Sunday bike collision turns fatal

Cause still under investigation

A Bellevue man involved in a crash with a vehicle Sunday while riding his bicycle died from his injuries early Monday morning at Harborview Medical Center. 

The crash occurred around 5:45 p.m. Sunday on Southeast Eighth Street at 145th Avenue Southeast in east Bellevue. The collision involved a 28-year-old Kenmore man, who was driving, and the 72-year-old bicyclist, whose name has not yet been released by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Bellevue Police are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash. Impairment due to drugs or alcohol is not suspected at this time. 

As part of their standard response to fatal and serious-injury crashes, transportation engineering staff also will study the crash location, as well as the police report, to determine what possible changes can be made to improve safety for bicyclists.

As fall days grow shorter and wetter, city officials urge all roadway users to drive, ride and walk safely. Remember to:

• Scan the road ahead, watching at intersections especially for pedestrians, bicycles and cars.
• Use a light at night. For bikes, a white light in front and red reflector or light in back.
• Obey traffic signals and signs. Drivers and bicyclists have the same privileges and responsibilities.
• Communicate with others. Make eye contact and signal your turns and lane changes.

The city has a bicycle map, with safety tips for people riding bikes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers useful tips for motorists.

City departments are collaborating to make roadways safer through its Vision Zero program, an effort to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on city streets by 2030.