KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — As Kalamazoo Bike Week continues, a sad incident occurred on Wednesday morning as a bicyclist died after being struck by a vehicle.
It happened on “KL” Ave. near Drake Rd. where 61-year-old David Conley of Kalamazoo was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 23-year-old woman from Concord, is said to be fully cooperating with authorities, and drugs and alcohol were not factors. Police did say that Conley was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Dr. Paul Rehkopf of the Kalamazoo Bike Club spoke with us yesterday regarding bike safety and proper passing zones, shortly after the accident had occurred.
“Half a lane or more is really what you need to safely pass. While Kalamazoo, Portage, Oshtemo Township, and Kalamazoo Township all have a five-foot safe passing law, but many motorists don’t actually realize it.”
The best thing to do when driving behind a cyclist is to be patient.
“If you’re following a bicyclist, and you cant safely pass, slow down and just wait for a little bit, just like you would for a school bus.”
Kalamazoo Bike Week continues through Saturday, May 15.
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