Cyclist dead after avoiding van parked in bike lane

A 36-year old cyclist was fatally struck by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Pasig City after he tried to avoid a delivery van that was parked along the bicycle lane.

According to Chino Gaston’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” the delivery truck was parked Tuesday afternoon along the bike lane along Shaw Boulevard in Barangay Kapitolyo as the driver and his assistant were unloading water containers.

Prior to the accident, the victim overtook another cyclist as he seemed to avoid the parked van. As he was doing so the van’s rear door suddenly opened, hitting the victim.

According to police, the impact forced the cyclist to swerve and into the path of incoming vehicles where vehicles.

The 36-year-old victim was struck from the rear by an SUV and was declared dead on the spot. 

Police said the victim was riding home to Cainta, Rizal from work.

Authorities arrested the 40-year-old SUV driver and 59-year-old delivery van driver.

Both are facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

According to the victim’s family, a funeral will be held for two days in Cainta before his remains are brought to Iloilo City.

Authorities reminded motorists to avoid obstructing bike lanes since these were created for the safety of cyclists and not for the use of motor vehicles. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News