IEBA ghost bike honors man killed in hit and run incident

Another ghost bike was placed on a San Bernardino street corner to honor a man who was struck and killed by a motorist two weeks ago.

Members of the Inland Empire Biking Alliance placed the memento to honor the deceased cyclist and provide awareness of hit and run incidents.

“This is how we memorialize riders,” explained IEBA Policy Director Marven Norman. “It’s also a way to let people know that riders are dying on the streets.”

Dennis Joseph Urquijo, 52, was riding his bicycle through the 1100 block of 39th Street in San Bernardino around 2 am on May 14 when he was struck by a vehicle, according to a San Bernardino Coroner’s press release. Paramedics located Urquijo and noticed he had traumatic injuries.

Urquijo was pronounced dead at the scene. The San Bernardino Police Department said they are still investigating the incident.

Norman believes hit and run incidents involving cyclists is becoming a growing problem.

“Instead of stopping to see what’s happened, people are fleeing,” Norman expressed. “It’s frustrating.”

IEBA frequently organizes bike rides and ghost bike installations to honor cyclists that have been killed in traffic collisions. Since 2012, the nonprofit has honored at least 50 cyclists through their public campaigns. In addition, they advocate for the creation of bike paths and traffic safety awareness.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Traffic Safety Facts, 5,376 pedestrians and 818 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles across the U.S in 2015. The federal organization’s data reflects a six percent increase from 2006 to 2015.

California (128), Florida (139), and Texas (50) are the states with the most bicyclist fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s data.

Nina Mohammed, IEBA’s interim executive director, affirms that her organization contributes to a “much needed” conversation that entails informing disadvantaged people that may otherwise not have the outlet to voice their grievances.

“IEBA represents all cyclists,” Mohammed said. “But in San Bernardino, we find that we represent low income residents that don’t have a voice to express concerns with traffic safety. For many people cycling this is one of the only ways they can get around. This will encourage lawmakers to make better decisions and allocate money in areas that will serve the people.”

Editor’s note: The bicycle displayed in the photo incorrectly states the victim as Daniel Joseph Urquijo. The victim’s name is Dennis Joseph Urquijo.