PORTLAND - Three cyclists participating in the Seattle to Portland bicycle ride were injured in a hit-and-run accident on Highway 30 about 40 miles north of Portland on Sunday afternoon.

Oregon State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings said the 40-year-old driver of a Jeep Cherokee crossed the fog line and hit the back of a bicycle ridden by Gerald Marvin, 24, of Seattle.

"Two other cyclists riding behind that person went over his bike and also went down," said Chuck Ayers, Exec. Director of the Cascade Bicycle Club, which sponsors the ride.

Witnesses told police that the driver initially stopped, but then sped away, said Hastings. A St. Helens police officer detained the man about eight miles east of the crash scene.

Marvin had serious injuries and the other cyclists had minor injuries. All were taken to a Portland hospital. Marvin's condition was later upgraded to "fair."

Ayers said he's seen only a couple of car-bicycle crashes in his 10 years with the club.

"It not only shocks me but appalls me that we have hit-and-run accidents like this and people not taking responsibility for their actions."

Ayers said the course is well-marked and well-staffed with volunteers.

"There's no way that anybody could be out on the roads and not aware that some big event is going on," he said.

Besides hit and run, the driver of the car was accused of driving under the influence of intoxicants and a parole violation. Police are asking witnesses to the suspect's activities before and after the crash to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at (800) 452-7888.

About 9,000 cyclists were on the road for the annual ride, which is a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club.