More bad news, on what is turning out to be an awful day for SoCal cyclists.
According to SCVNews, an unidentified bike rider was killed in a collision in Santa Clarita this morning.
The rider, described only as an older teen or young adult, was crossing Magic Mountain Parkway on northbound Railroad Avenue — which becomes Bouquet Canyon Road on the other side of the intersection — around 7:50 am when he was hit by an LA County Sanitation truck turning left onto Railroad.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses report he was riding on the wrong side of the street, against traffic, and ran the red light at the intersection. He somehow collided with the eastbound truck, which was turning left onto Railroad. A story in the Santa Clarita Valley Signal suggests the sun may have been in the driver’s eyes; however, he likely wouldn’t have been looking for someone coming from the wrong direction as he turned in the opposite way.
The victim was reportedly riding a child’s bike; it’s also possible that it was a BMX bike, as many non-cyclists wouldn’t know the difference. It’s unclear if authorities know his identity, as he didn’t have any ID in his wallet.
The driver was taken to a nearby medical center for routine tests; however, there was no suspicion of drug or alcohol use, and a sheriff’s spokesman said he was unlikely to face charges.
This is the 75th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 32nd in Los Angeles County; that compares to 22 in the county for all of last year.
My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to the victim and all his family and loved ones.
Update: The Daily News says the victim was in his 30s, with no explanation for the discrepancy or any other details.
Update 2: The victim keeps getting older; the Signal identifies him as a 47-year old Hispanic man; his name has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Update 3: The victim has been identified as 47-year old Luis Ochoa of Newhall.
Just totally preventable and DANGEROUS. I was riding one night on a major street that turns dark real fast, when one of these BMX salmon came completely out of nowhere and I had to swerve left at the last second. Luckily there was no car coming at the time. And I use a very bright headlight.
People should take this salmon issue more seriously.
I feel sorry for the family and friends of this rider, also the truck driver will have nightmares about this for a long time to come. I had posted before about how some cyclists ride dangerously, and some intentionally try to antagonize drivers by riding recklessly. One response was “Most cyclists ride in the manner they feel is safest; the problem is, too many drivers have no understanding of bike safety from the riders perspective”. Which I can agree with this quote about drivers have no understanding of bike safety from the riders perspective, but as in this situation some cyclists feel they are invincible and can ride unsafe and take to many chances. I still feel we need to get out there and educate young and old cyclists on safe riding and using a helmet and lights. I personally will start in my own way by politely telling younger fixie riders to please wear a helmet and ride on the proper side of the street, if I happen do come across a salmon rider I will also tell them how dangerous that practice is. Maybe my little effort will help save a life. Just like “Pass if Forward” maybe we can all save a live out there, and make a difference in a big way.
We offer our prayers for the family and friends of the victim.
Who ever kill my brother, I wish until today you not able to sleep, my brother was Luis Ochoa, I hate you and I hope you pay for this one way or another one,, just because you work for the city doesn’t mean you can kill a man and keep living your life like nothing happen, is gone be 4 years since you kill my brother,,
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