The Palm Springs Police Department is investigating an accident on Monday, March 13, that claimed the life of a male bicyclist.
Upon reports of a collision involving a vehicle and a bike, Palm Springs officers responded to the intersection of Ramon Road and Compadre Road at approximately 5 a.m.
According to a Facebook post by the Palm Springs Police Department, the bicyclist was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Now the Palm Springs officers are looking into whether drugs or alcohol may have been in a factor in the accident. According to the PSPD, the traffic unit took charge of the investigation and kept the scene free from traffic while delving into details at the scene. The shutdown involved Ramon Road from El Cielo Road to Compadre Road, which was then reopened at 11:36 a.m. that same day, according to the department's tweet, which was viewed by almost 300 Twitter users.
The identity of the bicyclist was not been revealed in the Facebook press release from the department. Neither has the name of the vehicle driver involved in the collision, who was arrested on charges unrelated to the accident. The nature of those charges has not been revealed.
In addition to extending condolences to the family of the bicyclist, the Facebook announcement drew numerous comments from area residents weighing in on the difficulties of pedestrian and bike travel at this intersection. One writer gave his view that crossing south and north at the traffic light for Ramon and Compadre Roads is rather scary for those on foot or bike, while another spoke out saying, "Ramon is our most dangerous road." Some faulted the design of the road for the potential danger.
The actual cause of the accident has yet to be revealed by Palm Springs Police.
As always, eyewitnesses can make a difference in advancing an investigation, so help from the public is requested. PSPD is asking anyone who observed the collision or who may have additional information to contact PSPD Traffic Division at 760-323-8125. Alternatively, anonymous information can be reported to Crime Stoppers at 760-347-7867.