BikinginLA

Sad news from Burbank, as a bike rider has died more than a month after he was injured in a left cross collision.

According to a press release from the Burbank Police Department, 63-year old Henry Peter Kuen was riding east on Magnolia Blvd when he was hit by a car turning left onto Buena Vista Street at 2:25 pm on December 9th.

Kuen was hospitalized with a severe head injury, where he remained in critical condition. It’s unclear exactly when he died; the press release only notes that the police were informed of his death yesterday.

He was not wearing a helmet; in this case, it’s possible that it might have made a difference.

The driver remained at the scene, and police note that the driver was not under the influence. However, there is no word on who had the right of way, or why he or she apparently didn’t see Kuen on his bike.

A street view shows a typical urban intersection with traffic signals and four lanes, plus turn lanes, in each direction.

Police note that the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact BPD Traffic Detective Sam Anderson at 818/238-3100.

The press release ends with this, which should be a mantra for everyone on the streets:

The Burbank Police Department logged four fatalities in 2015 as a result of traffic collisions. We would like to remind the public to remain vigilant and avoid distractions while traveling on our roadways. Drive at a safe speed for conditions, don’t text/talk on your cellphone, always maintain safe distances and look twice for pedestrians and bicyclists.

This is the 73rd, and hopefully last, bicycling fatality in Southern California, and the 29th in Los Angeles County. Kuen appears to be the first person to die while riding a bike in Burbank since at least 2011.

My deepest sympathy for Henry Peter Kuen and all his lived ones. 

Thanks to Melissa Pamer and GhostBikes.org for the heads-up.