Another day, another bike rider killed on the mean streets of Southern California.
For the 8th time in the last two weeks, someone riding a bicycle in SoCal has been killed by a driver, this time in Escondido Friday morning.
According to multiple sources, the victim was struck by the driver of a semi-truck, apparently in the northbound lanes near North Centre City Parkway and Champagne Blvd around 5:50 am.
The victim, identified only as a man, was trapped under the massive truck, and unresponsive when San Diego County sheriff’s deputies arrived. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died.
A map shows North Centre and Champaign are the same north-south street paralleling the 15 Freeway on opposite sides of Deer Springs/Mountain Road. A street view shows a painted bike lane next to a 55 mph speed limit sign.
Video from the North County Chronicle shows the victim was riding an ebike with pedals, and was wearing a helmet, which would have done little to protect against the massive truck — especially if the truck was traveling at that speed.
This is at least the 54th bicycling fatality that I’m aware of in Southern California this year, and the 12th in San Diego County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and his loved ones.
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