Once again, riding on the wrong side of the road has claimed the life of a Los Angeles bike rider.
The Eastsider reports a bike rider identified only as a Latino man in his early thirties was hit and killed in Lincoln Heights early this morning.
The victim was riding south on Humboldt Street on the wrong side of the road when he was struck by a driver traveling north on Avenue 26 at 1:30 am. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
No other information is available at this time. The site notes the investigation is ongoing.
A street view shows an intersection with four lanes on 26th, with an offset crossing at Humboldt controlled by a stop sign.
While some people believe riding against traffic is safer because they can see cars coming, it’s actually one of the most dangerous things you can do. According to the LAPD, riding salmon is leading cause of serious bicycling collisions in many parts of Los Angeles.
In this case, the victim would have been hidden from view by the upholstery shop on the right side of the street, as well as any cars parked on the lot until the last moment — particularly if the vehicle was traveling at speed, which is likely given the hour. And the vehicle would have been hidden from his sight, as well.
This is the 36th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 12th in Los Angeles County; it’s also the third in the City of Los Angeles.
Update: The Eastsider has updated its story to identify the victim as 22-year old Los Angeles resident Giovanni Cali.
He was riding with a companion who saw the car and was able to avoid it; unfortunately, Cali did not see it in time. The driver remained at the scene, and was not under the influence.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Giovanni Cali and his loved ones.
Thanks to Patrick Pascal for the heads-up.
