This has been a deadly week for SoCal bicyclists.
In the wake of two previously reported fatal collisions in Oxnard and Sun Valley on Sunday and Monday, two other riders lost their lives in Orange County on Monday.
The first of these occurred near the intersection of Cerritos and Magnolia avenues in Stanton around 1:50 pm.
The Orange County Register reports 79-year old Anaheim resident Tam Nguyen was struck by the driver of a car while riding his ebike. He was taken to UC Irvine Medical Center, where he died sometime later.
The driver, who has not been publicly identified, stopped in a nearby parking lot before returning. Police do not believe he or she was under the influence.
There’s no word on exactly where the crash occurred, which street Nguyen was on, or how the crash happened.
A street view doesn’t help, since we don’t know where the crash took place.
Nguyen was initially unidentified at the time of his death. Which should once again serve as a tragic reminder to always carry some form of ID when you ride.
This is at least the 39th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the fourth that I’m aware of in Orange County.
Update: Peter Flax points out that Cerritos was recommended for a Complete Streets makeover, but rejected due to political concerns.
Anyway, check this out. This is what UC Berkley consultants wrote about the EXACT STRETCH OF ROAD where this recent death occurred. This was in a Complete Streets Assessment made in 2016 for the City of Stanton and it sums up the problem in SoCal in frightening terms. pic.twitter.com/8HdWU5aCmn
— Peter Flax (@Pflax1) October 12, 2018
He also points out that it is the same street where Debra Gresham was killed two years ago.
Let’s hope Orange County is held accountable for not fixing it.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Tam Nguyen and all his loved ones.
