A young girl who collided with an SUV while riding a bicycle in Novato Thursday afternoon died from her injuries, Novato police said.

The 11-year-old girl was riding her bike home from school west on Novato Boulevard shortly before 3 p.m. when she collided with the SUV traveling east on the same road around Sandy Creek Way, near San Marin High School.

Witnesses said the girl flew up onto the hood of the GMC Yukon and then fell head first from the vehicle.

Even with a helmet, the girl suffered major injuries. Witnesses said they tried to comfort the girl as help was called, but she was unconscious. 

The victim sustained critical injuries and was reportedly flown to Novato Community Hospital after a medical helicopter landed at the school's football field.

The girl was then stabilized at hospital and airlifted to Children's Hospital Oakland where she later died from her injuries.

The driver of the SUV stopped at the scene and cooperated with the police investigation. Police said it does not appear that the man was intoxicated or committed any traffic violations.

“Witnesses are confirming his statement at this point,” Welch said.

Friends said the girl was new to the neighborhood and the hazards of the busy street, having just arrived from out of state with her parents and three brothers.

“There's always cars that are coming fast, and I can tell people aren't paying attention,” said the girl’s friend Garrett Franz.

Families said more street signs and a crosswalk would be a huge safety improvement.

 “After this, I'm just scared to death about letting (my son) ride,” said Sarah Franz, a neighbor. “The cars come really, really fast, 50-some miles an hour, and the bike path is right there. There's no separation.”

This fatality was one of many over the years on Novato Boulevard at the area where the street widens as drivers head toward the coast.   

Police are continuing to investigate the crash along with the Marin County Sheriff's coroner's office. Any witnesses to the crash have been asked to call Novato police at (415) 897-1122.