Word is just breaking that a man in his 60’s was killed yesterday while riding his bike in the Winnetka neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley.
The victim was reportedly riding his bike in the crosswalk on westbound Lanark Street crossing Winnetka Ave when he was struck by the driver of a 2001 Toyota Corolla around 6:30 pm.
He was taken to Northridge Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A street view shows a wide four lane roadway on Winnetka, with a center left turn lane and a bike lane in both directions, and an uncontrolled crosswalk on the west side.
No other details are available at this time.
This is at least the 35th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 18th that I’m aware of in Los Angeles County.
A ghost bike ceremony is tentatively scheduled for 9 pm tomorrow night. (Note: This originally said it would be held on Tuesday, but it will be Wednesday, instead.)
Update: According to a source with the LAPD, the victim is an unidentified, 72-year old ebike rider.
He was struck when he rode off the north sidewalk on Lanark into the crosswalk, and was struck by a driver headed north on Winnetka.
This is yet another reminder of the dangers of sidewalk riding. Drivers often aren’t looking for you there, so you have to assume they don’t see you. Even if you have the right-of-way, it’s often safer to wait until cross traffic has passed.
And always carry some form of ID. This crash is even more tragic knowing that the victim’s loved ones may have no idea he was killed.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and all his loved ones.
Thanks to Zachary Rynew and Steve for the heads-up. Photo of the victim’s ghost bike from Steve.
So sad… Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
We lift up the family and friends of the victim in prayer.