Valley cyclists express concern over accidents on Ramon Road
Thursday morning, police say a speeding driver struck and killed Cathedral City resident William Campbell, 32, as he rode eastbound on Ramon Road.
The driver told authorities another driver caused him to lose control. The driver did stop and was seen speaking with deputies before he was handcuffed. They were later released pending a further investigation.
The District Attorney’s office will determine if the driver will face any criminal charges.
“It tore me up because as soon as I saw the picture I knew exactly where it was I’ve ridden through this area hundreds of times,” said Maxine Knapp, front end associate for Triabike, a bicycle store in Palm Springs.
Cyclists in the valley expressed their concerns regarding accidents like this, saying the frequency of accidents like this makes them no longer want to ride.
“I almost went under a truck because a person honked at me. And while I was looking away a truck came up close to me and I didn’t realize” said Maxine Knapp, front end associate for Triabike.
Some cyclists said they are frustrated that 80 percent of Rancho Mirage residents voted no on the plan to build the valley-long CV Link bike path in 2016.
Watch: City leaders speak on no vote (April 2016)
The CV Link project is planned to span about 50 miles across the Coachella Valley, not including the cities of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells, which opted out of the project.
“We were very disappointed,” said local cyclists Russ & Jane Greene. “When you go through Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage we have concerns about the bike safety”
Clay Shafer, a manager at a local bike shop, shared some tips for both drivers and bicyclists that could potentially save a life
“Hand signals are pretty simple, you have two ways to do it, you can use your left hand here and this means you’re turning right and this means you’re turning left. You also have the option to use your right hand if you’re turning right,” Shafer said.
Shafer said that even though state law doesn’t require riders over 18 to wear a helmet, everyone should.
Additionally, cyclists should always wear bright colors and use flashing bike lights.
He added that drivers need to remember that it’s required by law to keep at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist.
Knapp also wanted to remind drivers to be extra careful during the holiday season as there will be plenty of kids with new bikes on the roads.
“If you see someone in the bike lane, it doesn’t hurt to just to the left lane for a second until you pass them but keep in mind it could be your family, your relatives, your next door kids neighbors,” Knapp said.
Download the KESQ & CBS Local 2 app on iTunes or Google Play for up-to-the-minute breaking news alerts & more
More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations
Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2
Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ & @Local2
We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3 & @CBSLocal2
Noticias en español: Telemundo 15
