Bicyclist, 60, killed by car in Blaine

Police continue to investigate what looks to be a "tragic accident" involving a vehicle driven by a Ramsey woman.

By ALLIE SHAH, Star Tribune

Last update: July 6, 2009 - 11:55 AM

The latest in a recent series of deaths involving bicycle-car crashes occurred Wednesday when a 60-year-old cyclist died after a car struck him in Blaine.

Authorities had not yet released the Blaine man's name on Thursday afternoon, pending notification of his family.

The car's driver, a 32-year-old woman from Ramsey, also was not named.

Blaine Police Chief Chris Olson said the driver was "cooperating with the investigation," adding that no one has been arrested or cited.

"We think this is just a tragic accident at this point," he said.

The accident happened about 3:50 p.m. Wednesday in the 131st block of Jefferson Street NE., a residential area just north of Blaine High School. Olson described the area as somewhat rural, with larger lots.

The cyclist had entered the southbound lane of Jefferson Street. The driver was traveling south on the same road when her car hit the bicycle.

The man was taken to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, where he was pronounced dead.

At least two other cyclists have died in recent months in accidents involving motor vehicles.

Daniel Peterson, 15, of Rosemount, was riding his bicycle in southern Minnesota when he was struck and killed by an SUV.

Minneapolis cyclist Dennis Dumm was traveling in a bike lane near downtown Minneapolis last month when he was killed by a semitrailer truck.

"We have realized a little bit of an uptick in bicycle-related fatalities of late," said Tim Mitchell, director of the bicycle and pedestrian section for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

He said he suspects the increase stems, in part, from the growing number of people choosing to ride bikes, whether for economic, environmental or health reasons.

Last year was the deadliest year for bicyclists since 2000. In all, 13 cyclists died in accidents on Minnesota roads.

State transportation officials say a major contributing factor to bicycle-motor vehicle collisions is failure to yield the right-of-way. For safety tips, go to www.sharetheroadmn.org/resources.html

Allie Shah • 612-673-4488

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