OCEAN CITY POLICE OFFICER INVOLVED IN COLLISION WITH BICYCLIST

On Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at approximately 9:00 a.m., a female, 20, cyclist attempted to cross coastal highway at 45th Street against the traffic light. The bicyclist was originally traveling from the east side of Coastal Highway at which point motorists who were traveling north on Coastal Highway had to avoid the bicycle. The bicyclist made it across the northbound lanes continuing east in front of the south bound lanes of traffic.

The cyclist then abruptly turned back into the eastbound traffic and was struck by an onduty Ocean City Police Officer operating a marked departmental vehicle at 45th Street and Coastal Highway. The officer, who was traveling southbound, and had the right of way, was unable to stop for the bicyclist, who was traveling from east to west.

The initial investigation reveals that the bicyclist was in the crosswalk, however, was crossing against the traffic signal. The bicyclist, who suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision, was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical for treatment. The investigation is ongoing, however, charges are pending.

The Ocean City Police Department reminds visitors and residents to be cautious on and
around Coastal Highway. Pedestrians are urged to use the sidewalks and designated
marked crosswalks. Citizens riding bicycles and/or scooters should ride in the bus lane and they must obey all traffic laws. This includes, obeying all lane markings, stop signs and traffic signals.