California Crash: Biker Skittles Two Cyclists

Two bicycle riders have had a lucky escape after a motorcyclist ploughed into them on a scenic but notorious road in California.

A video shows a red motorcycle successfully negotiate a left-hand turn before continuing to ride on directly into the back of one cyclist.

The biker and cyclist are knocked off by the impact before the riderless motorcycle continues on.

It then collides with the second cyclist. All three riders end up in a pile together but were able to walk away, with minor injuries.

One cyclist, who was wearing a French race shirt, apparently lives in England and was visiting friends in California.

The dramatic moments were captured by videographer Rnickeymouse, who regularly films motorcyclists' struggles to stay upright on the twisty Mulholland Highway, north of Malibu.

Police cars, an ambulance, fire engine and tow truck all attended the scene.

Asked by a medic, one cyclist says his name is Mark before being checked over.

A posting on Rnickeymouse's YouTube channel said: "This was my friend visiting from England who was struck first.

"I was further back on the hill when the accident happened and am one of the guys who comes in the picture to his assistance.

"He's doing ok today, was discharged from the hospital yesterday with no broken bones. Miraculously."

The bicycles, including one which was a handmade Merlin frame, were seriously damaged in the crash.

Rnickeymouse has gained an international reputation for filming motorcycle slides and crashes on the difficult corner and posting them on YouTube.

He said in a message: "Even though bicycles are up here in increasing numbers, this is the first time a bicycle has been hit by a motorcycle In the four years I've been up here.

"Motorcycle riders of all skill levels come up here to practise.

"This location it is pretty common for riders to sometimes go wide exiting the turn. It is very unfortunate."

The collision is hard to explain as the biker had already negotiated the corner successfully before veering into the cyclists.

Posts on Rnickeymouse's page put the cause down to so-called target fixation.

In theory training motorcyclists are taught that their vehicle will veer in the direction they are looking.

In this case the rider may have focused on the two cyclists rather than the clear road ahead, posts suggest.