A WODONGA cyclist has avoided a severe head injury thanks to wearing a helmet.
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Police said the man, 52, could have been more gravely hurt if he had not been protected when he struck the side of a school bus in Melbourne Road, Wodonga, on Tuesday morning.
Sgt Andrew Wilson said it was an endorsement for donning helmets.
"He's been wearing a helmet which has been good and I would say it's definitely a good advert for the helmets," Sgt Wilson said.
"If he wasn't wearing a helmet..he would definitely have sustained more serious injuries.
"He's received a head injury, possibly through his head hitting the roadway as he's coming off his bike but obviously that's been reduced by the fact that he was wearing a helmet."
Sgt Wilson said the cyclist struck the side of a bus, which had just completed a school drop-off.
"He's been riding his bicycle and at this stage for some unknown reason he's entered on to the roadway and collided into the side of the bus travelling in the same direction," Sgt Wilson said.
The bus was heading west in front of the Jacob Toyota dealership when it was struck just before 9am.
A small truck also travelling in the same direction took evasive action to avoid hitting the cyclist.
The cyclist received medical attention on the roadway from paramedics before being carried into an ambulance and taken to Albury Hospital.
His bike, which was largely undamaged from the impact, rested against a nearby tree as he was treated on the bitumen.
Sgt Wilson praised the public for assisting the injured cyclist.
"Thanks very much to the members of the public who have stopped along the way, we've been assisted with traffic and people have stopped and given us a hand at the scene,” Sgt Wilson said.
He said it was an alert for cyclists and motorists to take greater care.
"It's a timely reminder for everybody on the road obviously, particularly as far as during the busier morning periods take care and be aware of your surroundings and who's around and check any blind spots if you're crossing the road,” Sgt Wilson said.
The bus, which had been heading for a depot, was operated by Cuss Bus Lines.
Company representatives declined to comment when contacted.