Cyclist killed by cement truck: Portland

Here is what Lt. Kruger can report after an initial investigation:

The truck was headed northbound on SW 14th Ave. and it came to a stop at a red light on W. Burnside. When the truck’s light turned green, the truck began to turn right (eastbound) onto W. Burnside. At that point, somehow a bicycle collided with the truck.

Kruger said they cannot tell what type of movement (if any) the bicyclist was making before the collision. He said there were no skid marks from the bicycle tire.

Oregonian reporter Stuart Tomlinson used to ride through that same intersection. He reports that witnesses in the restaurant directly adjacent to the corner say both the truck and the cyclist were stopped, but when the light turned green the cyclist went straight and the truck turned right.

[*Warning: The photo of the crash scene (below) might be unsettling for some viewers.]

Lt. Kruger described the bicycle as a green singlespeed Nishiki “Citysport” road bike with front and rear brakes. The victim was reportedly a female. The Oregonian is also reporting that a witness said “she was very young and carrying books in a shoulder bag.”

Here is what Lt. Kruger can report after an initial investigation:

The truck was headed northbound on SW 14th Ave. and it came to a stop at a red light on W. Burnside. When the truck’s light turned green, the truck began to turn right (eastbound) onto W. Burnside. At that point, somehow a bicycle collided with the truck.

Kruger said they cannot tell what type of movement (if any) the bicyclist was making before the collision. He said there were no skid marks from the bicycle tire.

Oregonian reporter Stuart Tomlinson used to ride through that same intersection. He reports that witnesses in the restaurant directly adjacent to the corner say both the truck and the cyclist were stopped, but when the light turned green the cyclist went straight and the truck turned right.

[*Warning: The photo of the crash scene (below) might be unsettling for some viewers.]

Lt. Kruger described the bicycle as a green singlespeed Nishiki “Citysport” road bike with front and rear brakes. The victim was reportedly a female. The Oregonian is also reporting that a witness said “she was very young and carrying books in a shoulder bag.”

Kruger says they are not issuing any citations at this time and that the driver’s blood and urine tests showed no signs of intoxication.

Now, the Police report will be submitted to the District Attorney and the DA will consider whether or not the truck driver has any criminal liability.

Here is a photo of the scene taken about 30 minutes after the collision. 14th is one-way and has a bike lane.
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I spent the last several hours just being at the intersection where this tragedy occurred. I rode in the bike lane where the 19 year-old Salem women last rode, I talked with passersby. But mostly, I just sat and thought.

Then, just before midnight, I watched two local cyclists chain a Ghost Bike to the pole.

Now, just a few feet from the fateful collision, there is a stark reminder that “A cyclist was killed here”.

Tonight’s memorial ride is an opportunity to come together with other cyclists and express your condolences to the victim’s friends. It will be a respectful and solemn procession. I hope you’ll join us.

Meet at 6:00 pm at west end of the Burnside Bridge.