91-year old cyclist dies in Riverside

The Press-Enterprise reports that 91-year old Riverside resident Fred Walsh has died, eight days after he was hit by a pickup while riding his bike.

The collision occurred at 1:09 pm on Monday, May 16th on California Avenue just east of Rucker Lane in Riverside; he passed away from his injuries Tuesday night at Riverside Community Hospital.

No other information is available at this time.

It should be uplifting story that he was still riding at that age; instead, it’s just heartbreaking that his life was taken away. My deepest sympathy to Fred Walsh’s friends and family.

6 comments

  1. The Trickster says:

    I admit that while it is definitely sad, in some ways I’d rather die at that age while riding a bike than die earlier from the other crap that a sedate lifestyle brings.

    Hell, if I’m still descending down mountains at 70 I’ll be well and truely stoked! 😀

    • bikinginla says:

      There’s something to be said for the idea of a good death; I can think of a lot of worse ways to go than doing something I love. That said, I think a 91-year old man has earned the right to go peacefully in his sleep, though life doesn’t always seem to work out that way.

  2. When you’re doing something you love and the end of it and your life are abruptly ended – well definitely not a good death (if there is such a thing). One can hope that Fred’s last images and feelings where good ones. Like Trickster I’m hoping that my end is while doing something I love – we can only see how it all goes.. and hope that senseless incidents like these can be stopped.

  3. Opus the Poet says:

    I already died riding my bike once, do you think I’ll get another shot at it? I want to be a lot older the next time…

    That this guy was in such good shape that he was still hale and hearty at 91 says a lot for active transportation, doesn’t it?

  4. Rosemary Walsh says:

    Fred was my father. He had been cycling for over 80 years. He had to ride to the Senior Citizens Centre to get his lunch every day, because the DMV took his drivers license away when he turned 85 and failed the eyesight test. I am amazed he had the physical strength to cycle every day and he loved it. Unfortunately even his helmet did not protect him the collison, but he died doing something he loved.

    • bikinginla says:

      I’m so sorry for your loss, Rosemary. After 80 years of riding, your father deserved better that.

      Unfortunately, bike helmets are designed to protect in slow speed falls, but offer little protection from motor vehicle collisions.

      On the other hand, how wonderful that he was able to enjoy a lifelong love of bicycling, even at such an advanced age. He sounds like a wonderful man, and I’m glad he was one of us.

      If you have a photo of your dad on his bike, I’d love to share it with my readers and add it to this story.

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