Richmond RCMP investigating after cyclist killed in hit-and-run

A 34-year-old man was killed while bicycling along Westminster Highway in Richmond on Monday.

The Richmond RCMP says that police received calls from the victim’s colleagues who expressed concern over him not showing up to work.

Upon learning that the man usually cycles to work, officers launched a missing-persons investigation, including retracing the man’s steps on his commute.

Eventually, Mounties found the man deceased on Westminster Highway near Fraserwood Place.

The Richmond RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit (SCU) has taken over the investigation.

They say that there is reason to believe that the cyclist was struck by the driver of a vehicle, who then left the scene.

The section of Westminster Highway where the man was found dead was closed while police conducted their investigation.

Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact police at 604-204-4600.

Mounties are also urging the public to use caution on the road, as police in Richmond alone have already responded to three other serious vehicle collisions involving pedestrians.

“Drivers need to slow down and be extra careful during this time of year,” said Cpl. Kenneth Lau.

“Fog in the mornings, rainy weather, and longer nights will affect the driver’s ability to see who else is on the road, so please give yourself extra time to respond.”

Police remind everyone that leaving the scene of a collision or similar incident they were involved in can result in a criminal offence.

North of the Fraser River, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has been dealing with fatal hit-and-runs, too.

On Tuesday, the VPD issued a written statement in which they asked the public for assistance in identifying drivers in three different hit-and-run incidents over the previous six weeks alone.