Sad news this morning, as word broke yesterday that a longtime Pasadena city council member died after falling from his bike on Thursday.
Sid Tyler, who served on the council from 1997 to 2009, was disconnected from life support on Friday after family members arrived from around the country to be at his side. According to the Pasadena Star-News, he was in his early 80s.
Unfortunately, few details are available, and there are conflicting reports about just what happened.
The Star-News reports he was riding on California Blvd when he signaled for a left turn, lost his balance and fell into the street. He reportedly suffered a severe neck injury as a result.
The paper notes witnesses said he was wearing a helmet; unfortunately, a helmet offers no protection against a neck injury, and may exacerbate it under certain circumstances.
However, the Pasadena Now website suggests he may have suffered a heart attack and fallen into the path of an oncoming car. They place the site of the fall as California Blvd near Morengo Ave.
Tyler was a former Marine, and long-time employee of Tenet Healthcare, retiring in 1994 as executive vice president. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, as well as four grown children.
According to Pasadena Now, flags were lowered to half staff at Pasadena City Hall in his honor.
This is the 27th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 12th in Los Angeles County. He is also the third Pasadena bike rider to lose his life in the last nine months.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Sid Tyler and all his family.
This is one of those deaths that needs to be investigated further. Because if Mr. Tyler in fact had a heart attack, fell over in the street, and was hit by a car, then the driver of that car was at fault for striking him (in violation of California’s Basic Speed Law). It’s too easy to close our eyes and pretend its acceptable for drivers to be driving in a manner that doesn’t allow them to avoid a fallen cyclist. Because we all fall sometimes, whether by motor oil in the road or even someday a heart attack. But it doesn’t mean we should also expect to be crushed by a motorist.