Bicyclist with no helmet killed in East County crash

EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A bicyclist was killed in a crash with a vehicle Tuesday in the El Cajon area, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 3:52 p.m. eastbound on Quail Canyon Road at the intersection with Blossom Valley Road, the California Highway Patrol said in a news release Wednesday.

A 58-year-old El Cajon man was riding his Centurion bicycle northbound on Blossom Valley Road, south of Quail Canyon Road, when he entered the intersection in front of the Mercedes, for reasons still under investigation, and was struck by the vehicle, according to authorities.

The collision caused the bicyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, to be ejected onto the roadway. He died from his injuries, CHP confirmed.

The driver of the Mercedes, a 55-year-old woman from El Cajon, suffered minor injuries while her passenger was not hurt.

Authorities do not suspect driving under the influence as a factor in the crash.

“We want to remind the public that cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists,” said Cpt. Monteagudo with CHP. “By obeying traffic laws and staying alert, cyclists can protect themselves and others, reducing the risk of serious crashes. Safety on our roads is everyone’s responsibility; let’s ride smart and share the road safely.”