By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM — A Potsdam child was transported to Upstate Medical in Syracuse last week after being struck by a tractor-trailer while riding his bicycle, according to Potsdam police.

Two children were riding bikes south on Lawrence Avenue around 7:30 p.m. May 23 when they entered the roadway at a crosswalk, police said.

Police officer Kyle Fink was first on scene following a 911 call that alerted police to the accident.

The driver of the truck, who was headed north, attempted to stop but was unable to do so, Fink said.

The 8-year old boy was initially transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital where he was stabilized and later transported to Upstate Medical due to the seriousness of the injuries, Fink said.

The child was wearing a helmet, he said.

“The helmet fractured — but it did its job,” Fink said.

Police would not elaborate on his injuries.

The driver was not charged.

“He was shaken by the event,” Fink said, noting he was driving from Indiana to Canada.

Village code allows bicycles to ride on the sidewalk, Fink said. State code requires cyclists to walk with their bike across a crosswalk instead of riding across the crosswalk.

According to witnesses the child entered the roadway without hesitation, Fink said.

A parent was nearby when the incident took place, Fink said.

Potsdam Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.