Yet another bike rider has been killed on the unforgiving streets of Southern California.
The Victor Valley News reports that a man in his early 20s was riding north on 1st Ave between Sholic and Winona Streets in Victorville, when he was struck by the driver of an SUV around 7:08 pm Tuesday.
Despite the efforts of a nurse and other bystanders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A pair of boxing gloves were found by his side.
Police didn’t hesitate to blame the victim, who has not been publicly identified, for dressing in black, and said he “did not appear to have the proper safety equipment for riding at night.”
That would appear to be a reference to not having lights and/or reflectors on his bike, though that is not clear.
The driver remained at the scene, and did not appear to be under the influence. There’s no word on how the crash occurred, or what direction he was driving.
A street view shows a two lane road with dirt shoulders, and no visible street lights.
This is at least the 48th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the fourth that I’m aware of in San Bernardino County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and his loved ones.
We pray for the family and friends of the victim.