Police Report Fatal Injury to a Cyclist on Pacific Avenue in Virginia Beach

Over the summer months, the streets around Virginia Beach Oceanfront fill up with visitors and become increasingly chaotic. We often see an upsurge in accidents. I was saddened to read about a fatal injury to a cyclist on Pacific Avenue on Saturday.

An accident involving a cyclist and a vehicle was reported at around 10:04 a.m. in the 300 block of Pacific Avenue and 16th Street. Police reported 35-year-old Gabriel Borja Santos from Virginia Beach was riding his bicycle in a crosswalk on Pacific Avenue when he was hit by a Kia Sorrento.

Virginia Beach police reported the bicyclist was taken to a local hospital with injuries considered life-threatening. He later died of his injuries A driver remained on the scene after the accident. Police said no charges were brought.

Our thoughts are with the family of this rider after this tragedy. Far too many cyclists are killed or seriously injured in Virginia Beach. The case is being investigated by the Fatal Accident Crash Team.

Cyclists are vulnerable to the actions of drivers at the Oceanfront over the summer months.

Last May, two bicyclists were injured after being hit by a vehicle on a Saturday morning on 19th Street near the Oceanfront.

Two cyclists were heading west on 19th Street when a vehicle hit them from behind. A 38-year-old woman was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and maiming.

Drivers should watch out for riders at the Oceanfront over the summer months. Riders should obey the rules of the road and use dedicated bike paths where possible.

When riding at night cyclists must have headlights and a red reflector on the back of their bike that is visible at least 600 feet away. If they are riding on highways where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or more, cyclists are required to also have a tail light. It can be solid or blinking but it must be visible from 500 feet to the rear.

The cyclist killed on Pacific Avenue is just the latest serious crash involving a cyclist in Virginia Beach. In 2016, a cyclist was critically injured in a collision with a vehicle on South Independence Boulevard. In July 2015, a 68-year-old cyclist was killed in an accident on the same road.

Cyclists, as well as motorcyclists, lack the protection of a metal frame that’s afforded by the occupants of a car. If you see cyclists on the road, you should give them plenty of space. Virginia has a three-feet passing law for cyclists. Exercise particular care on intersections when cyclists are turning left.

If you or a loved one has been injured on a bicycle, please call our Virginia Beach cycling accident lawyers at (757) 455-0077.