Let’s start with the fact that cars don’t belong in parks.
Let alone major highways bisecting one of Southern California’s most iconic public spaces.
Yet that’s the situation in San Diego, where multi-lane State Route 163 runs directly through the 1,200-acre Balboa Park.
Wednesday night, it cost a man his life.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, a man was riding his bicycle across the southbound lane of the 163 just south of the Cabrillo Bridge when he was struck by a 63-year old driver around 9:05 pm.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he died.
The victim, who was not publicly identified, was reportedly trying to cross from the center divider to the right shoulder. There’s no word on why he was crossing where he did, rather than use the nearby bridge.
This is at least the 21st bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the fourth that I’m aware of in San Diego County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and all his loved ones.
The parkway surrounding Highway 163 near Balboa park was created to beautify the roadway and driving experience. A case of highway first, and surrounding park second. The bicyclist had no business being down on the highway ( especially at night), and certainly had no business crossing it. It is sad to hear that the bicyclists life was taken, but should have never been there in the first place. Like any major highway/ freeway in urban California, fencing and signage is in place to prevent pedestrians, bicyclists and the like from entering or crossing. Please be careful about pointing out where cars do or do not belong.
As someone who used to live in North Park, I’m very familiar with the 163, which I took to work downtown every day. And I firmly believe that a highway does not belong in this park, or any other. Parks are for people, not cars.
As for why the victim was crossing the road, my guess — and it is only a guess — is that he was homeless, and likely camping amid the center divider, which would explain why he would be crossing there. In which case, you’re right — he never should have been there in the first place, because every human being deserves a roof over their head.