SUV Crushes Cyclists on Bike Path

An SUV veered off State Route 56, plowed through a fence and slammed into two cyclists on a bike path killing one of the riders.

The driver of the SUV lost control while driving eastbound on the highway just after 6 p.m. Tuesday. While trying to change lanes, the driver veered to the right and drove the SUV up an embankment.

The vehicle plowed through the chain-link fence located between Camino Del Sur and Black Mountain Road off of SR 56.

Two men biking along the Carmel Mountain Road Bridge were struck. One cyclist died at the scene. The other was transported to a nearby hospital with major injuries along with the SUV driver.

Those who routinely use the popular Rancho Penasquitos bike path to unwind were shaken by the accident.

"I always wondered what this fence would do if a car came 60 miles per hour," said cyclist Julie Adams.

"Obviously nothing," she said looking at the damage.

"I saw the car and a couple of bikes laid out and you think, 'Wow what if I would have gotten here half an hour earlier?'" said cyclist Tom Hillebrecht.

California Highway Patrol officers are investigating just why the SUV driver lost control. They said they believe the woman was driving the speed limit.

Both cyclists were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.   

Keep up to date on breaking news: Follow us on Twitter @nbcsandiego, fan us on Facebook, sign up for our breaking news e-mail alerts or text SDBREAKING to 622339 to receive text messages for local breaking news. (Standard rates apply)

Contact Us