November 9, 2020
Santa Clara: 84-Year-Old Bicyclist Riding Against Traffic Killed After Crashing With A Truck
Bay Area News Group's San Jose Mercury News reports that on November 5, 2020, an 84-year-old woman collided with pickup truck that was turning onto El Camino Real from a parking lot in Santa Clara, California.
The El Camino Real and Kiely Boulevard crash was reported just before 2:00 PM, per a Santa Clara Police Department news release. The female bicyclist sustained “significant injuries.” Sadly, she died after being rushed to the hospital.
Police investigation revealed the cyclist was riding her bike westbound, in the eastbound lanes of El Camino Real, when she collided with a red 2010 Ford Ranger that was turning onto the roadway from an adjacent parking lot.
The pickup truck driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the police. Apparently, alcohol, drugs and distracted driving did not play a role in the crash.
In this case, the bicyclist was riding westbound in the eastbound lane. This means she was riding her bike against the flow of traffic. Some cyclists feel safer riding this way, because they can see the traffic that would usually be behind them, But, it's not legal, and it's very dangerous. Bicycles have to follow all the rules and regulations of the road, just like motor vehicles.
California Vehicle Code section 21650.1 states: “A bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway."
Gardner Law's Attorney Renee Yvonne Gardner represents victims of car and bicycle accidents who seek justice for their injuries. Gardner Law also represents the heirs of people who die as a result of auto accidents. If you are an accident victim, who suffered an injury, or your loved one was killed in an accident, don't talk to the insurance, and don't handle your case on your own. Instead, call Gardner Law at (408) 214-5555, or complete the Contact form on this website. Attorney Renee Yvonne Gardner awaits your call.
Disclaimer: This post was created solely using secondary sources. Therefore, its information has not been verified. If any information appears to be inaccurate, please contact Gardner Law, Renee Gardner Attorney, immediately by phone, or through our online Contact form. Necessary corrections will be made.
Disclaimer: This post is not legal advice. Attorney Renee Gardner provided this post for general purposes, and to try and help the public, should they suddenly find themselves a victim of an accident or wrongful death. Accident victims and family members of those killed in accidents should immediately seek legal assistance to protect their rights. Injured victims should also seek immediate medical care to assess and treat their injuries.
