Cyclist Injured in Ralston Ave. Crash

A bicyclist was injured in a solo vehicle accident yesterday on Ralston Avenue, just west of Davis Drive.

According to Belmont police, the cyclist, a 75-year-old Belmont man, appears to have lost control of his bike while traveling eastbound on Ralston Avenue at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Police and fire units responded to the scene in the 2600 block of Ralston Avenue on a report of a traffic accident involving a bicyclist. Upon arrival, they found the solo cyclist down in the roadway being aided by citizens.  

The cyclist was treated at the scene by Belmont Fire Department paramedics and transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Traffic on Ralston Avenue was delayed for approximately 30 minutes due to the accident.
     Officers have determined that no other vehicles were involved in the accident, however the cause is still under investigation.   

The Belmont Police Department issued a statement reminding bicyclists, of all ages, of the importance of wearing proper safety equipment, especially helmets.  While state law only mandates helmets for bicyclists, anyone under the age of 18, use by adults is strongly recommended.   

“Fortunately, in this case the bicyclist was wearing a helmet, which sustained major damage in the accident” said Belmont Police Chief Dan DeSmidt.   

“Had he not been wearing a helmet, he would have suffered a serious head injury,” DeSmidt added.     

Investigators have interviewed some witnesses, but are still not clear what lead up to yesterday’s accident.  Anyone with information on this accident is asked to call the Belmont Police Traffic Unit at 650-595-7400.