Cyclist struck on Monument Avenue, witnesses rush to help

Witnesses lifted SUV to pull the victim out from underneath the vehicle.

February 21, 2014; 8:32 AM • by Richard Hayes

Update #1 — February 21, 2014; 8:29 AM

Sports Backers have released the following statement, yesterday afternoon, February 20th.

The Sports Backers respond to bicyclist hit on Monument Avenue

RICHMOND, VA – A woman riding a bicycle was hit by a car at approximately 8:10 a.m. this morning at the corner of North Mulberry Street and Monument Avenue in Richmond. The bicyclist was riding west on Monument when a car heading southbound on Mulberry struck her and dragged her 15 feet through the intersection.
The driver of the Honda CR-V reportedly stopped at the stop sign and couldn’t see the bicyclist because the sun was in her eyes. The bicyclist was reported to have been following the rules of the road.

“Our thoughts are with this bicyclist and her friends and family as she recovers,” said Jon Lugbill, Executive Director of the Sports Backers.

“While traffic collisions happen, poor street design has a played role here,” said Max Hepp-Buchanan, Director of Bike Walk RVA for the Sports Backers. “Cars parking too closely to the corners of the intersection have created inadequate sight-lines for anyone trying to make their way across Monument Avenue, regardless of their mode of travel. This condition is not unique to the intersection of Monument and Mulberry – it exists all over the Fan and Museum District. Something needs to be done to fix this situation.”

“The last thing we want is for this to happen again,” said Lugbill. “We can build a better environment for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike. It’s time for real bicycle infrastructure in Richmond that makes riding feel comfortable and that offers people a safe way to navigate the city.”

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Original — February 20, 2014

This morning’s commute took an unfortunate turn when an SUV struck a cyclist on Monument Avenue. According to CBS6 the female victim was dragged about 15 feet after being struck. Witnesses to the accident rushed to the scene and lifted the SUV off the victim and moved her to safety. ~~At least one witness stated that the victim didn’t appear to be wearing a helmet.~~ – Update: Police state that she was wearing a helmet and it probably saved her life.

Richmond Police released the following statement.

At approximately 8:10 a.m. today, a vehicle and bicyclist collided at the intersection of Monument Avenue and Mulberry Street. The bicyclist—an adult female in her mid-20s—was traveling westbound on Monument Avenue when she was struck by a vehicle traveling Southbound on Mulberry Street. The vehicle driver—an adult female in her late 50s—had stopped at the stop sign and looked both ways, but said she did not see the bicyclist, according to Crash Team investigators. The victim was taken to VCU Medical Center with serious injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.

A second update on the victim’s condition was received and she is expected to be OK as the injuries are now described as non life threatening.

Police are asking that people who witnessed the accident to call Sgt. David Selander at 804.513.3647.

Photo: ABC8 News Twitter