The LAPD is reporting that a bike rider was killed in a collision in Pacoima late last night.
According to the press release, the victim was crossing Foothill Blvd mid-block between Van Nuys Blvd and Carl Street around 11:10 pm when a driver headed south on Foothill struck the back of his bike.
The rider, who has not been publicly identified, was thrown a considerable distance by the force of the impact, coming to rest in the center of the roadway. He was taken to Holy Cross Hospital with injuries to his head and upper torso, where he was pronounced dead at 11:36.
The Daily News reports police estimate he was 39 years old.
The driver remained at the scene and was cooperating with investigators. The force of the impact would suggest the driver may have been traveling faster than the posted 35 mph speed limit.
There’s no word on whether the victim had lights and reflectors on his bicycle, which should have made him visible as he crossed the street.
Anyone with information is urged to call Valley Traffic Division Office Martinez at 818/644-8032 or Det. III Bustos at 818/644-8021.
This is the 65th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, the 26th in LA County and the eighth in the City of Los Angeles. He also the third bicyclist killed on Foothill Blvd in the last three years, which suggests a need for significant safety improvements.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and his loved ones.
It’s my biggest fear, getting struck from behind there are so many inattentive and distracted drivers.
I constantly see drivers with phones in their hands passing me in the car and on the bicycle.
We lift up the family and friends of the fallen rider in prayer.
I saw the ghost bike last night. I’ll see it again from my bike tonight and tomorrow morning. This section of Foothill has recently gotten some improvements, especially northbound which used to be a bit dicey for a little stretch. This section now has plenty of room for cyclists in both directions, even with the construction going on the southbound.