The luck of the Irish failed a man riding a bicycle in Coronado Tuesday afternoon.
And of course, there’s no explanation for how it happened.
Only what.
Multiple sources are reporting that a 78-year old man was killed when he was struck by a driver at Silver Strand Blvd and Tulagi Road around 1:30 pm.
The victim, who has not been publicly identified, died at the scene.
And yes, the driver stayed and tried to aid the victim; police don’t suspect drug or alcohol use.
The crash reportedly occurred on the southbound section of the divided roadway, which suggests he may have been trying to turn left to get onto the two-way bike path on the northbound side.
Although there could be other explanations.
Whatever happened, anyone still riding a bicycle at that age deserved better.
This the 23rd bicycling fatality that I’m aware of in Southern California this year, and the fifth in San Diego County.
Which means that someone has been killed riding a bicycle in Southern California every 3.3 days since the first of the year.
Update: The victim has been identified as 78-year old James Joseph Berta.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for James Joseph Berta and his loved ones.
I rode by the scene. The bike was a grocery getter with a big basket and it was in the grass on the opposite side of the highway from the path. It was not directly in the intersection.
To me it looked like the fellow was riding on that side of the road –not on the path. RIP
The traffic light at the southbound lanes of Silver Strand Blvd at Tulagi Road indicates no left turn or u-turn, and the southbound lanes are clearly marked with straight arrows indicating traffic must go straight. The 2-way bike lane is on the opposite side along the northbound lanes. Once one passes this intersection, the speed limit becomes 65mph. No details on how the accident happened but sad to read of the fatal accident. RIP