Elderly Female Dies After Being Struck By Bicyclist
No Charges Brought Against Bicyclist During Tragic Accident
June 12, 2012
MEDIA CONTACT: Dustin Sternbeck, 703.228.4331
June 12, 2012
ARLINGTON, Va. – A 80 year old Arlington resident was pronounced dead late yesterday afternoon at Fairfax Hospital after being struck by a bicyclist.
The Arlington County Emergency Communications Center received the initial 9-1-1 report at 7:11 a.m. on June 11, 2012, regarding a collision between a bicyclist and pedestrian on the Four Mile Run Bike Path in the area of the 4900 block of Columbia Pike. The victim sustained significant head trauma after falling backwards, striking the back of her head on the pavement. The 62 year old bicyclist remained on scene and received treatment for a minor knee injury. He did not require transport to a hospital.
According to a witness and the bicyclist, the 62 year old man was heading downhill on his Next Powerclimber bike when he saw the victim ahead of him and attempted to warn her by yelling “to your left” and ringing a bell. This is when the 80 year old woman stepped to her left and turned around to be struck head-on, causing her to fall backwards to the ground.
Ita Lapina, 80, of Arlington, VA, succumbed to the injuries she sustained during the June 11 incident. She was pronounced dead at the hospital at 6:20 p.m.
For information related to bicycle and pedestrian safety, please visit the Prevention and Safety section on the Arlington County Police Department homepage at http://www.arlingtonva.us/Department...oliceMain.aspx External link.
My thoughts and prayers are with friends and family of the woman who died as well as the man involved in the accident. Truly a sad, and difficult time.
As cyclists, it reminds us that even when we do things correctly (sounding the bell and calling out) that things can go horribly wrong.
Please slow things down, leave extra room and pass with extreme care. Y'all are very important to me.
Be careful out there.
Pete
