Oakton Bicyclist Hurt In Fauquier County Crash

THE PLAINS, VA—An Oakton bicyclist was critically injured Sunday during a crash in Fauquier County, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies responded to the crash around 4:59 p.m. 3600 block of Halfway Road in The Plains. The sheriff's office says a Volvo heading north on Halfway Road attempted to pass a bicycle, causing her vehicle to collide with the bicyclist.

The crash caused the bicyclist, 77, to control and fall onto the road. The man was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition.

This was the county's first crash since last September, when a Nokesville man was struck and killed by an unknown driver.

Under Virginia law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as a vehicle driver, "unless a provision clearly indicates otherwise." Bicyclists have certain restrictions on where they can ride, but typically they must keep to right side of the road.

For vehicle drivers, the law requires those passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction must do so at a "reasonable speed at least three feet to the left of the overtaken bicycle and not proceed again to the right side of the highway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle."

The crash remains under investigation.