When the new 6th Street Bridge opened in July, there were predictions that someone would be killed on or near the bridge, due to the limited protection for people on bicycles.
Sadly, those predictions have now come true. Unfortunately, though, we don’t have many details at this time.
All we know is that Sergio M. Cordova was killed Wednesday, October 26th, while riding his bike near 6th Street and Mateo, just two blocks west of the bridge.
No word yet on Cordova’s age or residence, or how the crash happened.
A crowdfunding page created by his family describes him this way.
If you knew Sergio, you knew he absolutely loved cycling through all parts of LA, discovering new sights and routes as well as spending time with family. A fan of Batman, The Dodgers, and most recently the Packers. He loved his niece and nephews so much. He took great pride at his work and was beloved by so so many.
Photos from GoFundMe.
The campaign to pay Cordova’s funeral expenses has raised over $4,100 of the modest $5,000 goal in just one day.
Meanwhile, his death screams out the need for protected bike lanes in both directions leading to the popular bridge. Or we can expect this to keep happening in the days and years to come.
A ghost bike will be placed soon.
This is at least the 71st bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 22nd that I’m aware of in Los Angeles County.
Cordova is also the 12th person killed riding a bike in the City of Los Angeles in 2022.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Sergio M. Cordova and all his loved ones.
Thanks to Danny Gamboa for the heads-up.
Really sad. FWIW 6th and Mateo is the west end of the bridge, not “2 blocks west of the bridge.” It’s unclear, but a crash “near 6th and Mateo” could be west (or north or south) of the bridge, on the bridge, or even under the bridge. Curious if this took place on the bridge.
Condolences to the friends and family of our lost brother.