Woman killed in Cathedral City collision prompts bicycle safety reminder

The death of a cyclist struck and killed by a vehicle in Cathedral City Wednesday night has prompted local safety advocates and authorities to issue safety reminders to members of the community.

“Speeding is always a factor. I don’t think you can talk to anybody who doesn't say that speeding is a factor on our roads,” said Tamara Wadkins, public information officer for the Palm Springs Police Dept.

May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and police departments throughout the Coachella Valley are encouraging cyclists to ride safely, while at the same time reminding drivers to be on the lookout for people biking and walking.

“You actually have to switch lanes completely when it is safe to pass that bicyclist,” Wadkins said.

John Siegel has been cycling for years and raising awareness about these tragedies is his passion.

“It’s always an ongoing project of ours to make sure that our cities and our infrastructure reflects the needs of the community,” Siegel said.

He says cyclists need to take the proper precautions – like always wearing a helmet – and using reflectors  and lights at night.

“It’s critically important to be as visible as possible and we also know that we need to act predictably because drivers will hit things that they don’t see,” Siegel said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,105 people killed while riding a bike in 2022, and an estimated 46,195 bicyclists were injured. In 2021, 976 bicyclists were killed (a 1.9% increase from 2020) and an estimated 41,615 bicyclists were injured (a 7% increase from 2020).

The most recent Riverside County figures available show bicycle deaths and injuries were up in 2021, at 292 compared to the previous year but still lower than 2019.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department recently put out the following safety tips for bicyclists and drivers:
Drivers

• Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.
• Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or
  opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
• Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when
  passing. California law requires drivers to change a lane, when possible, to
  pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.

Bike Riders

• Use lights at night.
• Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly
  secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury
  in the event of a crash.
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same
  requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

The Coachella Valley Cycling Communities is hosting an event on Wednesday, May 15 honoring cyclists who have been injured or killed on public roadways. "Ride of Silence" will be held at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs at 6:30 PM. Click here for more information on the event .

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