A motorcyclist was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition late this afternoon after colliding with a car in Sydney’s north-west.

The CareFlight rapid response trauma team were called to busy Pennant Hills Road just north of Pennant Hills station shortly after 5pm.

Police stopped northbound traffic to allow the helicopter to land briefly so the medical crew could join NSW ambulance paramedics in treating the unconscious male rider.

CareFlight doctors provided critical care treatment including sedation and intubation to maintain vital signs, then continued treatment in a road ambulance to hospital.

It was the second serious motorcycle injury this afternoon after the crew were called to the aid of a man, 26, who suffered a spinal injury after colliding with a car in Narrabeen on the northern beaches.