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"Police said the woman didn't have a driver's license but had a Mexican identification card, officials said"

Driver fatally strikes bicyclist

Senta Scarborough
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 15, 2006 12:00 AM

The death of a bicyclist in a collision brings the total number of traffic fatalities to 47 this year, the second highest for Mesa in at least six years.

A 25-year-old woman driving without a license or insurance struck a 30-year-old man pedaling on a sidewalk at 6 p.m. Wednesday, police said.

It was the fifth bicycle fatality this year, compared with four last year. Mesa had 67 traffic deaths last year.
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The woman, who was driving a Ford Expedition, turned right from a private drive in the 600 block of West Broadway Road and hit the man who was pedaling on a sidewalk, said police spokesman Sgt. Chuck Trapani.



Police did not release the names of the driver or victim. The driver has not been charged, and the family of the victim has not been notified.

"Whether you're driving a car, pedaling a bike or walking on foot, always expect the unexpected," Trapani said.

"You need to slow down, drive defensively and follow the rules of the road."

Trapani recommends bicyclists wear bright or reflective clothing to be more visible.

He said that Mesa code requires all bicyclists to have a headlight on the front of the bicycle.

Trapani recommends all bicyclists wear helmets because they often reduce injuries in collisions.

Police said the woman didn't have a driver's license but had a Mexican identification card, officials said

The victim, a Mexican national, was taken to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn where he was later pronounced dead. Police have contacted the Mexican Consulate to notify the victim's family.

Trapani said impairment is not believed to be a factor in the crash.

The investigation is ongoing.

Traffic-related citations may be pending.