The cyclist riding a tandem bike with two children who reportedly crossed the center line before being struck by a driver in Sunshine Canyon has been charged with a traffic offense.

Michael McGrath, 43, of Fort Collins, was cited with careless driving resulting in injury in connection with Saturday’s crash, according to Colorado State Patrol Trooper Nate Reid. Careless driving resulting in injury is a Class 1 traffic offense that carries a maximum jail sentence of one year.

A court date has not been set, according to court records.

Reid said McGrath and two children — an 11-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl — were riding a tandem bicycle that had been retrofitted with a third seat. They were traveling eastbound near the 3900 block of Sunshine Drive about 3:30 p.m. Saturday when the crash occurred.

Reid said he did not know whether McGrath and the two children were related.

Investigators say McGrath crossed into the westbound lanes and sideswiped a Toyota 4Runner SUV. Speed on the part of McGrath is being considered a factor in the crash.

The 11-year-old boy suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Boulder Community Health’s Foothills Hospital. He was later airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Denver.

McGrath and the 9-year-old girl suffered moderate injuries and transported themselves to the hospital.

Mitchell Byars: 303-473-1329, byarsm@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/mitchellbyars.