Sometimes it takes awhile for bad news to get around.
Earlier this month, a bike rider was seriously injured in a right hook in Monterey Park. Now I’ve received word that she has died of her injuries.
According to the Pasadena Star-News, the victim, identified as 59-year old Ai-Nei Zhou of Monterey Park, was riding in the crosswalk on Garvey Avenue at Orange Avenue when she was hit by a car turning right onto southbound Orange around 3:30 pm on November 15th.
Zhou was hospitalized with serious injuries; the Cyclist Down Facebook page says she died the following day.
The Star-News reports the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
It’s not clear from the article which direction Zhou was riding. Presumably, she was riding on the sidewalk when she entered the crosswalk; if she going west she should have been easily visible as she rode towards the driver. However, if she was riding in the opposite direction, drivers often don’t look for bikes on the sidewalk, and don’t anticipate cyclists riding out into the street.
Which does not in any way excuse the driver’s failure to see her or stop in time to avoid her. But it does explain why cyclists have to be extra careful when approaching an intersection from the sidewalk.
Look carefully for any approaching cars, especially from behind, and assume the drivers don’t see you. Then refuse to enter the street until all the cars have stopped for you or passed through the intersection.
This is the 80th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and 31st in LA County; both of those totals are comparable to this time last year.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Ai-Nei Zhou and all her friends and family.
Thanks to Carlos Morales for the heads-up.
Our prayers go up for the family and friends of Ms. Zhou.
If you know Ai Nei Zhou’s family, please have them cal me at
(562) 653-2228. I am from the insurance company of the vehicle that hit Ms. Zhou. I can be reached at (562) 653-2228. Thank You.
Tracy Hudson
Infinity Insurance