Anti-Auto Cyclist Is Struck by Car, Walks to Hospital

California environmentalist John Francis, who has shunned the use of automobiles for nearly 20 years, was struck and injured by one as he bicycled across town on Tuesday.

Francis stuck with his avoidance of motor vehicles and refused to board an ambulance summoned by passers-by. After confused paramedics secured his injured left arm and shoulder with a sling, he cautiously walked about 15 blocks to the emergency room at Howard University Medical Center.

Doctors there said he had no broken bones, but was suffering from strained ligaments in his back and left shoulder.

The 44-year-old activist grabbed nationwide attention last weekend when he spoke on Earth Day, breaking the silence he had kept since 1973 as part of his personal environmental crusade.

Washington police said they ticketed Ruth Dial, the driver of the car that struck Francis, for failing to yield the right-of-way. She allegedly cut in front of Francis, sending him hurtling into her car and onto the pavement.