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Within a little more than one month’s time, two bicyclists have lost their lives on Terrebonne Parish highways, and in both cases the drivers of cars that struck them left the scenes of the tragedies.
The two incidents, so close together, occurred in a state that ranks second in the nation for per-capita bicycle fatalities. Only Florida has more per capita deaths.
The U.S. Department of Transportation says that in 2011 – the latest year available for its data – Louisiana had 3.93 bicycle deaths per million people. Florida’s figure, earning it the distinction of the most dangerous state for bicyclists, was more than double that, at 6.56 cyclist deaths per million citizens.
Cycling advocates and those in the business of serving cyclists say they believe a combination of factors make recipes for injury and death, and are hoping that public education of both cyclists and motorists can help keep people safer.
“Drivers need to know that cyclists have the same right on the road as automobiles,” said Manuel Hargrave, who owns B&G Bicycle Repairs on West Park Avenue in Houma. “The problem in this area is that motorists don’t respect cyclists. We have to change driver mentality about it. Maybe more advertising might help.”
But law enforcement officials say that bicyclists need to do their part to remain safe as well. Safety equipment and an understanding that they must obey all traffic rules can help, said Trooper Evan Harrell of State Police Troop C in Gray, whose officers are investigating both of the recent Terrebonne cases.
In the first incident, 20-year-old Jonathan Young was traveling east on the Prospect Street Extension median, just west of Coteau Road, around 5 p.m. on March 31.
Young made a left turn and attempted to cross both westbound lanes of Prospect, which is designated as La. Highway 3087.
“He was struck by a 2001 Ford truck in the right outside lane of 3087,” said Harrell, who added witnesses said a man exited the truck “to remove the bicycle from under the truck and then fled the scene in the vehicle.”
Young was transported to Terrebonne General Medical Center and transferred to University Hospital in New Orleans, where he died from his injuries, Harrell said.
Officers located the truck at 126 Mexico Court in Houma, Harrell said, but the driver has not yet been apprehended.
“That was my baby brother. He was a good kid,” said the victim’s sister, Marie Young. “He was quiet, never bothered anyone, he didn’t get in trouble. He loved music, riding his bike, drawing and dogs.”
Young was known by the nickname “Bup” because when he was 2 years old, he enjoyed drinking milk, and that was the word he used to ask for it. The name stuck.
In a field near the place where he was struck, friends and relatives erected a monument made from a bicycle and flowers, which lights up at night.
“His cousin put the bike there because it was something he loved to do,” Marie said.
The second cycling death occurred around noon May 5 on Grand Caillou Road, near the Terrebonne Parish jail.
State Police said 46-year-old Robert Clowder Jr. of Houma was traveling north on the southbound shoulder – riding against traffic – on a Schwinn bike.
“At the same time, an unknown vehicle was traveling south,” Harrell said.
The vehicle, according to Harrell, traveled onto the southbound shoulder of the highway and struck Clowder head-on.
Clowder and the bicycle were
thrown into a ditch off the southbound shoulder of La. Highway 57, Harrell said, adding that the vehicle then left the scene. No description is available but State Police are investigating.
“According to Louisiana state Law, bicycles must travel in the same direction as traffic and obey all traffic laws,” the spokesman said. “Remember to always be aware of your surroundings.”
Riding with instead of against traffic is particularly important on local highways that contain one-way traffic. Motorists turning onto Park Avenue or Main Street in Houma, Harrell said, can be struck by cars or trucks after turning onto the highways that don’t look in the direction they are planning to travel because there is no oncoming traffic expected.
Hargrave said he recommends that bicyclists do everything they can to be visible to motorists.
“Maybe the motorists don’t see them,” he said. “Cyclists need to have lights, but they also need to have bright clothing.”
Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call Troop C at 857-3680 or Bayou Region Crimestoppers at (800) 743-7433.
Harrell said information may also be sent by texting GIVEATIP plus your message to 274637 on a mobile phone.
A memorial to 20-year-old Jonathan Young on La. Highway 3087, which lights up at night, includes a bicycle supplied by a cousin. Young was struck by a pickup March 31 while riding his own bicycle and he died the next day.
