This morning, I received two separate reports of a serious crash involving a bike rider and a tractor-trailer on Santa Monica Blvd in West Los Angeles.
David Drexler emailed to say he had driven past a crash involving a tractor-trailer at the southbound onramp to the 405 freeway on Santa Monica Blvd.
I could not get on the highway there at approx. 10 am, ramp was closed and highway patrol looked like it set up an investigation scene. There was a very crumbled bicycle in the middle lane of the on ramp sitting at the back tires of the truck that was sitting in the lane as well. The victim must have been removed earlier.
That was followed by this tweet from CG.
It's true. I drive by this on ramp everyday to turn onto Beloit Ave. I had to drive by the truck to make my turn. I did not see the accident and this was before any first responders were on the scene. It was awful, the cyclist was under the truck. #RIP
— healthdatanerd (@healthdatanerd) November 8, 2018
Then late this afternoon, Caltrans District 7 confirmed the death on Twitter.
@bikinginla here’s your update
— healthdatanerd (@healthdatanerd) November 8, 2018
As anyone who has tried to ride that section of Santa Monica Blvd knows, it is a very dangerous, poorly designed and overly crowded intersection, with a high risk of a right hook or left cross from drivers attempting to get onto the 405.
Not to mention the usual jockeying for position from too-often distracted drivers trying to snake through the congestion.
Most riders don’t try it second time, opting for the safety of Ohio Blvd a few blocks to the north; those who do usually stick to the sidewalks, which are often blocked by homeless people.
And even that requires coming off the sidewalk to ride past the onramp.
For whatever reason, this person sadly paid the price for that bad design.
This is at least the 44th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 22nd that I’m aware of in Los Angeles County.
Update: A GoFundMe page has identified the victim as Frank Guzman; it’s raised over $500 of the $5,000 goal in the first few hours.
A family member describes him like this.
Frank was a kind, thoughtful soul. Always smiling and positive. He was biking because he enjoyed the fresh air and was doing it to lose weight and maintain an active lifestyle. We miss him dearly. We love you, Frank!
— E (@pacoymadge) November 10, 2018
She added this —
Frank was 31, lived in Glendale and is survived by his parents, two siblings, his girlfriend and niece who he adored. He worked full time and was also in school trying to further his education. He was a foodie. Loved to try new things & always seeking adventure.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Frank Guzman and all his loved ones.
Thanks to David Drexler and CG for the heads-up.
