California Highway Patrol found an injured dog and a dead cyclist along Highway 1 north of Wilder Ranch State Park on Friday morning.

The cyclist was apparently riding along the northbound lane with his Cairn terrier mix riding in a crate late Thursday night or early Friday morning when he was hit by a car or SUV. The cyclist lay there for up to 12 hours while his pet dog, who escaped serious injury, lay by his side.

CHP says the suspect vehicle is a green 1999 or 2000 sedan or small SUV with significant front-end damage, including a missing headlight.

Caltrans is currently considering rumble strips for the shoulder along this portion of Highway 1 to prevent run off the road crashes. Many local cyclists strongly oppose shoulder rumble strips for what they say are safety reasons.

As of the weekend, CHP reports the cyclist remains unidentified.

Story in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: Dog stays for hours with owner killed by apparent hit-and-run driver on California coastal road. Via Erik and Rick.