For the past few days, word has been circulating that a bike rider was killed in Rancho Cucamonga earlier this week.
Sadly, we’ve now received official confirmation.
Jeffrey Rusk forwards a NIXLE notification from the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department reporting that a man riding a bicycle was killed in a collision Tuesday evening.
The crash occurred at 5:44 pm at Rochester Ave and Victoria Park Lane in Rancho Cucamonga.
According to the report, the victim was riding west on Victoria Park, when he apparently turned right onto Rochester Ave. He was struck by a driver headed north on Rochester.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he died.
The driver, a 30-year old man from Rancho Cucamonga, remained at the scene.
The intersection is controlled with a traffic signal in every direction; the report makes no mention who had the right-of-way. However, I’m told witnesses say the pickup driver ran the read light, and hit the victim from behind.
The victim has not been publicly identified, but friends say he was 60-year old San Bernardino resident James Zoltan Williamson.
Rusk describes Williamson as a 63-year old teacher at Heritage Intermediate school. He says he was the “friendliest guy, and a beast on the bike.”
And adds poignantly, “I will miss him.”
Anyone with information is urged to call the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, a division of the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, at 909/477-2800; ask for Deputies B. Ogas or G. Coss Y Leon.
This is at least the 70th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the ninth that I’m aware of in San Bernardino County.
He is also the third bike rider killed in Ranch Cucamonga since the end of June.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for James Zoltan Williamson and all his loved ones.
Thanks to Jeffrey Rusk and CLR Effect’s Michael Wagner for the heads-up.
