From Rindi White in Wasilla:
A 15-year-old boy was hospitalized Tuesday after he struck the bed of a pickup while riding a motorcycle along a bike path in Big Lake.

The accident happened about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Mile 4 Big Lake Road. West Lakes Fire and Rescue Chief Rocky Jones said the teen was apparently speeding on the paved bike path on a Kawasaki motorcycle. A pickup pulled out of a driveway and the teen struck the bed of the pickup.

The teen was taken to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center with possible arm and leg injuries. Jones said the teen’s helmet flew off upon impact, so he may have also suffered head injuries.

Jones cautioned people riding off-road vehicles to stay off nonmotorized paved paths and to slow down when crossing driveways and roads. He said properly fitting safety gear is also important. Helmets that are too large or improperly buckled can come off in accidents.

Alaska State Trooper spokesman Megan Peters said as of Tuesday afternoon that the teen has not been cited for any violations. His name is not being released because he is a juvenile, she said.