The city of Wilton is joining together to stand with the family of a teenage cyclist who was hit by a car and injured last Friday.
While on her way to work, Sylvia Clark Hansen, 19, was riding her bike when she was hit by a car on Highway 38 in Wilton. According to a police report from the Iowa State Patrol, a 36-year-old Muscatine resident, whose name is being withheld, was driving just south of 100th Street/Cedar Muscatine Road when the car collided with the back tire of a bicycle.
The crash threw the cyclist, Hansen, into the windshield and hood of the car. She is currently at University Hospitals, Iowa City, with a coma, head injuries and several broken bones, according to a news release.
The Wilton city government, police department, churches, schools and residents are working to spread the word and support the Hansen family, including Syliva's parents, John and Colleen Hansen.
"Sylvia is one of our own and along with her family, we want everyone to be aware of the danger of walking, running or riding a bicycle or even a moped after dark," Police Chief Tim Leathers said.
The Wilton Police Department has started a campaign called "See the inVESTment," and hopes to donate a reflective vest to anyone who rides a bike, runs or walks after dark in the city. Officers have been passing out vests to moped drivers and free vests are available at the Wilton Police Department or Wilton City Hall.
Residents have also started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the Hansen family. So far, the site said more than $8,000 has been raised.
The crash is under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.