It's a wonder more cyclists are not injured or even killed. They have no idea how to ride. They either ride on the sidewalk or the wrong direction on the road, and as it appears to be the case here do not wear helmets.

Lefty, I assure you accidents are usually the fault of the driver, not the cyclist. People do everything but pay attention to the road when they drive (eat, drink, phone, makeup, etc.).

Do you blame cyclists for using the sidewalks? How would you like a car coming up on your butt at 50+ and just hoping they are paying attention.

Yes I blame them for using the sidewalks. The city has put bike lanes all over this city.

And how can you assure these are usually the fault of the driver? Do you have some statistics to prove this? And if so, are they proven statistics or just how a cycling group skewed them in their favor?

Lefty, the city of Santa Clarita actually passed a law a few years back (right when they had the un-brilliant Decoro bike lanes), allowing bikes to ride on the sidewalk, which was another un-brilliant move!

Vtown, I have had near accidents with the worst cyclists on earth out here. Years ago, the worst jerk cut me off in a lane I was legally driving 50 mph in! He wanted to get over two lanes to the left in the turning lane. He didn't even acknowledge the fact that I nearly squished his dumb a**.

Last year, a herd of cyclists was illegally crossing Newhall Ranch Rd and apparently just expected 50mph traffic to come to a screeching halt for these idiots to cross, which is exactly what happened. Cars nearly missed one another because of these jerks. I know there are good cyclists, but there are some horrible ones too and they shouldn't be on he road, like the guy in S.F. being charged with murder.

Read your CA DMV handbooks. I'm not passing judgement on who is right or who is wrong with this accident. We don't have all the facts. Some of you seem ignorant about the rules of the road. This is a cut and paste from the DMV Handbook.

Bicycles
Bicyclists:

Are entitled to share the road with motor vehicles.
Have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle and motorcycle drivers.
Must obey all traffic signals and stop signs.
Are lawfully permitted to ride on certain sections of roadway in rural areas where there is no alternate route.
Must ride in the same direction as other traffic, not against it.
Shall ride as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as practical– not on the sidewalk.
Are legally allowed to ride in the center of the lane when moving at the same speed as other traffic.
May move left to pass a parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, animal, or avoid debris or other hazards.
May choose to ride near the left curb or edge of a one-way street.
Should ride single file on a busy or narrow street.
Must make left and right turns in the same way drivers do, using the same turn lanes. If the bicyclist is traveling straight ahead, he or she should use a through traffic lane rather than ride next to the curb and block traffic making right turns.
Must signal all their intentions to motorists and bicyclists near them.
Must wear a helmet if under the age of 18.
Should carry identification.
Shall not operate a bicycle on a roadway unless the bicycle is equipped with:
A brake which will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

I protect myself when I ride, because I know most people are completely ignorant when it comes to driving.

@anteupfred- Getting into specifics, there is nothing in the DMV handbook saying not to ride on the sidewalk. The above is not cut and paste because "not on the sidewalk" does not exist in the handbook.

In fact, there is no state law in California banning riding on sidewalks. Calfiornia Vehicle Code Section 21650 (G) says: This section does not prohibit the operation of bicycles on any shoulder of a highway, on any sidewalk, on any bicycle path within a highway, or along any crosswalk or bicycle path crossing, where the operation is not otherwise prohibited by this code or local ordinance.

It is up to the local jurisdiction if riding on a sidewalk is allowed or not. In Santa Clarita it is. In unincorporated LA County it is not. In LA City it is. Varies from city to city.

I am still on the couch with a shattered heel from a hit and run on Feb 28th. I was simply crossing the street. Driver had no soul.

I realize it's state law but what is wrong with riding against traffic in a bicycle lane unless of course it's a heavily used one but most are not. It' sorta nice to see what's coming at you.

The biggest issue I have with cyclists is when I'm turning right on a green light and they whiz down the sidewalk in the blindspot of my right wing mirror and then appear at speed in the crosswalk just as I'm making the turn into what I thought was an empty crosswalk. I've nearly taken 2 or 3 out turning right onto Centinela at the junction of Ocean Park just before the airport in Santa Monica .

I have had many close calls with cyclists. I make every possible effort to avoid and evade them, because I do not want a problem with my insurance carrier. After all, fifteen minutes have saved me fifteen percent on my automobile insurance. Incidentally, I do pay attention to my driving.

Why he may try to make a few bucks so doesn't have to work any more. This is common in Florida when old folks ran out of food stamps.

Get ready everyone: Amgen Stage 3: Tuesday, May 14 – Palmdale to Santa Clarita

I do cycle around the SCV. Like car drivers, some cyclists don't follow the rules. Riding the wrong way in the bike lane against traffic, dangerous. Part of the problem is both need education. Both have to follow the same laws, if it is a bike lane, the laws still apply. I have watched our fine Deputies wave at kids without helmets, ignore cyclists that are texting and/or talking on the phone, blowing through red lights and stop signs. I have also seen them ignore drivers that are honking at cyclists and yelling at them for riding in a traffic lane where there is no bike lane, and other acts which place cyclists in danger. I always like those that have to pass and then slam on the brakes to turn into a driveway, or another street, happens all of the time.
As for Newhall Ranch Road, the City allowed that hazard to happen, you end a bike lane at a major road, and expect folks to cross it to get to the bike path on the other side. The same for the bike path behind Lowe's and Best Buy, you can't get from one side of the street to the other, which forces cyclists to use the traffic lanes on Bouquet Canyon.