At least the driver stuck around this time.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, a 58-year old Lucerne Valley man was killed while riding his bike in Hesperia last night.
The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was run down from behind by a 22-year old Tesla driver while riding in the right lane of Main Street at Escondido Avenue in Hesperia around 10 pm Monday.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, the victim was riding in the traffic lane without lights on his bike.
Through preliminary investigation, it is believed the Tesla traveled west in the number two lane on Main Street, east of Escondido Avenue, while the bicyclist traveled in the middle of the number two lane without lights on. The driver of the Tesla saw the bicyclist too late and was unable to swerve out of the way due to other vehicles on the roadway. The driver struck the bicyclist, knocked him off the bicycle and into a nearby field. The driver pulled over and immediately called 911, and stayed on scene. The bicyclist sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
While the description sounds like it’s based primarily on the driver’s statement, a photo from the scene appears to show a mangled road bike on the side of the road, without any visible lights.
Police don’t believe drug or alcohol use played a role in the collision. There’s no word on whether speed was a factor; however, the posted speed limit is 55 mph on that section of Main, according to the Victorville Daily Press.
A collision at that speed is unlikely to have been survivable, regardless of any other factors.
Whether or not the street would have been lighted appears to depend on what side of Escondido the crash occurred on, since there are street lights and commercial buildings on the east side, and none on the west side.
There is also no sidewalk or paved shoulder on the west side that could have provided any degree of safety. Although the wide traffic lane raises the question of why the victim would be riding in the middle of the lane, rather than closer to the curb.
Anyone with information is urged to call San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy E. Harrison at 760/947-1500, or call anonymously at 800/782-7463.
This is at least the 28th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the fourth that I’m aware of in San Bernardino County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and his loved ones.
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