INDIANAPOLIS — One person is dead after being struck by a vehicle near the Monon Trail on the Indy’s north side Thursday morning.
Police said the person was hit near East 86th Street and Westfield Boulevard around 8:30 a.m.
The bicyclist, identified as Frank Radaker, was a beloved member of the cycling community.
Bicycle Garage Indy told 13News Radaker was cycling to work, like he's done for the past 25 years, when a Jeep hit him. His bike, shoes and lights were left in the middle of the road while police closed 86th Street in both directions.
"I was on my way to catch the bus, and I avoided it because I didn't want to have to see that," Ian Phillips said.
The SUV's windshield was smashed, and its hood was dented. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the police investigation, according to IMPD. The road was reopened to traffic around 10:45 a.m.
The Monon Trail is divided by traffic on 86th Street, so bikers and pedestrians use the crosswalk at the light, sometimes creating close calls with drivers.
"You got people turning right, turning left, they're not looking for bikers or anybody," Phillips said.
Police are investigating how this happened. The official crash report isn't complete.
"This area, I've almost been hit probably a dozen times just like on that corner alone right over there," Phillips said.
Phillips has many concerns about distracted drivers. He wants a walking bridge over 86th Street.
"We just have to beg for the mercy from people in cars to cross the street," Phillips said.
Phillips believes changes are overdue.
"It's sad. It's tragic. It doesn't have to be this way. We can do some stuff to make it minimally safer," Phillips said.
An IMPD spokesperson said the vehicle's black box did not record to vehicle's speed. Detectives are trying to figure out how fast the Jeep was going at the time of the crash and want to speak with witnesses to try to determine who had the right-of-way leading up to the crash.
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