Another South Bay cyclist killed on Saturday; 5 dead in 4th of July carnage

July 6, 2011 / / One comment

I don’t even know what to say at this point.

After writing about two bicyclists killed as a result of collisions in South Bay beach cities this past weekend — an El Segundo hit-and-run and a San Pedro collision apparently caused by a careless rider — now comes word that a cyclist was killed in Long Beach on Saturday.

The Long Beach Post reports that the 68-year old cyclist, who has not been publicly identified, was riding east on Pacific Coast Highway near the Terminal Island Freeway when he was hit from behind by a 2011 Honda Accord around 6:48 am.

When police arrived, they found the victim lying in the roadway; paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. There’s no indication from the report where he was in the roadway or how he had been positioned when he was hit. While I’m not very familiar with this stretch of roadway, reports indicate that it can be a dangerous place to ride.

The driver, identified only as a 46-year old Long Beach woman, was questioned at the scene and released.

The past 4th of July weekend has just been devastating for South Bay cyclists and pedestrians; in addition to the biking fatalities, a pedestrian was killed in a San Pedro hit-and-run, and an 89-year old Redondo Beach woman was killed crossing the street.

This is the the 37th confirmed traffic-related cycling fatality in Southern California, and the 12th in Los Angeles County, since the first of the year. Remarkably, the three deaths this weekend represent over 12% of the county’s annual average for the last five years for which records are available.

There’s something terribly wrong when we celebrate our independence by watching bodies pile up in the street.

I just feel sick right now.

My heart and prayers go out to the victim’s family. Thanks to Allan Alessio for the heads-up.

Category: Bicycle Safety, Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: , ,

Second L.A. rider dies from injuries suffered on a bloody 4th of July

July 5, 2011 / / One comment

A second L.A. area cyclist has died of injuries received on the Fourth of July.

According to the Daily Breeze, 39-year old Steven Pyle was critically injured when he rode off the sidewalk and out into the street between two parked cars. As he emerged from between the cars, he was hit by an eastbound Nissan Altima near the intersection of 22nd Street and Barbour Court in San Pedro around 2:05 pm Monday.

The paper reports that he was narrowly missed by a white van before being struck by the car; the driver of the car that hit him stopped at the scene, while the other driver did not.

Pyle, a musician who was well-known in the area, suffered a severe head injury and was rushed into emergency surgery; he was taken of life support Tuesday afternoon and died later the same day.

The paper quotes LAPD Lt. Brian Whitten as saying no charges were expected to be filed in this case.

“It’s a traffic accident,” Whitten said. Pyle “rode between parked cars and into traffic. He was crossing the road when it wasn’t safe to do so.”

Pyle’s death is the second cycling fatality in Los Angeles resulting from collisions on the 4th of July; 32-year old cyclist George Loudon was killed on a dark El Segundo street while riding home from work early Monday morning. It was also the second fatal traffic collision in San Pedro in two days, as a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run early Sunday morning.

This is the 36th confirmed traffic-related cycling fatality in Southern California this year; five other riders have died as a result of shootings. Pyle is the 11th confirmed cycling traffic fatality in Los Angeles County since the first of the year; that compares to an average of 24.2 for the last five years for which statistics are available, from 2005 – 2009.

My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.

Category: Bicycle Safety, Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: , , ,

When will it ever stop? El Segundo cyclist killed by hit-and-run driver July 4th; Rybicki improving

July 5, 2011 / / 11 comments

You knew we weren’t going to get through the holiday weekend without bad news.

Early morning on the 4th of July, those fears were confirmed when a hit-and-run driver took the life of 32-year old cyclist George Loudon in El Segundo. Loudon was reportedly making his was home from work when he was hit from behind while riding northbound on Vista Del Mar near Dockweiler State Beach in El Segundo.

The exact spot of the collision is unclear; reports say the collision occurred near Hyperion Way, which does not appear on online maps.

Loudon was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities reportedly don’t have any description of the suspect vehicle; anyone with information is asked to call the LAPD at 213/473-0222.

This was the second fatal hit-and-run in the L.A. area in just 24 hours, as a pedestrian was killed in San Pedro on Sunday.

Loudon’s death was the 35th confirmed cycling traffic fatality in Southern California this year, and the 10th in Los Angeles County; three of those fatalities have been the result of hit-and-runs.

And I’m still looking for confirmation of two other possible deaths in the past two weeks, including one in East L.A.

Maybe one day we’ll finally be able to celebrate our independence from cowards who flee the scene after killing or injuring another human being. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no lower form of life; it’s long past time we stop treating hit-and-runs like traffic collisions and start treating them like the crimes they are.

My prayers and condolences to Loudon’s family and friends.

Update: The Daily Breeze reports that Loudon, who lived in Venice, was riding through a “dark and desolate” area wearing dark clothing and without reflectors; whether he had a light is not mentioned. His body was found by a passing motorist, so there is no clear indication of exactly when he was hit. Police note that the vehicle should have significant damage to the front end.

……..

I’ve been hearing some unfortunate rumors about Adam Rybicki, the cyclist critically injured in a collision with an allegedly drunk, underage driver in Torrance last April.

So let me clear up any confusion.

Adam has been transferred to a rehab facility, and continues to show improvement. While he still has significant impairment due to his injuries, the latest reports are that he is able to communicate using a white board and is working hard at his recovery.

Clearly, he has a very long way to go, and prayers and positive thoughts are still needed.

But overall, the news is good. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Category: Bicycle Safety, Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: , , , , ,

A moving meditation on the fragility of life and friendship

July 2, 2011 / / One comment

I didn’t write it.

As a writer, I wish I did; as a rider, I’m very glad I didn’t have to.

My phone rang at around 9:45PM. It was John’s girlfriend.  She didn’t know where John was.  She knew we’d been riding bikes earlier that night and asked if I knew anything.  I told her we’d parted ways at the fire station on the backside of Paradise Loop at around 7:15PM.  He had turned off early to go meet up with her.  Her voice cracked as she spoke. She started to cry.

l write a lot about the bad things that can happen on a bike. More than I ever thought I would. And far more than I really want to.

But I don’t think I’ve ever written anything as moving, and seldom as heartfelt.

I called John and got no answer.  I started calling police departments in southern Marin.  If my mind had a clear task then maybe I could ignore my rising fear.  Tiburon PD told me to call Sausalito PD.  Sausalito PD took my number and told me to await a call from the responding officer.  I told the agent this arrangement was not cool.  I asked what happened to my friend.  She said he’d been involved in an accident.  She said the responding officer was the only one who could give details.  I asked if he was alive.  She said the responding officer was the only one who could give details….

It’s beautiful and sad and heart-wrenchingly tragic. And one of the best things I’ve read about one of the worst things that can happen.

It’s not easy to read.

But well worth the effort.

Thanks to @BikeCrave and @bikesd for the heads-up.

Category: Bicycle Safety, Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: , ,

15-year old Fontana cyclist killed by Metrolink train

July 2, 2011 / / 10 comments

According to the San Bernardino Sun, 15-year old Ricardo Gilberto Lizarraga was killed when he was hit by a Metrolink train around 6:20 pm Thursday.

Lizarraga was reportedly riding northbound on Sierra Avenue when he rode across the tracks into the path of the eastbound train. Google street view shows railroad crossing signals at the site, so if they were working, he should have been aware of the train coming.

This is the 34th confirmed traffic-related cycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 1st in San Bernardino County. Lizarraga is also the 3rd SoCal cyclist killed in a collision with a train in 2011.

Update: According to Inland News Today, the gates were lowered and the warning lights were flashing at the time of the collision; the site reports that he was using earbuds and may not have been able to hear the train. And yet, he would have had to have the music exceptionally loud to drown out a train — and that still doesn’t explain how he missed the signals. 

Category: Bicycle Safety, Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: , , ,

Fireworks rides, Ride2Recovery car wash, Sunday Funday Presidents Ride, and great 4th of July sales

July 2, 2011 / / Comments Off on Fireworks rides, Ride2Recovery car wash, Sunday Funday Presidents Ride, and great 4th of July sales

Didn’t get a chance to do a full update this week’s events; hopefully, I’ll get a chance to catch up over the weekend.

But in the meantime, here are a few of this weekend’s events until we can get to a full update.

As always, Bike Talk airs every Saturday at 10 am; listen to it live or download the podcast from KPFK.

The Eastside Bike Club invites you to join them as they participate in the annual El Sereno 4th of July Parade on Saturday, July 2nd; decorate your bike and yourself in red, white and blue, and stick around for the fireworks at dusk. The ride assembles at 1 pm  at the El Sereno Library, 5226 Huntington Drive, with the parade starting at 2 pm. The ESBC will also be riding to view fireworks in Boyle Heights on the 3rd, and Alhambra on the 4th.

Flying Pigeon hosts their monthly Brewery Ride on Saturday, July 2nd from 3 to 5:30 pm,  meet at Flying Pigeon Bike Shop, 3714 North Figueroa Street in Highland Park.

A car wash will be held on Sunday, July 3rd from 9 am to 2 pm on Sunday, July 3rd to raise funds for Ride2Recovery, a nationwide program that helps wounded vets reclaim their lives through cycling. It takes place at 316 W. Florence Ave in Inglewood, with a taco truck onsite for those who want a great lunch or want to contribute without a car.

The next edition of the LACBC’s popular Sunday Funday rides rolls on Sunday, July 3rd, with the Salute to Our Founding Fathers Ride hosted by board member Greg Laemmle. The ride will start at the Helms Bakery Building and travel Washington, Adams and Jefferson Blvds and the historic West Adams district, as well as exploring the old tombstones at Angelus Rosedale Cemetery, stopping for a bite at La Taquiza, then returning along the route of the new Expo Line. The ride assembles at 9:30 am at the fountain in front of Father’s Office, 3229 Helms Ave, and departs at 10.

And what’s 4th of July weekend without a bike sale?

  • Santa Monica’s Cynergy Cycles is hosting a four day tent sale, with promised savings up to 70% and no sales tax.
  • Helen’s is hosting their annual 6-hour 4th of July sale, with discounts up to 75% on clothing and gear, and up to 50% on bikes; the sale takes place at the Santa Monica and Arcadia locations only. Pro tip: Get there early and line up at least half an hour before the 9:30 am opening; some of the best deals are usually gone within minutes of the doors opening.
  • REI is hosting their Summer Clearance through Monday, the 4th with savings up to 30%, in-store and online.
  • Bicycle Fixation, the bikewear outlet operated by my friend and fellow L.A. cycling advocate Rick Risemberg, is offering free shipping anywhere in the U.S. for purchases over $50.
  • Anyone else having a sale this weekend? Give me a heads-up and I’ll add you to the list.
Next weekend looks like a busy one as well, with some things you’ll definitely want to mark your calender for, including a CicLAvia Community Group Ride led by Joe Linton, a memorial ride for Nick Venuto, the cyclist and father killed in North San Diego when a speeding car flipped over onto an off-road bike path, and a car wash to benefit the Culver City 11 run down by an alleged drunk, speeding and distracted driver.
Oh, and there’s that little bike ride over in France for the next three weeks.

Category: General / Tags: , , , , , ,
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