Authorities are searching for the driver of a pickup truck who struck a cyclist and kept driving in the Lakewood area of Davidson County. Newly released surveillance video showed the driver fleeing the scene after the impact.
The incident happened early Wednesday morning near the intersection of Old Hickory Boulevard and Fields Drive.
**Warning: Graphic Video**
Officials with the Metro Nashville Police Department identified the victim as 53-year-old Roman Alvarez, of Madison.
He was taken to Skyline Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Alvarez was last listed in serious condition.
A helmet could be seen on the ground. It appears it was knocked off during the crash.
Authorities confirmed surveillance video showed Alvarez was traveling on the bicycle near the right curb, as he should be, when a light-colored, full size pickup truck hit him from behind.
According to reports, Alvarez was wearing an orange reflective vest. He also had a rear-facing light, forward-facing head light, and standard reflectors.
Cycling advocates said Alvarez was doing everything right.
"It seems pretty obvious right from the beginning that he was doing everything he was supposed to be doing: he had his helmet on, lights on, was riding where he was supposed to be so that makes it even more of a tragedy," Nora Kern said.
Kern is the Executive Director of Walk Bike Nashville. The organization has been pushing for more bike lanes. They also want those lanes to come with some sort of barrier to protect cyclists from drivers.
"Now is the time really to act," said Kern. "We, as a city, need to have a sense of urgency as we go about making sure our city is safe for everyone."
Police have also asked for help from local body shops.
If a car is brought in for work with front end damage, you were asked to call Metro Police at 615-74-CRIME.
