Update: Cyclist killed in Hersperia as a deadly month continues

A surprisingly safe March has given way to a bloody April.

After suffering just one cycling fatality last month, we’ve already seen six cyclists die on Southern California streets and trails this month, with five fatalities in just the last 10 days.

The latest is 34-year old Ryan D. Foster of Hesperia, who was killed last night while trying to cross Escondido Ave just north of Hollister Street. According to multiple reports, he was hit by a southbound 2002 Honda Accord around 10:19 pm.

That’s it.

None of the articles I’ve found — all of which appear to be based on a press release from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s department, which does not seem to be available on the department’s virtually useless websitecontain any more information, except that sheriff’s deputies are investigating the crash.

In fact, they seemed to be competing to see who could tell the story in the least amount of words, ranging from a measly 52 to a whopping 79.

Looking at a satellite photo, the bike lane on Escondido ends at Hollister Street. Foster could have been riding north and trying to cross over to the wide sidewalk on the west side. Or, based on the limited description, he could just have easily been riding south on the sidewalk and trying to make a left onto Hollister.

Or just plain crossing the street.

We may never know.

We also may never know if the driver was speeding, drunk and/or distracted, or a cautious, law-abiding motorist who did everything in his or her power to avoid the collision.

Hopefully, the papers will follow up with information about who the victim was, beyond a mere name and age, as well as how the collision occurred.

Because Ryan Foster and his family deserve more than 79 words.

This is the 17th cycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the second in San Bernardino County.

My prayers and sympathy for Ryan Foster and his family and friends.

Update: This is starting to look like a case where the victim may have been at fault. The High Desert Daily Press reports that Foster was riding without lights or “adequate” reflectors at that late hour, and that witnesses saw him ride directly into the path of the Honda. 

The site also suggests that police officials suspect drugs or alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash; since the driver was not arrested at the scene, that implies that Foster may have been under the influence. 

However, given that the crash seems to have been a full-impact collision at speed, the fact that Foster wasn’t wearing a helmet was probably not a factor in his death.

8 comments

  1. gonzalo chavez says:

    Man u should be a reporter for victorville or hesperia newspaper. Your post was longer and more informative than theres. I was there at the scene so sad. Hes in my thaughts and prayers r.i.p

    • gonzalo chavez says:

      There is hardly any street lighting up here in the dessert. And no side walks

    • Kellie johnson says:

      This is the girlfirend of the guy that was hit on his bike on april 24,2012 if u’ve got any information please call me 9512353666 my name is kellie

  2. justin says:

    he had a light and reflectors on a very large chrome bike and anybody with headlights could have seen him.r.i.p. to a great person that will be missed dearly, if anyone has any more info on the driver, our family needs to know what happened

  3. justin says:

    1(423)871 0492.call or text anytime

  4. Stroler says:

    Rest in peace. My brother… f. What they gotta say…love u foo. STROLER ONTERIO…..

  5. Stroler says:

    “”””WHENS”””””πFK”””””DTSK””””REST IN GEE HEVEN****MY BOY…PAVE THAT WAY FOR THIS YOUNG STALETTO…WATCH MY BACK AND POST UP OUR CUZZ-0″”BABY MALDIE..AMILIO MC KINNON…DAM.. WHEN THUGS CRY..
    MUCH LOVE AND MAD RESPECTS…HOLD UR HEAD HIGH “”ANTHONY “””BE PROUD…AND STAY SMILING.
    CUZZ UR POPS WANTS U TOO….SEE YOU SOON ..UR BROTHER. AND YOUR GEED UP UNCLE

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