68-year old man Charlie Chen killed by elderly driver in Fountain Valley left-cross crash; 65th SoCal bike death this year

68-year-old man riding a bike killed by an elderly driver in a left-cross crash in Fountain Valley, marking the 65th cycling fatality in Southern California this year. The incident occurred when the victim, identified as Charlie Chen, was cycling east on Ellis Avenue at Magnolia Street. At around 3:33 pm, an 84-year-old woman, Barbara Peters, turned left from westbound Ellis onto Magnolia and collided with Chen.

Chen was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries. The driver, Peters, remained at the scene and cooperated with the authorities. While police confirmed that Peters did not seem to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is unclear if her age played a role in the crash.

The Fountain Valley Police Department’s Traffic Bureau is appealing to anyone with information about the incident to come forward. They can contact the bureau at 714/593-4481, incident #23-40091.

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of road safety for cyclists in the region. Chen’s death marks the 65th cycling fatality in Southern California this year, further emphasizing the need for enhanced measures to protect vulnerable road users.

The collision has once again raised concerns about the safety of cyclists and the growing number of accidents involving elderly drivers. It serves as a reminder for authorities and policymakers to address the issue of road safety comprehensively, considering factors like infrastructure design, driver education, and stricter traffic regulations.

The tragic loss of Charlie Chen has left his loved ones grieving, and the cycling community mourns another life lost on the roads. As the year comes to an end, it is imperative for all road users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, to prioritize safety and exercise caution to prevent further tragedies.