Redmond PD: Cyclist struck by car was in oncoming lane

A 39-year-old Redmond bicyclist riding in the oncoming lane was struck by a car on Highway 126 early Friday morning and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Officers were dispatched shortly before 4 a.m. to the reported crash on Highway 126 near Southeast Lake Road, said Lt. Mike Kidwell.

An investigation that closed the road for a short time determined that the bicyclist, Kristoffer Gittins, was riding eastbound in the middle of the highway’s westbound lanes, wearing dark clothing, when he was hit by a westbound 2010 four-door Kia driven by Kelli Ann Dixon, 32, of Prineville, Kidwell said.

Dixon told police she was unable to avoid colliding with the cyclist.

Gittins was taken to St. Charles Redmond, where Kidwell said he was reported to have non-life-threatening injuries. Dixon was uninjured.

Driver impairment and speed don’t appear to be factors in the crash, the lieutenant said.

Redmond police thanked the Redmond Fire Department, Oregon State Police, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, county 911, Redmond Public Works and ODOT for their assistance at the scene.

Kidwell said Redmond police want to remind the public that bicyclists are required by state law to obey the same rules of the road as motor vehicles, including lighting and the use of lanes of travel.