Riding a bike offers many potential benefits as a means of transportation, recreation and exercise. However, there are also hazards involved, as a collision with an automobile has the potential to cause great harm to a bicyclist. Such a collision recently killed a 56-year-old man riding a bicycle near the small community of Waverly in Johnson County, Indiana.
The accident occurred Friday evening during rush hour. It was raining at the time, which decreased visibility and made conditions unfavorable for autos and bicycles alike. A 37-year-old man was driving an SUV on State Road 37, heading southbound. Authorities allege that SUV hit the bicycle when the cyclist, who died at the scene, failed to yield to oncoming traffic while heading northeast on Stones Crossing Road.
It is unknown whether the driver of the SUV sustained any injuries in the collision, but law enforcement asserts that he is cooperating with the investigation. Although authorities do not believe that alcohol use was a factor in the crash, they nevertheless took the driver to a hospital to draw blood for testing.
The reason why the bicyclist was out riding in poor conditions remains unclear, but the president of the Central Indiana Bicycle Association issued a statement reminding bicyclists to wear reflective clothing while riding at night and to equip their bikes with lights on the rear as well as the front. She also reminded drivers to be aware of cyclists sharing the road. Those hurt in a roadway accident involving a bicycle may wish to discuss the case with an attorney.
