St Leonards: Man in hospital after cycle crash on Pacific Hwy, Christie St intersection

A mechanical failure has landed a cyclist in hospital on his birthday after a crash at a busy north shore intersection.

Paramedics treated the man at the scene.

A mechanical failure has landed a cyclist in hospital on his birthday after a crash at a busy north shore intersection.

Emergency crews were called to St Leonards just before 8am on Tuesday after a man in his 50s toppled off his bike near the corner of the Pacific Hwy and Christie St.

NSW Ambulance inspector Christian Holmes said it appeared a “mechanical failure” associated with the bike caused the man to fall on the roadway.

“Considering the location and how busy the road was at the time, we’re thankful that he was not struck by any passing vehicles,” he said.

“Paramedics treated the man for a head injury, potential shoulder injury and cuts and bruises.

The cyclist was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital.

“He was in good spirits and told us today is actually his birthday.

We wish him a speedy recovery and hope he still gets the chance to celebrate later in the day.”

NSW Police were also called to the incident. Police said officers at the scene determined the man had potentially “gone over the handlebars” due to the bike’s mechanical failure.

A spokeswoman said sections of the Pacific Hwy had to be closed due to the incident before reopening by 8.50am.

The man was taken to the nearby Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition.