Category Archives: Cycling Accidents

Information about cycling accidents in and around San Diego with emphasis on bike law and bicycle safety from an experienced cyclist and bicycle crash attorney.

Where Are San Diego Cyclists Most Vulnerable to Hit-and-Runs?

Between 2009 and June of this year, 57 pedestrians and bicyclists have died after a hit-and-run accident in San Diego County. This number does not include car accident fatalities, or the more than 6,000 victims who were injured in similar accidents but survived. So far in 2014, there have been 11 hit-and-run fatalities. That number may not seem like much but consider the fact that it is only June, and since 2009, the average number of fatalities has been 10 or less for the whole year. Pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable to hit-and-run accidents due to decreased visibility and fewer safety options than cars or even motorcycles. They are also more exposed to the road, and therefore, more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries. An enterprising researcher compiled a map of all San Diego hit-and-run locations, along with a short description of each case. Highway authorities hope that by combining the…
Read More »

Posted in Bike Safety, Cycling Accidents, General News | Comments Off on Where Are San Diego Cyclists Most Vulnerable to Hit-and-Runs?

Hit-And-Run Driver Ordered to Stand Trial for Injuring San Diego Cyclist

On May 29, a 51-year-old Ramona man was ordered to stand trial for a hit-and-run accident that severely injured a San Diego cyclist. Back in October, Douglas Lane was traveling down State Route 67 when he attempted to pass two cars on the right, cutting them off in the process. During the maneuver, his side mirror struck Ambika Sundarsan, a bicyclist who was traveling on the right shoulder. Witnesses report that the impact cracked Sundarsan’s helmet and knocked her to the ground. Lane did not stop, but police located him several miles from the scene, because he pulled over to speak with one of the drivers he cut off. After their investigation, the police took Lane into custody and released him on a $50,000 bond. Sundarsan was on the road that morning to participate in a bicycle ride for cancer research. As a result of the accident, Sundarsan suffered a…
Read More »

Posted in Bike Safety, Cycling Accidents | Comments Off on Hit-And-Run Driver Ordered to Stand Trial for Injuring San Diego Cyclist

Family Gathers to Mourn Bicyclist Killed by Drunk Driver

Recently, friends and loved ones gathered in Coronado to mourn the death of a cyclist who they remember as a caring, dedicated father and husband. David Voigt, 44, was riding home from his job at the Sweetwater Water Authority when a drunk driver struck and killed him. Michael Reyes was driving a Nissan Maxima that had been reported stolen when he cut across oncoming traffic near J Street and Dennis Avenue. The Maxima jumped the curb, striking Voigt so hard that his bike split in two. Voigt was critically injured and transported to a local hospital, but died shortly afterwards. Reyes, believed to be intoxicated at the time of the crash, survived but was seriously injured. The police arraigned him a few days later from his hospital bed, charging him with gross vehicular manslaughter, vehicle theft, driving with a suspended license and possession of a controlled substance. Due to the…
Read More »

Posted in Bike Safety, Cycling Accidents, San Diego | Comments Off on Family Gathers to Mourn Bicyclist Killed by Drunk Driver