Somehow, we missed this news earlier this month.
Looking for information about yesterday’s fatal collision in Lancaster uncovered news of a woman who was killed while riding her bike in the same city on Monday, August 13th.
According to the Antelope Valley Times, the victim, identified only as a Hispanic woman in her 50s, was riding north in the bike lanes on Sierra Highway below Oldfield Street when she was struck and killed.
The paper reports that she attempted to cross the five lane Sierra Highway, unexpectedly swerving left in front of an oncoming driver traveling in the same direction.
She was taken to a local hospital, where she died of her injuries.
A statement from the sheriff’s department said it doesn’t appear that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash, nor was excessive speed.
As always, the question is whether there were independent witnesses to the crash. Drivers who drift to the right or fail to see a bike rider often assume the victim must have swerved in front of them, when that’s not always the case.
Anyone with information is urged to call traffic investigators at the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station at 661/ 948-8466.
This is at least the 33rd bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 16th that I’m aware of in Los Angeles County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and all her loved ones.
We lift up the family and friends of the victim in prayer.
We all need to ride with an action camera. No matter how quickly, easy or casual the ride. Drivers are committing murder and claiming that some how they are the victims of outlaw cyclists that veer infront of them in some sort of suicidal criminal conspiracy.