Bicyclist struck by big rig in Modesto escapes major injuries

A bicyclist escaped major injuries after he was struck by a big rig on Modesto’s Ninth Street on Tuesday afternoon.

At about 3:50 p.m., Steven Blevins, 27, of Sacramento, was riding his bicycle south on S. Ninth Street just north of Latimer Avenue. He was riding on the sidewalk when he steered his bike into the right lane, according to Officer Chuck Leon of the California Highway Patrol.

John Schrack, 54, of Modesto, also was heading south when he saw Blevins veer into the lane. He slammed on his brakes, but was unable to avoid Blevins, Leon said.

Blevins got knocked off the bike, and suffered minor scrapes, scratches and cuts, Leon said. He was taken to Doctors Medical Center.

The cause of the accident is under investigation, Leon said.

This story was originally published June 2, 2015 at 8:03 PM with the headline "Bicyclist struck by big rig in Modesto escapes major injuries."