Cyclist Killed in Hit and Run on Southeast Side

 

Police Search for Driver After Hit and Run Kills Cyclist

San Antonio police are looking for a driver that hit and killed a cyclist and then fled the scene, according to a San Antonio Express-News report. The accident occurred early Friday morning, just before 2 a.m. when drivers on the 3500 block of Roland Avenue reported a mangled bicycle with a man next to it on the side of the road. According to the police report, a driver failed to navigate a turn at a curve in the road and clipped the cyclist, driving off without stopping to assist him. The unidentified man was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Did You Know?

Drivers in Texas who injure a pedestrian are legally required to stop and render aid. Drivers who flee the scene of an accident involving serious injury can be criminally charged and serve jail time.

Cycling in San Antonio

The city of San Antonio is home to beautiful scenery, perfect for a bike ride. Unfortunately, the city is also not very safe for cyclists. Despite boasting sixty-five miles of developed bike trails and 315.5 miles of bike lanes, the city ranks 45 out of 100 for accessibility and safety. And no wonder – one in five of all traffic fatalities in Texas are pedestrian deaths, and cyclists are considered pedestrians. 

One of the primary reasons biking is unsafe in San Antonio is that most drivers and/or cyclists do not always know the appropriate traffic laws when it comes to sharing the road. Both drivers and cyclists have equal responsibility to follow all of the relevant traffic laws, including;

1. Riding on the Right – Cyclists who are moving slower than regular traffic must ride to the right side of the lane and ride in the same direction as traffic. This does not mean riding on the curb, and vehicles have a responsibility to safely provide adequate space for cyclists.
2. Taking a Lane – If a cyclist is traveling at the same speed as traffic or if there is no space for a cyclist to ride to the right safely, then they are permitted to take a lane. It is recommended that the cyclist moves to the center of the lane, and drivers should not attempt to pass them and should provide a safe following distance. This also applies to cyclists making a left turn or using a roundabout.
3. Riding at Night – Cyclists are required to equip their bikes with a lamp that emits a white light at least 500 feet to the front, as well as a rear reflector or red light visible for at least 500 feet to the rear. Motorists have a responsibility to watch for cyclists and provide adequate space for their safe operation.

If a motorist strikes a cyclist, they must stop and render aid and call the police if there is any property damage or injury. Fleeing the scene is a punishable offense and could result in jail time. Learn more about traffic safety laws in the Texas Guide to Safe Bicycling.

Injured While Cycling in San Antonio?

If you were injured in an accident while cycling in San Antonio, Carabin Shaw can help. Our team of highly experienced personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have thirty years of experience representing the injured across San Antonio. Don’t Wait! Contact us today for a free case evaluation at 800-862-1260. We look forward to serving you.