Last Thursday, while hundreds of cyclists were testifying in support of the draft 2020 Master Bike Plan, a cyclist was hit by a car just a few blocks away at Nueces and Fifth Street. According to reports by the Austin American Statesman, witnesses said the cyclist ran the red light. LOBV president Rob D’Amico came upon the accident after the City Council meeting noting the cyclist was screaming in pain and the vehicles windshield was smashed.
Sadly, ATXBS is reporting this cyclist died over the weekend due to the head trauma in the accident. Correction, ATXB is now reporting that the cyclist is in critical condition, not deceased. It has been noted that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet or lights, though the fact that he likely ran the light contributed most to the accident. It’s always sad to lose a member of our community, and I hope everyone takes this news as a reminder to be safe out there and remember when bikes and cars converge the car usually wins.
on May 27th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Hey y’all, it turns out the source I got my original information from was incorrect; I’m really sorry about that. According to the APD (I’ve heard this from 3 people now) the cyclist is “in serious condition but still alive”. They cannot release his identity but assure us it’s not A.J. Wiggins as I’d previously assumed (due to age and time of death). Keep your fingers crossed for the injured cyclist’s recovery!
on May 27th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
[...] update on a story we ran yesterday about a cyclist who was hit Thursday night during the City Council meeting on the Master Bike Plan. [...]
on May 27th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
No problem. It happens. Thanks for the update.