Bicyclist Hit and Killed by 18-Wheeler during Rush Hour

According to the Boston Globe, a bicyclist was struck and killed in rush hour traffic by an 18-wheeler at Porter Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Second Cyclist Fatality since June

Bernard Lavins, 60, was riding his bicycle through busy Porter Square on Wednesday morning when the accident occurred.

Lavins was struck and killed by the tractor-trailer at the intersection of Massachusetts and Somerville Avenues, according to the Boston Globe. The area was cordoned off as the investigation of the deadly collision took place.

Multiple white sheets were seen on the ground near the crash as Lavins’ bike remained crumbled underneath the 18-wheeler. The scene of the crash was closed to traffic for several hours.

According to the Boston Globe, no information is available regarding the cause of the crash. No charges have been brought against the truck driver.

The city’s director of traffic says the intersection where the accident occurred has been of concern for a while. The Boston Globe reports that the city, which is considered very biker-friendly, is working on ways to make the intersection safer and more accessible for drivers and bikers.

Bicycle Crash Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 743 pedalcyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2013. In addition,

• An estimated 48,000 pedalcyclists were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2013.
• Sixty-eight percent of all pedalcyclists who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2013 died in urban area crashes.
• Most pedalcyclist fatalities occurred at non-intersections (57%) in 2013.