Medics load an injured cyclist onto an air ambulance in Memorial Stadium's parking lot. The cyclist was injured when he was struck by an SUV at the intersection of 11th and Kentucky streets on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012.

Lawrence police investigate a vehicle-versus-bicycle accident at 11th and Kentucky streets. The cyclist suffered critical injuries and was flown by air ambulance to a Kansas City-area hospital.

Police identified a cyclist hit by a sport utility vehicle Tuesday afternoon near 11th and Kentucky streets as Donald L. Varnau, 64, of Lawrence.

Varnau, who was wearing a helmet, was sent by air ambulance to Kansas University Hospital after suffering critical injuries when he collided with an SUV about 3:15 p.m.

Lawrence Police Sgt. Trent McKinley said officers were still investigating, but released this preliminary recap of the accident:

The SUV, driven by William J. Wozniak, 20, of Dellwood, Minn., was westbound on 11th Street, while Varnau was eastbound on 11th Street. At the Kentucky Street intersection, Varnau failed to yield to the SUV while attempting to turn left onto Kentucky.

Wozniak did not show signs of impairment, police said, and he was not issued a ticket.

A condition update on Varnau was not available Wednesday morning.

McKinley said police are looking for eyewitnesses and urged anyone who saw the accident to call Lawrence police at 832-7509.