Arlington Cyclist Involved in Collision, Dies

[Mark Blacknell]

A cyclist and car collided on the Four Mile Run Drive access road near Walter Reed Drive, this afternoon. It occurred here:

The ACPD news release:

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred this afternoon in the 4000 block of Four Mile Run Drive. At approximately 2:56 p.m. on Saturday [Sunday, actually – ed.], May 8, 2011, police responded for a bicyclist that collided with a vehicle.

Investigation revealed that an adult man was riding his bicycle south on South Walter Reed Drive and turned right onto the access road of Four Mile Run Drive. It appears that when he turned onto Four Mile Run Drive, he crossed into oncoming traffic and struck an occupied vehicle. The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene of the accident. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead. He will be identified once the next of kin has been notified.

The Arlington County Police asking that any witnesses of the accident contact the Department at 703 558-2222, or Detective Don Fortunato at 703 228-4197.

This explanation makes sense in light of the markings on the road (I visited the scene after I heard the first ARLnow report, in the hope that I could better understand, first hand, what happened). However, it’s not clear to me, as cyclist who has made this same turn, why the cyclist would have taken that path. The report has the cyclist coming down the hill you see in the left corner of the photo (and it’s quite a long and steep hill), and given the position of the collision, apparently deciding to turn after the slip turn lane you see on the left, and coming completely across into the far lane.

(As I thought more about it, and posted in a comment to my own site, it’s quite possible that that the cyclist did make the slip lane, went into the car coming the other direction, and was carried back toward the intersection as the car came to a halt (I’m assuming that the comments posted at ARLnow about a smashed windshield are true). Otherwise, it’s just a really awkward line, no matter which turn was attempted.)

The orange markings are all related to the accident. The square that is roughly next to the bus stop sign is where the car stopped. The orange you see on the left side are – I assume – markings for where various pieces of the bike/clothing/etc. were found. Here’s another view (I’m not terribly keen on publishing any close-up photos)

I’m hoping we get more information soon.

In any event, it’s terribly sad. Ride safely.

[PrintError]

Wow, what a shame. Sounds like a case of too much speed and no control. I know that intersection well, and you can carry a mountain of speed down that hill.

[JimF22003]

Very sorry to hear this. I actually had a scare at that same point a week or so ago, only it was while making a right-turn onto the W&OD. I was coming down the hill way too fast, and the light was green. I was riding on the tops instead of the drops, so I didn’t have the best control of the brakes. As I hit the W&OD I was going too fast, and nearly went off onto Four Mile Run.

I could see how somebody could make a similar miscalculation while turning onto the access road.

[baiskeli]

@JimF22003 3461 wrote:

Very sorry to hear this. I actually had a scare at that same point a week or so ago, only it was while making a right-turn onto the W&OD. I was coming down the hill way too fast, and the light was green. I was riding on the tops instead of the drops, so I didn’t have the best control of the brakes. As I hit the W&OD I was going too fast, and nearly went off onto Four Mile Run.

I could see how somebody could make a similar miscalculation while turning onto the access road.

Yes, I suspect speed was a factor. It’s very easy to get going way too fast down that hill and lose control in a turn.

[consularrider]

I was heading west on Four Mile Run Dr about 4:30 yesterday afternoon and saw the police out there and a large area blocked off with yellow tape. The car was still there and did appear to have a smashed windshield in front of the driver. There was an officer taking photos of it at the time.

[eminva]

Very sad; very sorry to hear it. My condolences to the family.

Liz

[RESTONTODC]

It’s a very sad news. I rode this route on last Thursday and always want to climb this hill for fun.

Rick

[Dirt]

Riding over that incident paint was creepy today. Godspeed.

[acc]

Still waiting to see an identification, have not seen this information. Hoping I just don’t know where to look. Otherwise, this tragedy is compounded. I admit there have been long stretches in my life when I wandered around without ID when I was running or biking. But not recently.

I’ve thought a lot about this accident and some small gesture I can make to recognize other cyclists beyond a friendly wave and nod when I’m on Spartacus (my bike). Unlike my vehicular cyclist friends, I still drive a car– frequently even. Oh, the horror. But today as I was coming down to work I decided I’d start waving to the cyclists I see. It is my way of showing my support of other cyclists working out or commuting or simply going to the grocery store. So at the corner of Jermantown and somewhere in Fairfax this morning I gave the bike dude waiting at the light a big thumbs up. His mouth fell open in astonishment, hesitated, then waved back. It was a good moment.

The reality is we are a small community and losing even one diminishes us all.

Ride safe,
ann

[OneEighth]

On the few occasions where I’m driving rather than riding, I also make a point of waving or giving the thumbs up and I get my kid to do so, too.
It’s nice to get a friendly wave of support when riding and it’s also a good reminder to cyclists that there are plenty of drivers who get it.
Balance is good.

[Mark Blacknell]

@acc 3482 wrote:

Still waiting to see an identification, have not seen this information. Hoping I just don’t know where to look.

I think the ACPD knows who it was, but just haven’t announced it yet.

[StopMeansStop]

What is a slip lane?

[acc]

A slip lane is a road traffic lane provided at an intersection to allow vehicles to turn at the intersection without actually entering it and interfering with through traffic.

If you look at the overhead map you will see the far right lane allows traffic to turn without having to stop and wait for the light. I don’t understand enough about angles or how to descend this particular hill and pick a line that will allow me to turn into the slip lane while maintaining a high rate of speed, but it seems there is some controversy over whether the cyclist entered the slip lane or not. I have wondered whether he was trying to beat the light and made a split second decision to turn.

Rainbows and unicorns, safe riding
ann

[RESTONTODC]

@acc 3482 wrote:

I’ve thought a lot about this accident and some small gesture I can make to recognize other cyclists beyond a friendly wave and nod when I’m on Spartacus (my bike). Unlike my vehicular cyclist friends, I still drive a car– frequently even. Oh, the horror. But today as I was coming down to work I decided I’d start waving to the cyclists I see. It is my way of showing my support of other cyclists working out or commuting or simply going to the grocery store. So at the corner of Jermantown and somewhere in Fairfax this morning I gave the bike dude waiting at the light a big thumbs up. His mouth fell open in astonishment, hesitated, then waved back. It was a good moment.

The reality is we are a small community and losing even one diminishes us all.

I have the same feeling too. Since I commute on my bike, it brought me close to the peoples and communities. It slows me down to enjoy life and appreciate how beautiful the Washington DC area is.

I enjoy the morning fresh air, flower smell, fresh baking smell, or perfume smell in Georgetown. I enjoy pizza baking smell on Curtis trail in the afternoon commute and BBQ smell on WOD during the summer. I also enjoy a great view of White house, many priceless views from Mount Vernon trail and many more

I often wave or smile at other cyclists and walkers on the trail. I always slow down and say “Good morning” to senior walkers on the trail. Bike commute is my best time of the day.

Alright, I can go on forever but I need to stop dreaming and get back to work.

I can’t wait to ride home.

Rick

[acc]

I usually notice the big snakes around Private Drive in Reston, the way the sweat burns when it drops into my eyes, how I wish for something better than water in my water bottles, and then remember Jacksons, with ice cold adult beverages, is oh so close to the trail where it goes past Reston Town Center. I love to ride because it keeps my mind engaged (no more staring at a mind numbing black line on the bottom of a cold pool) and because I can choose to ride with people or by myself and still have an equally good time. It never gets dull. Besides bike clothes are cute. 😎

ann

[Author]

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