For once, it mattered that a victim was wearing a bike helmet.
But sadly, it didn’t make a difference this time.
Because a 72-year old man died after suffering a head injury in a fall off his bicycle, while swerving to avoid someone on a scooter in Oceanside Sunday morning.
A seven-year old child.
The victim, who hasn’t been publicly identified, was riding with a companion when they caught up to a family headed in the same direction, San Luis Rey River Trail near Mance Buchanon Park, around 10:40 am.
The child on the scooter “unintentionally veered” into the victim’s path as they were trying to pass, causing him to fall. Despite wearing a helmet, the man suffered a head injury.
Relatively slow speed falls like that are exactly what bike helmets are designed to protect against, but this time, it didn’t seem to help.
The victim was taken by ambulance to a nearby fire station, but died before he could be airlifted to a hospital, despite the efforts of first responders.
Apparently the child was unharmed. Physically, anyway.
This is at least the 52nd bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the 12th that I’m aware of in San Diego County.
My deepest sympathy for the victim and his loved ones.
