Cyclist killed in Moreno Valley collision; 4th bike death in city in just over two years

You knew it wouldn’t last.

After going nearly two weeks since the last fatal bicycling collision in Southern California, a bike rider was killed in Moreno Valley yesterday.

According to the Press-Enterprise, 56-year old Moreno Valley resident Tracey Gage was riding north on Perris Blvd between Krameria Ave and Northern Dancer Drive when his bike was rear-ended by a car around 3:40 pm; KESQ-3 places the exact time at 3:44 pm.

Gage was struck by a blue Toyota Corolla driven by 19-year old Steven Gomez of Perris. He was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering major injuries.

The street view shows an unobstructed four lane roadway with limited space to the right of traffic, and a 50 mph speed limit. At that speed, a collision is unlikely to be survivable.

Drug or alcohol use does not appear to have been factor. However, that raises the question of why the driver was unable to see a bike rider directly in front of him in full daylight.

Anyone with information is urged to call the  Moreno Valley Police Department Traffic Division at 951-486-6900.

This is the 65th fatal bicycling collision in Southern California this year, and the eight in Riverside County; that compares to 53 and 9, respectively, for this time last year. And it is the 4th bike death in Moreno Valley in the last 26 months.

My deepest sympathy and prayers for Tracey Gage, and all his family and loved ones.

10 comments

  1. Biker395 says:

    I remember reading years ago that despite the fears of a lot of cyclists, deaths and serious injury from rear collisions were rare … that what was going on in front of you was far more relevant from a safety perspective.

    If I ever thought that was true, I sure don’t think that anymore.

    • bikinginla says:

      From what I’ve seen, you are less likely to get hit in a rear-end collision than you are to be doored or hit at an intersection. However, you are much more likely to be killed if you’re hit from the rear due to higher impact speeds.

      In fact, in 2011, at least 25 SoCal riders were killed in rear-end collisions, compared to 12 at intersections or driveways — and just one from dooming. While I haven’t run the stats for 2012, that seems to hold true for the past 21 months, as well.

  2. Distracted driving is an ever worsening issue, and the statistics prove it out. No matter how good and careful you are, you can’t avoid what you can’t see.

  3. Alcohol may not have been a factor but I’m betting a phone was. It’s a straight road with a decent bike lane in both directions. I’ve ridden on much worse.

  4. Jerry says:

    I have read the posts for months.. and found my head shaking at how many riders are hit at 1 in the morning.. or anytime at night… please take a look at this new kind of light and maybe we all can keep our fellow cyclists

    saferhttp://www.cnn.com/2013/09/13/tech/the-laser-light-that-could-cyclist/index.html

  5. Joe Calles says:

    Tracey was a good man and a friend. He has a family and many friends that are hurting right now. If you pray, please do…

  6. JD says:

    Our prayers go up for the family and friends of Mr. Gage..

  7. Thom Morales says:

    Tracey, we will miss you and your selfless love of music, people, and helpfulness. The many years of you helping all of the bands behind the scenes will not go unnoticed. Your smile and caringness will remain in our memories forever.

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