A man was apparently killed riding an ebike in Long Beach Friday night.
Apparently, because the victim was found lying unresponsive on the center median of Artesia Blvd.
And because it’s not clear what kind of electric bike he was riding, or how it happened.
According to My News LA, police responded to reports of an unconscious man in the median on Artesia Blvd near Indiana Ave around 9:40 pm.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, the victim, who was not publicly identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators speculated that he somehow lost control of his ebike while riding in the left lane and hit the median, and was thrown from his bike.
The belief that he was riding in the left lane and hit the curb with enough force to cause his death suggests he may have been riding an electric motorbike or dirt bike, rather than a bicycle.
However, it’s also possible that he was on a ped-assist bike, and may have been forced into the median by a motorist or hit a pothole.
With the limited information available, all we can do is speculate. Hopefully, we’ll learn more soon.
This is the third bicycling fatality that I’m aware in of Southern California this year, and the third in Los Angeles County.
Update: The victim was identified as Robert Neal, but no age or city of residence was given.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Robert Neal and his loved ones.
