1 Dead, 1 Injured In Crash Involving Cyclists, SUV In South San Jose
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) – A cyclist was killed and another cyclist suffered major injuries following a crash involving a SUV in East San Jose on Monday morning.
According to a statement from police, the crash took place near Vistapark Drive and Capitol Expressway shortly before 7:45 a.m.
Police said the bicyclists, both adult males, were riding southbound on Vistapark when a gray Chevrolet SUV driven by an adult female struck the cyclists while entering the street from a strip mall parking lot.
Following the crash, the cyclists were hospitalized. One of the cyclists was pronounced dead a short time later, while the second cyclist suffered life-threatening injuries and is in critical condition.
The cyclists were in a bike lane and traffic laws say the driver should have yielded to all traffic.
"Any time you're exiting a parking lot, you have yield to pedestrian, vehicle traffic, as well as bicycles. So, the bicyclists would have the right of way because they were already in the roadway traveling southbound on Vistapark," said Gena Tepoorten of the San Jose Police Department. "She was exiting a parking lot, we know, when this happened.
Police said the driver remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. The woman waited in a patrol car for much of the morning, and appeared visibly emotional after speaking with investigators shortly after news of the fatality had been released.
"Well, you can imagine, she hit two bicyclists. She's obviously very shaken up and distraught," said Tepoorten.
Investigators say alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor. According to records, the 2013 Chevy SUV is registered to Julie Bernal.
Authorities said the incident is the 26th fatal collision that occurred in San Jose this year.
Gene Hill, a resident of the area for 47 years, says drivers can be seen rolling through nearby stop signs all the time.
"But, it's really tough for bicyclists. There's a huge amount of traffic on this street. I admire them getting their exercise and getting out in this beautiful air. It's a nice neighborhood. But I'm sorry this sort of thing happens," said Hill.
The identity of the cyclist killed is being withheld pending notification of family.