Posted on: Sunday, October 10, 2004

Bicyclist hit from back, killed on Kalaniana'ole

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser Staff Writer

A 68-year-old bicyclist was killed yesterday morning when the driver of a black Chevy pickup lost control on Kalaniana'ole Highway, considered one of O'ahu's safer routes for cyclists.

The East Honolulu bicyclist, headed east, was hit from behind at 7:30 a.m. He was riding in the clearly marked bike lane on Kalaniana'ole Highway east of Kaimoku Place.

The pickup driver, a 22-year-old East Honolulu woman, and her passenger, a 2-year-old boy, were not injured. They were headed east when the woman lost control of the steering wheel, said Honolulu Police Sgt. Alan Vagas.

Speed may have been a factor, Vagas said. He said a case of negligent homicide was opened, but no arrest was made.

The bicyclist's name was not available, pending notification of his family, according to the Honolulu medical examiner's office.

Organizers of the Hawai'i Bicycling League, which has about 1,000 members, were saddened by the news. The area, with its wide shoulders for bicyclists and runners, is well traveled, said John B. Kelley, a member of the league's board of directors.

"It's rare for a cyclist to be injured from behind," Kelley said. "Usually it's from a car that turns into a cyclist when the car and cyclist are traveling in the same direction, like this incident.

"I'm very distressed about it."

The league plans a routine recreational ride this morning from Kapi'olani Park to Hawai'i Kai, Kelley said. He reminded cyclists to be careful and mindful of cars and road conditions.

"Speeding cars are a huge problem for cyclists, pedestrians, everyone," said John Goody, a member of the Hawai'i Bicycling League. "People have to realize they have to share the road."

The bicyclist was the 50th traffic fatality on O'ahu this year. Last year, 61 people were killed in the same period.

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com or 395-8831.

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