address. No further information is available at this time.
The road sweeper's operator, Charles Mondale, 52, from Phoenix, Ore., was not injured.
Mercy Flights, Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Jackson County Road Department assisted at the scene.
OSP troopers are asking any witnesses to contact the OSP Southern Regional Command Center dispatch at (541) 664-4600.
