Teen bicyclist on Route 9 struck by car

A teen who was knocked off his bicycle by a car while crossing Route 9 in Lakewood this morning remains hospitalized. Township police ask anyone who saw the incident to reach them.

The 15-year-old, a township resident, was hit while crossing the highway at Courtney Road around 10 AM, on his way to a private school following a mid-morning break. Police said he was in the crosswalk, and the intersection features a traffic signal.

The bicycle was broken into pieces, and the teen was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. He was diagnosed with a possible concussion and was held for deeper observation.

"It was bad, but it looked much worse," Sergeant William Butterworth observed, "because he wore a helmet. This incident is a prime example of the value of helmets for bicyclers."

The driver, also from Lakewood, volunteered a blood sample, police said. Questions remain concerning right-of-way under the signal, the driver's speed, traffic density, and visibility factors.

Anyone with details that can help investigators can speak with Officer David Silberstein, 732-363-0200, ext. 5381