This damn year just isn’t getting any better.
For the 14th time in just the last 33 days, someone has been killed riding a bicycle on the mean streets of Southern California.
This time in Cathedral City.
Multiple sources are reporting that the victim was crossing Ortega Road at Date Palm Drive when they were struck by a driver around 10:55 pm Thursday.
The victim was riding west on Ortega and attempted to cross Date Palm Drive in the crosswalk, and was hit by a driver heading south on Date Palm. Yet somehow, police say both the driver and the victim ran the red light.
The victim, identified only as a 48-year old Cathedral City resident, died at the scene, while the driver was taken to a hospital with minor facial injuries.
No explanation was given for why the victim’s age and city of residence was given, but their sex was somehow a secret.
Police also didn’t explain how the driver and the bike rider both could have entered the intersection against the light, despite traveling in different directions.
The only explanation is that the victim entered the crosswalk on the leading pedestrian interval, which is legal, or began crossing during the left turn signal on Date Palm Drive, which isn’t. There does appear to left turn arrow on Date Palm
There’s no word on whether the driver was cited or arrested, despite running the light.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Cathedral City Police at 760/770-0300.
This the 14th bicycling fatality that I’m aware of in Southern California this year, and it appears to be the third in Riverside County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and their loved ones.
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