A woman suffered "life-altering" injuries when she was hit and dragged by a truck while cycling near the intersection of Parkdale Avenue and Ruskin Street near the Civic hospital Tuesday morning, Ottawa police say.

Ottawa paramedics were called to the intersection just before 8:30 a.m.

The woman, whose exact age isn't yet known, was critically injured.

Police said it appears both the truck and bicycle were northbound on Parkdale Avenue when at some point the truck driver decided to turn right onto Ruskin Street, striking the cyclist.

Investigators were on scene Tuesday morning interviewing witnesses and trying to determine who had the legal right of way before the collision.

"At this point, the cyclist, unfortunately, she's in stable condition but serious, so we're going to wait to be able speak with her to find out her version," said Ottawa police Det. Alain Boucher.

Boucher said the cyclist suffered "life-altering" injuries, but that it's too early to determine whether charges will be laid.

A female cyclist was seriously injured in a collision on Tuesday morning. 0:28

Staff from the hospital came to the scene to help with first aid, paramedics said.

High-traffic intersection

Martha Teaffe lives on Parkdale Avenue about three blocks from where the collision occurred, and said she wasn't surprised to hear about it.

Teaffe said traffic in the area has increased since the Carling Avenue on-ramp to Highway 417 was closed in April 2018.

"I think when you've got a lot of congestion, when you've got a lot of people trying to get into work on time, or get home, or get somewhere and they feel pressed to move quicker, anybody that's in the margin is going to be forgotten or not seen at all," Teaffe said.

Det. Alain Boucher says police are continuing to investigate after a cyclist was struck on Tuesday morning. Resident Martha Teaffe says Parkdale Avenue has become much busier since she bought her house decades ago. 0:50

Cyclist Becky Petronella suggested a bike lane in the area could help improve safety.

"Because it is so busy on this street, in this area, with the hospital just down the road ... I think a bike lane would be a good first start," Petronella said.

The area around the intersection was closed until about 11:10 a.m., when it opened back up to traffic.