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Bicyclist listed in critical condition

JANESVILLE — A Janesville bicyclist was in critical condition at Mercy Hospital on Friday night after the bike he was riding was sideswiped on a rural road Wednesday.

The accident occurred on South County J near Woodman Road at 6:33 a.m. Wednesday.

The Rock County Sheriff’s Department reports that a sport-utility vehicle driven by Steven D. Bradley, 50, of 2531 E. Philhower Road, Beloit, sideswiped the bicycle ridden by Robert M. Cook, 50, of 1008 Thorncrest Drive, Janesville.

Cook and another rider were northbound on J when Bradley’s vehicle came up from behind. The riders were on the white line at the edge of the road, according to their statements.

Another vehicle was coming southbound, so Bradley stayed in his lane but did not yield to the cyclists, according to reports. He was cited for improperly overtaking and passing a bicycle.

The statute states that motorists overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction “shall exercise due care, leaving a safe distance, but in no case less than 3 feet clearance, when passing.”

Cook was thrown into the ditch, suffering head and leg injuries, reports state.

Cook made out a statement that said he was wearing reflective material on his back, ankles and torso and that his bicycle had a red strobe light and a headlight. The oncoming car had its low beams on, Cook wrote.

Cook wrote that he called “car back!” to the other cyclist and then heard a screech just before the car hit his leg.