Three struck by vehicles on Ottawa's south side in one afternoon; elderly cyclist in critical condition
Two collisions near Alta Vista and Riverside South sent a cyclist and teenager to hospital. A third incident on Riverside Drive brought the day's toll to three injured within hours.
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Three people were struck by vehicles on Ottawa's south side Tuesday, October 20, with the most severe case involving an elderly cyclist hit by a pickup truck at Fairbanks Avenue and Crestview Road in Alta Vista just after 2 p.m.
The cyclist was in critical condition and transported by Ottawa Paramedic Service. At approximately the same time, a male in his late teens was struck at Earl Armstrong Road and Canyon Walk Drive in Riverside South, sustaining serious but not life-threatening injuries. Earlier that day, a 23-year-old woman was hit on Riverside Drive near the RA Centre and taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Paramedics stabilized the cyclist at the scene and during transport. Ottawa Police Service ordered temporary road closures at both major collision sites.
Marc-Antoine Deschamps, Ottawa Paramedic Service spokesperson, said drivers must remain aware of cyclists and pedestrians in their blind spots, while "vulnerable" road users need to stay alert and wear reflective clothing as daylight hours shrink in fall. The incidents add to a grimmer toll: as HighOnCity reported, a Sandy Hill pedestrian fatality on October 14 marked Ottawa's 30th traffic death in 2026.
The facts
How many people were struck by vehicles on Ottawa's south side on Tuesday, October 20?
Three people were struck by vehicles on Ottawa's south side on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
What was the condition of the cyclist hit at Fairbanks Avenue and Crestview Road?
The elderly cyclist struck by a pickup truck at Fairbanks Avenue and Crestview Road in Alta Vista was in critical condition.
Where was the 23-year-old woman struck?
The 23-year-old woman was hit on Riverside Drive near the RA Centre and taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
