South Lake Tahoe, CA…On May 31st, 2012 at approximately 2:00 pm, officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, along with several members of the SLTFD, responded to the scene of a traffic collision between a bicycle and a tractor-trailer truck at the intersection of Lyons Ave. and US Hwy 50 in SLT. Upon arrival, officers found that a 12 year old bicyclist had suffered a possible broken arm as a result of the collision. Upon further investigation, officers determined that the 12 year old bicyclist had headphones on, and was listening to music when the collision occurred. The bicyclist attempted to cross US Hwy 50 against a red traffic signal and collided with the side of the tractor trailer near the intersection.

The bicyclist said he did not see or hear the truck because he had his headphones on. He was also not wearing a helmet. The truck driver was not found to be at fault at the scene. Today concludes Bicycle Safety Awareness Month in South Lake Tahoe. All bicyclists are reminded that they are required to follow the same traffic laws as cars. Bicyclists under 18 are required by law to wear a helmet while riding. Parents of minors NOT wearing a helmet can be cited for allowing their kids to ride without a helmet. The police are not seeking criminal prosecution of the juvenile’s parents for child endangerment in this instance.