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 any of those transgressions of the law are resulting in death or serious injury,” said Paul Steely White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, a cycling advocacy group. “But when a trucker runs the red light or speeds the consequences very often are deadly.”
White raises a valid point. Please visit our website for more information on bicycle accidents, and contact our office today for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured.
Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego bicycle accident attorney.