Hit-And-Run Crashes Involving Bicyclists On The Rise
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- There's been a spike in hit-and-run crashes involving bicyclists. Police in Anne Arundel County get a break in one case that landed a bicyclist in the hospital.
Monique Griego reports police still need help finding two other dangerous drivers.
It took police a little more than two weeks to track down the alleged driver. And while fellow cyclists are happy for the arrest, they say there still are dangerous issues that need to be addressed.
A stretch of East College Parkway is where Steven Seigel, 59, was struck by a car while riding his bike.
The driver didn't stop but a witness snapped a picture of the alleged car. It's what led to William Kirby, 25, and his damaged car.
"I'm glad the guy got caught and I hope he pays his dues," said Kris Rhoe, Seigel's neighbor and fellow cyclist.
He says Kirby's arrest doesn't help the dangerous conditions riders face.
"Nobody wants to give leeway," Rhoe said. "I've actually reached out and hit cars."
In 2009, 630 bicyclists were killed nationwide, 11 in Maryland.
Within the last month, three cyclists in Anne Arundel County have been hit by drivers who fled. A man struck on Bon Air Road died. Police put out this sketch of the alleged driver and her vehicle.
"The lack of humanity is what really grabs at me," said cyclist Penny Troutner.
Troutner, who owns Light Street Cycles, says as the number of riders picks up pace, Baltimore is falling behind.
She said that with more cyclists on the road, drivers need to be more informed about riders' rights. She also said the city needs to improve existing bike lanes and add more.
"If you compare us to other cities, other states, our record is so poor in helping cyclists," Troutner said.
She said if roads and rules aren't fixed, things are only going to get worse.
Kirby is facing several charge, including failure to stop at an accident and failure to render aid. He is currently being held in jail on $75,000 bond.
If you have any information on the unsolved cases, you're asked to call Anne Arundel County Police.
