CALIFORNIA BICYCLE NEWS AND CYCLING SAFETY TIPS BLOG

Cyclist Killed in Accident During Organized Ride

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Dudek Law Firm

An 18-year-old cyclist was killed in a bicycle accident on UCLA’s campus on August 28, according to sources. Reports indicate that cyclist Jerico Culata lost control and crashed into a wall during the Critical Mass ride. Critical Mass is an organized monthly ride that takes place in over 300 cities around the world. Witnesses say Culata was riding down a steep hill followed by a sharp turn when he lost control. Culata was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries. Two other cyclists were injured in unrelated crashes during the ride. Their conditions were not made available to the press. “A lot of people aren’t from around here, so they didn’t know that it was a hill going and it was just a quick stop,” said cyclist Jose Barbarena. “You had to turn, so some of them just took the hill all the way down without…
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Cyclist Killed after Motorist Fails to Yield; No Charges Filed

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Dudek Law Firm

A St. Helena cyclist died in a collision with a BMW on August 18, according to sources. Cyclist Richard Becker, 54, was riding his Concorde Gavina bicycle when he was struck by a motorist making a left turn. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) identified the motorist as Kimberly Kingman, 39, of Napa. Becker was thrown from his bicycle onto the pavement. According to CHP records, Becker was riding downhill and there were no stop signs at the intersection when Kingman crossed into his path. Becker had the right-of-way. Paramedics rushed Becker to the hospital, where he died of his injuries. Kingman suffered minor injuries and was released at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. As more people are switching to bicycles for sport or transportation, motorists must learn to share the road, especially in urban areas. “While there may be some lawbreaking among the cycling population, very few if…
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Alert Bus Driver Foils Driver’s Getaway

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Dudek Law Firm

This video from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania captures a terrifying hit-and-run incident on the freeway. After striking a cyclist, this motorist immediately attempts to flee with absolutely no consideration for the victim. The cyclist was riding in the street due to construction on the roadway. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation created a walkway along the road, but it is for pedestrians and cyclists are not permitted to use it. The quick thinking by this bus driver to halt the fleeing motorist proved to be effective, as well as the driver who backed the car in behind the bus. “Los Angeles Police Department Sergeant David Krumer and Commander David Doan sorted through massive collision data for 2008, and found that in 2008, 23 percent of bike involved traffic collisions are hit-and-run—3 percent were misdemeanor and 20 percent were felonies,” said a report published by BikeSideLA.org. If you witness a hit-and-run, you should contact the…
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