Southern California Cyclist Killed Near Bodega Bay

A tragic bicycle accident occurred on May 31, 2012 on Highway 1 near Bodega Bay.  The victim was 85-year-old August Bissiri.  Mr. Bissiri was an avid cyclist who was participating in a bicycle tour of Sonoma County.  Mr. Bissiri, a retiree from the Southern California community of Laguna Woods Village, had met up with other cyclists from the Bicycle Club of Irvine and the Laguna Woods Village Bicycle Club to ride a 100 mile tour of Sonoma County in conjunction with an annual fundraiser for Guatemalan charities.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Mr. Bissiri was struck by a Ford Focus that was driven by Berkeley resident David Tryon.  Mr. Tyron told investigators that he was traveling northbound on Highway 1 when he saw the cyclist and was unableto avoid contact.  Mr. Bissiri was pronounced dead at the scene. 

It is unclear if driver inattention, excessive speed or aggressive driving had any role in this terrible accident.  Due to their lack of physical protection, cyclists are at a high risk of injury from any instance of driver negligence. 

At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our dedicated bicycle accident attorneys understand the dangers facing California cyclists.  We have successfully fought on behalf of the families of victims who have lost loved ones in bicycle accidents.  We are committed to making drivers pay for their negligence and helping victims and their families recover from fatal and severe bicycle accidents.