We may have a lot of things to be thankful for this year. But safe streets clearly isn’t one of them.
That was driven home once again yesterday afternoon, when a man was killed by an elderly driver while riding his bike in Fountain Valley.
According to News Santa Ana, the victim was riding east on Ellis Ave at Magnolia Street when he was left-crossed by an 84-year old woman turning onto Magnolia from westbound Ellis around 3:33 pm.
The victim was identified as 68-year old Fountain Valley resident Charlie Chen. He died after being taken to a nearby hospital.
The driver, identified as Huntington Beach resident Barbara Peters, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Police say she did not appear to be under the influence. However, there’s no way to know if age played a factor.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Fountain Valley Police Department’s Traffic Bureau at 714/593-4481, incident #23-40091.
This is at least the 65th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the eighth that I’m aware of in Orange County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Charlie Chen and all his loved one.
Over the last several weeks there have been bike and ped fatalities and injuries that you have not posted to this blog. I read the local newspaper every day and would be glad to forward you bike and ped articles if I had your name and e-mail address.
John Cinatl, Retired Caltrans District Bike/Ped Coordinator
Port Hueneme
Thanks, John, I’d truly appreciate that. You can find my email on the About page.