COLUMBUS, Ohio — A bicyclist is dead after being struck by two vehicles in Franklin County Friday evening.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the bicyclist was heading southbound on Norton Road, just north of Alkire Road near Galloway, at 10:19 p.m.
A witness at a nearby gas station told troopers that a four-door black pick-up truck with an extended cab was traveling in the same direction as the bicyclist when it hit the bicycle and fled the scene.
Troopers say that a 16-year-old driving a Hyundai Elantra also hit the bicyclist following the initial crash.
The bicyclist, who has not yet been identified, was taken to Doctor’s West Hospital with serious injuries and later died.
The crash remains under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Columbus Post at 614-466-2660.
Riley Urly, an employee who works at the convenience store next to the scene of the crash, said he was working in the drive-through when he heard the crash.
"I came outside and there was just a guy under the car, so a lot of people ran out like that were getting gas and whatnot ran out to help and were trying to lift the car and get him out under,” said Urly.
According to Ohio State Highway Patrol, there have been nearly 350 bicycle-involved crashes throughout the state of Ohio so far this year. Seven of those crashes were deadly.
More than 40 bicycle-related crashes in 2023 have happened in Franklin County.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated bicycle deaths are highest during summer. The organization advises cyclists to always wear a helmet, wear equipment to make be more visible to others like bright clothing, use a red rear light and always wear reflectors when riding at night.
As for drivers, Ohio State Highway Patrol suggests giving cyclists plenty of room on the road and not passing too closely.
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