Tag Archive for Coldwater Canyon Ave

Update: Woman killed riding bike in Valley Glen collision; second rider hospitalized

Sadly, we now have confirmation of the bad news we mentioned yesterday.

According to the LA Daily News, two people were struck by the driver of an SUV while riding their bikes in LA’s Valley Glen neighborhood Sunday evening.

One victim, identified only as a woman, died at the scene. Her riding companion, who I’m told was a man, was hospitalized with what was described only as a non-life threatening injury.

The collision occurred around 7:50 pm Sunday as they were riding on Coldwater Canyon just north of Victory Boulevard.

The 35-year old driver remained at the scene; she was not arrested.

There’s no official word on how the crash happened. However, I’m told the victim was run over by the SUV, while the other rider was knocked to the curb.

Unfortunately, that’s a common problem with SUVs. The high, flat grills tend to push bike riders and pedestrians under the vehicle in a crash, as opposed to the lower, sloped grills on most cars, which usually push victims onto the hood and windshield.

This is at least the 50th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 13th that I’m aware of in Los Angeles County.

Update: A ghost bike was installed for the victim on Wednesday, October 14th. I’m told she was named Ana, from Sun Valley, and the mother of four young children aged six months to 12 years. 

All of whom will now have to now up without her. 

My deepest sympathy and prayers for Ana and her loved ones.

Thanks to Steve for the heads-up.

Update: NoHo bike rider killed after falling in front of car last week

Sadly, some crashes never make the news.

That was the case in North Hollywood last week, when a bike rider was killed after falling in front of a car that had changed lanes to go around him.

According to an officer with the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division, the 50-year old victim was riding south on Coldwater Canyon Ave near Saticoy Street last Tuesday, riding with one hand while holding a cup of coffee in the other. When he moved left to go around a parked car, he clipped the car’s mirror and fell into the left lane, where he was hit by the car.

Tragically, the driver had seen him, and had already moved left to give him a safe passing distance.

No word yet on the victim’s identification, what time the crash occurred or whether he died at the scene.

This should be a reminder to stay out of the door zone, and hold onto your handlebars as if your life depends on it. Because sometimes, it does.

This is the second bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the second in Los Angeles County. It’s also the first in the city of Los Angeles since the first of the year.

Update: The victim has been identified as 52-year old Efrain Molina; the crash occurred at 5:55 am on Coldwater between Elwood and Saticoy.

My deepest sympathy and prayers for Efrain Molina and his loved ones.