Driver Who Killed Cyclist Is Sentenced : Court: Conrado Deleon receives a two-year prison term for the hit-and-run death of an Anaheim biking enthusiast who had always stressed safety.

Hal Bivens loved cycling and made a point of lecturing others about the importance of bike safety and following the law.

But the 59-year-old Anaheim man’s life ended in July when he was struck and killed on an Orange roadside by a hit-and-run driver, Conrado M. Deleon, who was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison.

Heartbroken family members and friends of Bivens, who gathered in Municipal Court on Wednesday for the sentencing, said they can only hope that his message of safety will live on and help others.

“He was so conscientious,” said Ruby Salem, Bivens’ eldest sister. “Safety on the bike was his biggest thing: Do everything legally; you’re better off.”

Bivens, a retired engineer, was struck and killed July 30 in Orange during a morning ride with his cycling group. He was wearing a helmet and obeying traffic regulations when the crash occurred, authorities said.

Police arrested Deleon, 28, at his home a short while later after investigators tracked the pickup truck witnesses saw leaving the scene of the accident.

Deleon, who worked the graveyard shift as a custodian, said he fell asleep at the wheel while driving home from work and did not realize that he had struck anyone, his lawyer, Deputy Public Defender Robert A. Knox, has said. Deleon’s pickup also hit a parked truck and, in fear, he drove home and hid under the bed, Knox has said.

Deleon pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony hit-and-run and three related misdemeanor charges and was immediately sentenced by Judge Marjorie Laird Carter to two years in prison. He was also ordered to pay more than $8,800 in restitution.

Bivens’ family members, including his 84-year-old father, said they were pleased that Deleon will spend time in state prison rather than serve a shorter term in County Jail, although nothing will ever ease their loss.

“Whatever they do, it will never bring my son back,” said Leo Bivens, his eyes filling with tears.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Mike Fell said that he too was satisfied with the prison sentence and hopes that conclusion of the case will help the victim’s family move on with their lives.

Deleon “knew he hit something, and he knew his windshield was broken,” Fell said. “You don’t ignore that. You have to be responsible.”