Bend motorcyclist passing backed-up traffic in bike lane injured, cited after crash into turning SUV

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A motorcyclist who Bend police said was passing backed-up traffic in the bike lane crashed into an SUV turning left along Northeast Empire Avenue Thursday morning, sending him to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Patrol Sergeant James Poole said officers responded around 7:40 a.m. to the reported crash on Empire Avenue near Plateau Court.

The driver of a Chevrolet Suburban had begun a legal left-hand turn onto Plateau Court when the motorcyclist, a 19-year-old Bend resident, collided with the SUV. He was taken to St. Charles Bend.

Poole said the motorcyclist was issued citations for reckless driving, unlawful passing by a motorcycle or moped, lacking insurance and illegal alteration or display of license plates.

Empire Avenue was closed while the Bend Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Team conducted its investigation.