That didn’t take long, either.
Just one day after the first Southern California bicycling death of the new year, a second rider was killed in a collision in Long Beach’s Wrigley neighborhood.
The victim, identified only as a 64-year old woman, died four hours after she was struck by a driver Thursday evening.
According to the Long Beach Press-Telegram, the woman was riding north on Golden Avenue in Long Beach around 6 pm Thursday. She crossed the intersection at Willow Street on the green light, however, the light changed before she cleared the street.
The driver of an SUV accelerated through the intersection as the light turned green on Willow, striking the victim.
She was taken to a local hospital, where she died four hours later.
The driver remained at the scene, and was not suspected of being under the influence.
The question is why he failed to notice the victim riding her bike in the roadway directly in front of him, regardless of whether he had the green light.
This is the second bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the first in Los Angeles County. It’s also at least the fourth bicycling death in Long Beach in the past year.
Update: The victim has been identified as 64-year old Long Beach resident Rhodora Roldan Bachillar.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Rhodora Roldan Bachillar and her loved ones.
We offer up our prayers for the family and friends of the victim.
I have always been told that drivers can’t enter an intersection that is not clear. This makes it the driver’s fault if the victim entered on a green.
This is a troubled intersection that is the access point to the major Los Angeles river Bike Path that Long Beach and authorities needs to address.
Dory was beloved by our family. She was riding home after visiting her mom in the care home. Her heart was kind and her spirit was bright. We will truly miss her. Thank you for sharing this news with the biking community. May you all remain safe as you cycle.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I appreciate your kind words; I just wish we didn’t have to report stories like this. Please be well and at peace.