A YOUNG cyclist was lucky to escape injury when he was involved in a collision with a car while riding to school.

The incident was one of two collisions in Pakenham involving cyclists last week, prompting police to warn all road users to take extra care. The Pakenham Secondary College student was cycling up the footpath when police said he veered on to a service road alongside the Princes Highway, about 8.50 am on Thursday, 24 May.

“He crossed out on to the service road and into the path of a car,” Senior Constable Peter Henderson said.

The car, a Mitsubishi sedan, was driven by a 44-year-old Pakenham woman. The collision sent the bike sprawling on to the roadside.

The 14-year-old cyclist, who was wearing a helmet, suffered cuts and abrasions. Police and paramedics attended. The cyclist was taken to Dandenong Hospital for observation but was not admitted.

Sen Const Henderson said the young cyclist was fortunate that he wearing a helmet. Several people offered assistance. The driver of the car remained with the boy while help arrived.

A nine-year-old girl was airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital on Sunday after a collision with a car at the intersection of Smethurst Avenue and Beaumont Court.

Police said it was initially feared the girl had been seriously injured, but she escaped with abrasions and lacerations. Police said it appeared the girl rode into the path of a Holden Commodore sedan, driven by a 27-year-old Endeavour Hills man.

Cardinia Traffic Management Unit Sergeant Peter Garton urged motorists - and cyclists - to take extra care, particularly as winter approached when visibility often became difficult.

“We urge cyclists and parents to make sure their children ride responsibly and also ask motorists to be more aware,” Sgt Garton said.