photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

A Lawrence Police Department patrol vehicle is pictured June 28, 2022.

Lawrence police are urging motorists to be more alert after two bicyclists were badly injured in collisions with cars last week.

The first incident occurred the night of Aug. 24 near the QuikTrip at 23rd Street and Haskell Avenue. A police officer was outside the store just before 9 p.m. when he heard a loud bang and a woman’s screams. He found a woman in her 60s lying in the street with a damaged bike nearby. The driver of the car was also on scene and cooperated fully with the investigation, police said.

Officers said they confirmed that a car turned and hit the cyclist despite the rider having the right-of-way and a properly equipped bike with a light and reflectors.

The woman was taken to a regional trauma center, where it was determined she had two broken bones.

The driver was cited and given notice to appear in court.

The second incident occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 28. A woman in her 30s was riding on 23rd Street just west of Haskell Avenue. As she crossed an entrance to a car wash she was hit by an SUV turning in. The driver said he didn’t see her, police said.

The cyclist was taken to a regional trauma center with a significant knee injury and a head wound, but she was conscious and talking, police said.

Police directed residents to the city’s “Share the Road” website for reminders on cyclists’ rights and safety tips.