Watch CBS News

Woman Struck, Killed While Riding Bike In Roscoe Village

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Crumpled metal and spokes are all that's left of a bicycle, after a woman was killed Monday morning while riding a bike in the Roscoe Village neighborhood, when she was hit by a flatbed truck.

Police said the woman and the truck were both heading north on Damen Avenue around 7:50 a.m., when the truck made a right turn east onto Addison Street, striking the woman, who was caught under the wheels of the truck.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and has not yet been identified, CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports.

Officials said the woman appeared to be in her 30s or 40s.

Police said the truck driver stayed at the scene after the accident, and has since been cited for failure to exercise due care to a pedestrian.

Witnesses said the truck driver was inconsolable, and was taken to a hospital after the crash.

People living and working in the area left flowers at the scene Monday. Bikers who regularly ride the route were overcome with emotion.

"I started crying because I couldn't believe it," said bicyclist Yuritzy Cuevas. "I've never seen anything happen down here."

While there's no bike lane heading north on Damen, a sign is posted at the intersection of Addison and Damen reading, "Shared lane yield to bikes."

"It could've been anybody. It could've been me with my kids," said Rebecca Resman, who says she's organized bike rides for parents and their children for the past three years through the organization Chicago Critical Mass.

She came to the scene of the fatal crash with her children and signs for drivers saying, "Please put the phone down," and "don't hit me."

"We have five, six if you count the fatality in Evanston, people on bicycles that have been killed by people that are professionally driving. Now, that's why they need to exhibit more due care when they are driving on our streets" Resman said.

Meanwhile, the company that the driver works for, is a building materials distributor. A representative told CBS 2 by phone that it was a tragedy for everyone. She is reserving any further comment as the investigation is ongoing.

The police Major Accident Investigation Unit was investigating.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.