Bicyclist killed in crash with car

Jennifer Moore

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Thirty thousand bicyclists are killed or injured each year in the United States. Recently, in Louisville, Kentucky, a bicyclist riding on the Second Street bridge was killed when he collided with an automobile. This tragic death has sparked debate about how to make Louisville a more friendly bike town. Efforts are being made to increase the number of bike lanes throughout downtown. However, motorists must be cognizant of bicyclists and motorcyclists on the roadway to prevent collisions and injuries.

The driver who hit Cronen doesn't face any charges. That has raised questions about how motorists and bicyclists share the roadway.

There is no way of knowing what really happened Tuesday afternoon on the Second Street Bridge. Metro Police say that without personally witnessing the accident or having another witness at the scene, they are not charging the motorist with a crime.

But it's not because it was a car vs. cyclist. Police spokesperson Alicia Smiley told me it would be the same whether it was a car vs. motorcycle or car vs. car. But some feel that letting the motorist off scott-free because he didn't see Cronen riding his bicycle is sending the wrong message -- particularly if the mayor wants so desperately to make this a bicycle-friendly city.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.