St. Thomas senior Evan Steeves remains in critical condition at Regions Hospital after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle on Saturday afternoon.

According to a press release from the St. Paul Police Department, the accident occurred at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue South and Jefferson Avenue West. Steeves was riding his bike down the sidewalk and was unable to slow down in time for oncoming traffic. He collided with a vehicle. Witnesses of the accident said the driver of the car had the right of way.

The driver remained at the scene and has been cooperating with police. Officers did not detect that there was any driver impairment at the time of the accident.

Sgt. Mike Ernster said Steeves was not wearing a helmet. Ernster said it is important that bicyclists take proper safety precautions on the road.

“For bicyclists … wear your helmets and when you’re riding, ride with due care and follow the laws of the road,” Ernster advised.

Ernster also mentioned that the area of the accident receives a fair amount of traffic. Steeves was riding downhill on Jefferson Avenue, possibly adding to his speed and making it more difficult to slow down.

“It’s a tragic accident … it could have been prevented, but things happen,” Ernest said. “He was trying to slow down for the intersection, but I don’t know what level he slowed down to.”

According to a post from Steeves’ father on his CaringBridge page, he has had two CAT scans, which have revealed no further negative changes.

“Evan is still in critical condition, but he is opening his eyes when spoken to, nods his head, follows commands from the doctors and nurses,” the post read. “Overall he is doing well … considering what he has been through. Each hour and each day are blessings.”

Steeves’ CaringBridge page can be read here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/evansteeves.

Margaret Galush can be reached at galu4637@stthomas.edu.