Maplewood cyclists, neighbors concerned after serious hit-and-run
“It just blew my mind that a driver could hit a bicyclist and not stop."
More Stories
A cyclist and a scooter rider were both hit by cars in Maplewood an hour apart last Wednesday. This came months after the town installed new bike lanes to improve safety.
“It just blew my mind that a driver could hit a bicyclist and not stop," said Martin Ceperley, of the SOMa Bike Bus cyclist group.
That call came in around 7 p.m. last Wednesday along Parker Avenue in Maplewood.
The South Essex Fire Department says they found the victim unresponsive with traumatic injuries. He was taken to the University Hospital Trauma Center.
“The whole community right now is praying for him," Ceperley said. "He’s in the hospital, he’s had multiple surgeries. We’re just really worried about him.”
“They’re a great family," said neighbor Nate Wilson. "Awesome part of our community.”
Maplewood police said the white BMW SUV that struck the cyclist drove off down Fernwood Road. The crash happened along the part of Parker Ave that doesn’t have dedicated bike lanes.
About a half hour later, police say they responded to Jefferson and Maplewood avenues when a person was struck while riding a scooter. That person refused medical attention and the driver was ticketed.
Meanwhile, the conversation continues about how safe these bike lanes have been. More than a week after the latest snowfall, there’s still snow in the bike lanes up and down Parker Avenue, and the neighbors say the cars are still flying by.
“People drive fast down Parker," Wilson said. "You need another stop sign, or another red light here, someplace to really get people to slow down.”
“We all deserve to be able to get safely around town, whether we’re in a car, walking or on a bike," said Julia Flath, of Walk Bike Ride South Orange.
“The bike lanes came in late in the fall," Ceperley said. "There’s leaves covering them, there’s been snow covering them in the winter. They effectively haven’t been used very much because it’s impossible to use them."
Maplewood police say the investigation into the Parker Avenue crash is ongoing. News 12 reached out to the mayor as well for further comment.
