NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Confrontations on bike paths are nothing new, but North Vancouver RCMP are looking into an extreme example.

A man was biking on the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge on Wednesday of last week when he spotted  another cyclist coming towards him.

RCMP Corporal Richard DeJong says the first man pulled over, but without warning, was beaten up. “This unprovoked assault appears to be a random act of violence towards the victim.”

DeJong notes it’s possible the man who was assaulted was going down the wrong side of the bridge. “Saying that, he did take the precaution to let the other individual cycle by him, so it really is a random act of violence.”

Police say conflicts occasionally happen on paths, especially when they’re popular, but this case is especially concerning. The victim was left with a black eye and several bruises to his head.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 40s, about six feet tall, about 200 lbs, with sandy or reddish hair. He was wearing a yellow jacket.

If you have any information, you’re asked to call North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.