Too often, when bike riders are seriously injured, it never makes the news.
Especially if there’s not a car involved.
That appears to be the case here, as a San Diego police detective died after being taken off life support earlier this month, following a solo fall.
According to a press release from the San Diego Police Department, Det. Tim Williams was seriously injured when he somehow fell off his bike on February 27th near the end of a 30-mile ride.
The 51 year old cyclist, a near 30-year veteran of the department, was revived at Palomar Hospital and placed on life support; he died minutes after being taken off on March 4th, surrounded by friends and family.
San Diego’s CBS8 places the location of the fall as near Carmel Ridge Road and Ted Williams Parkway, but doesn’t give a time of day or specify what road he was riding on. There’s also no word on what caused him to fall.
According to the department, it had been his wish to donate his organs in the event of his death; three people gained a new chance at life thanks to his kindness.
He leaves behind a wife and four children; a memorial service was held earlier today.
This is the ninth bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the third in San Diego County. He is also the first cyclist to die in a solo fall this year.
My prayers and deepest sympathy for Tim Williams and all his family, as well as his comrades with the SDPD.
Odd place to have a solo fall. The road is generally in decent shape there. Maybe there was debris?
I wondered about that myself. Debris, maybe a too close pass or equipment failure. Too many possibilities and too little information.
Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, but also to the cycling community, which has lost another ombudsman who can help bridge the understanding and empathy gap with law enforcement.
We offer up our prayers for the family and friends of Mr. Williams.
Tim was a wonderful neighbor and friend. We will miss him. Our prayers go out to his family.
So sorry for your loss, Jim. I hope the good memories bring peace for you and all who knew him.
I live right up the hill, I stopped at the bike tribute on Ted Williams Parkway this morning on my bike commute to work and paid my respects.
Tim enjoyed his time riding the bike every time out there.