Cyclist Dead After Crash Involving Pickup In Tulsa

Sunday, August 26th 2018, 5:49 pm

By: Amy Slanchik

At a busy intersection, near Interstate 244 and Sheridan police say a man lost his life crossing the street when he was struck by a pickup truck.

It happened around 8:53 p.m. Saturday, August 25 in the 500 block of North Sheridan Road. Police said the victim, a 54-year-old man, was crossing Sheridan mid-block.

Witnesses say the cyclist was also hauling a lawnmower. Police did not say whether the victim had lights or was wearing reflective gear but say it's always a good idea to take extra steps to be safe.

"When you're traveling at night time, you have to always think that you're not gonna be seen. So, you need to take precautions to make an effort for people to see you." Said Eric Faifer, Service Manager for Tom’s Bicycles.

Faifer says wearing a reflective vest can make can make all the difference in the world.

"It's great for vehicles coming towards ya, anything coming at you. Any light hits it, it's gonna bounce off right back at the person who's driving," said Faifer.

Police say the driver stayed on the scene and was cooperative. He also voluntarily gave a blood test and police say it appears there was no drugs or alcohol in his system. Officers say the driver was not at fault.

With Daylight Saving Time approaching and summer nights getting shorter, Faifer says now is the time for everyone to be mindful on the road.

"Drivers need to be on the lookout, for sure. Tulsa's a big cycling community and they need to really pay attention to that," said Faifer.

The victim's name has not been released.