Ventura County is having its worst year in memory for bicycling deaths — and it’s only getting worse.
And this time, the victim was a kid.
According to a late night notice from the Simi Valley Police Department, the victim, identified only as a 13-year old juvenile riding an ebike, was killed in a collision with a train on Saturday.
The victim was riding on the east sidewalk of Sequoia Ave, heading south, when they “failed to stop in time” at the railroad crossing at Sequoia and Los Angeles Ave, and was struck by a passing Amtrak train.
It’s not clear if the victim died at the scene, or was taken to a local hospital.
A street view shows crossing gates on Sequoia, but it would have been easy to go around them on the sidewalk.
If the description is accurate, it suggests that the victim tried and failed to stop in time, raising questions of how fast the ebike was going — and what type of ebike a victim that young was riding. As well as why the crossing gates did not provide more warning before the train arrived.
It’s also possible that the victim may not have noticed the gates were down, or could have tried to go around the gates after they had been lowered.
Either way, it’s a needless tragedy that will be felt throughout the community.
Anyone with information is urged to call Simi Valley Police Department Traffic Investigator Abel Martinez at 805/583-6224, or email AMartinez@simivalley.org. Or contact Simi Valley Police Department Traffic Supervisor Sergeant Josh McAlister at 805/583-6940, email JMcAlister@simivalley.org.
This the 27th bicycling fatality that I’m aware of in Southern California this year, and the fourth in Ventura County.
That compares to three all year last year, and two the year before.
Update: The victim has been identified as 13-year old Reis Beck, “a loving, sports-crazed boy who had a special relationship with his three brothers and his parents.”
According to KCBS-2, he was riding a Class 3 ped-assist ebike, which could have legally reached speeds up to 28 mph. And as Christian points out below, he was riding on the sidewalk that would have faced traffic, so the traffic arm would have been on the opposite side of the railroad tracks.
KTLA-5 reports that a statement from the Simi Valley Youth Baseball League posted on Instagram describes Reis as “more than a talented ballplayer.”
“He was a beloved son, brother, teammate and a true friend to so many,” the post says. “His love for the game was evident every time he stepped on the field, but it was his kindness, his energy and his unforgettable smile that truly made him special.”
A memorial has been set up inside Simi Valley’s Sinaloa Middle School, where he was in the 7th grade.
Meanwhile, a crowdfunding campaign to support his family has raised more than $54,000 of the $90,000 goal.
My deepest sympathy for Reis Beck and all their friends, family and loved ones.
Thanks to Linda for the heads-up.
