Rochester bicyclist struck by car suffered broken leg, but is expected to be OK

ROCHESTER - The Rochester teenager seriously injured late Friday night when his bicycle collided with a vehicle on Columbus Avenue is reported to be in stable condition and on the mend, Rochester Police said today.

The 17-year-old suffered a broken leg when he was struck by a car near the intersection of Brock Street and Columbus Avenue.

Police were on scene within seconds after the crash occurred around 10:30 p.m., Rochester Police Sgt. Spencer Williams-Hurley said today.

The teen, who has not been identified, was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital and later transferred to Boston Children's Hospital.

Rochester Police say the bicycle collided with a white 2011 Nissan Altima that was headed north toward downtown. Its driver immediately stopped and waited for police to arrive.

The Strafford County Regional Technical Accident Reconstruction Team responded to assist Rochester Police with the investigation. Though the investigation is still ongoing, preliminary reports indicate the bicycle was traveling down Brock Street toward the Columbus Ave intersection, crossed Columbus Avenue from Brock Street and was struck by the car.

Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said on Saturday that no charges are expected for the driver of the car, adding neither speed nor alcohol were issues in the crash.

Police did, however, issue a warning to nighttime bicyclists, urging them to wear a well fitted helmet and bright colored or reflective clothing. They also urged bicyclists to outfit their bikes with front, rear and side reflectors.

"As a bicyclist riding on the street, remember to obey all traffic laws (obey traffic lights, signs/signals and lane markings) and to go with the flow of traffic, not against it," Rochester Police added on their Facebook page.