MONROE — A pair of recent bicycle accidents at nearly the same location downtown have police urging motorists and cyclists alike to be careful on the road this summer.

In the most serious incident, 13-year-old Ayden Eberle, was riding Tuesday along 16th Avenue near 9th Street and a downtown gas station when he entered an intersection not far from the stoplight. 

“Instead of stepping on the brake, the driver accelerated,” likely because the driver had limited visibility due to nearby buildings, said Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley.

The teen was hit on his bike, seriously injured, and taken by local EMS to SSM Monroe Health and later transferred to UW Hospital in Madison for treatment for a fractured skull and broken leg. No one was ticketed in the incident, according to Kelley, and the driver involved stopped to render aid.

“I’m so glad he is in a great place, that gives us a little comfort,” said Becky Eberle, the child’s mother.

He is currently recovering and scheduled to undergo physical therapy. A GoFundMe campaign has been arranged to help cover his growing medical bills: https://tinyurl.com/47adv3vf.

In the second incident the following day, June 17, a 16-year-old crashed his bike and flew over the handle bars near the same gas station at 9th Street and 16th Avenue, according to police. Though it seemed like a car vs. bike accident at first, Kelley said “there really wasn’t any contact between the rider and the vehicle.”

No citations were issued in that incident, he said.

With the summer weather, and more people out on bikes, Kelley said it is vital for both motorists and cyclists to be aware of their surroundings.  

“In Madison and Rockford, there are thousands of bikes,” so its easier to notice them, said, Kelley adding that it is equally important to do so, even in downtown Monroe.

Wearing helmets and high-visibility clothing also is important for bike safety, experts say.