A Portland cyclist launched to the asphalt will get a $100,000 settlement check from the City of Portland.

The city forgot to change a sewer grate when it created a bike lane in Southwest Portland.

Essentially, it accidentally set a trap and cyclist Gary Dunkley fell right into it.

“I was probably doing about 25 miles an hour on my bike,” he explained.

He went from 25 mile per her to zero in an instant, as his front wheel plunged into the sewer grate.

But his body kept going.

“I went airborne probably about 15 to 20 feet and landed on my head.”

He endured 60 stitches to the head, a concussion, memory loss and double vision.

All this, because the city forgot to change out an old sewer grate not intended for a new bike lane.

“A bike lane should be secured and the grate should've been taken care of,” said Dunkley.

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams agrees.

“It's a terrible thing and on behalf of the city clearly I apologize for this. We were in the wrong and that's why I think this claim is absolutely appropriate,” said Adams.

He took over the transportation department after Dunkley's April, 2005 crash.

Adams says the $100,000 settlement with Dunkley is fair.

“Thank goodness he was wearing gloves and a helmet.”

To make the city safer for bike riders, Adams is asking fellow commissioners for an emergency ration of $200,000 from the budget.

The money would go toward bike safety improvements around town, following a string of recent fatal bike crashes.

“We haven't had the resources to respond,” said Adams.

The sewer grate that snatched Dunkley's wheel has been replaced by a safer version.

 Also: Memorial for cyclist killed in crash

Despite all the scrapes, Dunkley says he won't be deterred from cycling.

Commissioner Adams says the city needs your help.

If you see any bike hazards around town, he asks you to call the transportation department’s safety hotline at (503) 823-SAFE.