A man was killed Saturday morning when he was the victim of a rear-end collision in Lancaster.
According to a news release from the LA County Sheriff’s Department, the victim was struck from behind while riding his bicycle west on Avenue K east of Stanridge Ave around 6 am.
A driver traveling in the same direction reportedly swerved into the bike lane, throwing him forward. However, there are no bike lanes visible in a street view or satellite image of the seven lane street.
The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was taken to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries.
The male driver apparently stayed at the scene. The report says it does not appear that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash, although authorities are investigating whether speed played a role.
It’s unclear what the speed limit is on the street. However, the straight roadway and wide lanes, with long segments uninterrupted by traffic signals, would appear to encourage high speeds, regardless of the posted speed.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Traffic Investigators at 661/948-8466.
This is at least the 32nd bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 15th that I’m aware of in Los Angeles County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and all his loved ones.
We offer up our prayers for the family and friends of the victim.
It is correct that there are no bike lanes on Avenue K at that location, or at least there weren’t the last time I was on that street. Lancaster has been doing a fantastic job the last several years putting in bike lanes throughout the city, and it is possible that Avenue K has bike lanes in that area now, but I don’t think so. Our condolences to the family and friends of the victim.