Bicyclist Arrested After Colliding with State Police Vehicle

DSP News Release: Bicyclist Arrested After Colliding with State Police Vehicle

Location: Coastal Highway (SR1) northbound at Josephine Street, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Date of Occurrence: Wednesday July 10, 2013 at approximately 1:30 a.m.

Operator and Vehicle Information:

• Vehicle #1:  2013 Chevrolet Tahoe (Fully Marked State Police Vehicle)

• Bicyclist: Huseyin Engin Uysal, 22, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Resume:

Rehoboth Beach, DE- The Delaware State Police have charged a bicyclist with traffic violations after he collided with a fully marked patrol vehicle.

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. this morning as a trooper on patrol in the area of Coastal Highway (SR1) between Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, commonly referred to as the “forgotten mile,” observed a bicyclist traveling northbound without a headlight and weaving in and out of the travel lane while texting.  The trooper pulled ahead of the bicyclist and onto the right shoulder where the amber lights were activated on the light bar on top of the patrol vehicle.  The trooper then exited the fully marked 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe and walked to the rear of the vehicle to make contact with the bicyclist.  As the trooper gave commands for the bicyclist to stop, the pedal-cyclist continued past the trooper and struck the rear of the Tahoe, ejecting him over the handlebars and into the roadway near the driver’s side door.  The trooper immediately rendered first aid and assisted Huseyin Engin Uysal back to the curb where he advised he was uninjured.

As the trooper was talking with Uysal, an odor of alcohol was detected and a DUI investigation ensued.  Uysal was cited and released for Bicycling While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Failure to Remain in a Single Lane, and Bicycle Not Equipped with a Light.

Troopers are providing the following information for bicyclists riding in Delaware.  Obey the rules of the road.  Drivers and bicyclists are expected to observe traffic rules such as stop signs and red lights.  Ignoring these traffic rules can lead to injuries that would have otherwise been preventable.  Never ride against the flow of traffic.  Drivers and pedestrians alike may not be expecting bicyclists riding in that direction.  Also stay in your lane and don't ride on the sidewalk if you're an adult.  Avoid distracted riding much like you would if you were driving a car, and wait to check your cell phone until you're safely off the road.

Visibility can be an issue for bicyclists in the dark, so take steps to ensure that motorists can see you.  Adding white front lights and red back lights to your bike, plus reflective tape or clothing can also help make you more visible in the dark.  It is against Delaware law to operate a bicycle at night without a front headlight.   And remember, visibility isn't just an issue late at night; cloudy days and early mornings can impair motorists' ability to see bicyclists on the road too.

More information on bicycle laws can be found on the State of Delaware website underOnline Delaware Code.