Cars, Bikes Needn’t Be Deadly Mix

The recent deaths of three bicyclists in separate accidents in Orange County provide a sobering reminder of the fragile coexistence between riders on two wheels and drivers of bigger vehicles.

In a Seal Beach accident a month ago and another in Dana Point two weeks ago police reported the riders were in bicycle lanes and not at fault. In the third, in Huntington Beach on Sept. 13, the bicycle slid out of control and the rider was thrown under the wheels of a van, according to police.

All three men were wearing helmets, evidence that while helmets are an essential part of a bike rider’s garb, they can’t prevent all deaths any more than a car’s seat belts can.

It may be that the three deaths, all on Pacific Coast Highway or close to it, in such a short period were happenstance. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department said bicycle fatalities are not a big problem.

But the accidents should prompt car, van and truck drivers to keep a sharper eye out for bicyclists, who are always vulnerable.

Bike riders certainly are aware of the dangers they face. Even if motorists give them breathing room, there are potholes to avoid and parked cars to dodge. Good riders try to anticipate problems and have a plan for evasive action, should it be required.

But backup plans can’t always be used. Seal Beach police said Lawrence Martin Hilbert was killed when struck by a car driven by a man who allegedly was drunk. Less than three weeks later, in Dana Point, David Brian Simpson was killed when a van swerved into the bike lane. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department said the accident was still under investigation. In Huntington Beach, police said they were unsure why Wayne Bieske’s bicycle slid out of control and pitched him into a van whose driver had no time to stop.

One encouraging development in recent years has been a decline in the number of serious injuries suffered by children since a 1994 state law required bicycle riders under 18 to wear helmets.

Bicycle riding is fun and healthy, which is why so many people enjoy it. Unfortunately, in urban areas it also can be dangerous. Riders usually realize that, but car drivers also need to remember the need for caution.