A man riding his bicycle in North York late Friday was hit with an object that looked like a golf club and he is now fighting for his life in hospital, police say.

Police say the attack was attempted murder and it appears to be "unprovoked."

The man was knocked off his bicycle and taken to a trauma centre with life-threatening injuries. An unidentified person struck the man, police say.

Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook, spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, said the incident occurred in the area of Yonge Street and Wedgewood Drive at about 11:45 p.m.

"The reason for the assault is unknown," Douglas-Cook said on Saturday.

"As to whether or not it was, in fact, random, that we do not know at this point. By all accounts, it appeared to be unprovoked, but we are still gathering more details to be able to say that with certainty."

Police are requesting help from the public in their investigation.

Police said Saturday that the victim is now fighting for his life in hospital. (Jeremy Cohn/CBC)

Witnesses thought cyclist crashed

Toronto paramedics were initially called to the scene because callers thought the man had fallen off his bicycle.

Police were notified when it became clear that the man was a victim of an assault. His age was not released.

"The victim suffered significant injuries where he is basically clinging for his life in hospital," she said.

The object allegedly used in the attack was not recovered by police.

"It was late at night. For that reason, it is being described as an object which looks to be a golf club. It's believed to be that, but we can't say with certainty at this point," she said.

The assailant, who was wearing dark clothing, then fled on foot in an unknown direction.

"This is a very active investigation," Douglas-Cook added.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who saw anything suspicious, or who may have security camera or dashboard camera footage, is urged to call police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.