OHP Searching For Driver Who Hit Cyclist

A hit and run crash Sunday morning left a cyclist hurt.  It happened on Avery Drive near Highway 97.  The News On 6's Emory Bryan reports the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has a lead in the hit and run, while the man who was hit recovers in a Tulsa hospital.

The man who was hit is Wayne Mark and he's one of the most elite cyclists in the Tulsa area.  He rides 13,000 miles a year.  At least he did, now he's in the hospital while OHP troopers look for the person who hit him.

"You feel the air, and that's just a wonderful feeling," said Wayne Mark.

Wayne Mark can't forget how much he loves cycling, but he doesn't remember anything about the crash that put him in the hospital.  He has a broken leg and cuts all over.  It is the second time he's been hit by a car.

"I'm just now getting back from that, and now to have this happen," said Wayne Mark.

Mark was hit from behind Sunday morning on the west end of Avery Drive.  His professional grade bicycle was crumpled and Mark rolled over the hood.  The driver didn't stop.

The impact broke off the car's passenger side mirror and state troopers say it's a good lead.

"Kind of an emerald green, this will be the color of the suspect vehicle so anyone who knows this car or sees this car should call," said Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. George Brown.

Avery Drive is popular with cyclists because it's one of the few roads with a true bike lane and it's marked with plenty of caution signs.  Still, even with extra room on the road and all the warnings, accidents can still happen.

Judy and Bob Clark are regulars on Avery Drive, and they've had some close calls.

"They think bicycles should stay on trails and don't realize that we have as much right to the road as they do," said Judy Clark.

The spot where the crash happened had plenty of room for cars and bicycles, but witnesses said the car was weaving on the road as if the driver was drunk.

Wayne doesn't know who hit him or why, but he wants to know.

"I hope they catch him.  I really do," said Wayne Mark.

State troopers believe the mirror will lead them to the car, but they hope someone has seen that car and will give them a call.

It's likely a Ford Contour, teal in color, with some hood and other damage, and it is missing the passenger side mirror.

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