Bicyclist Killed on Highway 29
In the early morning on Friday, May 7, 2021, a deadly traffic collision took place on Highway 29. Shortly after 12:20 a.m., responding police officers were dispatched to an American Canyon bike accident on Highway 29 in the proximity of Kimberly Drive. At the scene, first responders discovered that a minivan had crashed into a bicyclist in the number two northbound lane of Highway 29.
American Canyon Bike Accident – Details
Initial investigation revealed that the bicycle was not equipped with lights and the cyclist, a 52-year-old Solano County man, was wearing dark clothing and a helmet. The bicyclist was also transporting multiple items within bags that were hanging from the bicycle’s handlebars. He had been traveling within the highway lane when the collision occurred.
Witnesses Urged to Contact Police
The crash is still under investigation and anyone who witnessed events surrounding the incident is asked to contact the American Canyon Police Department at (707) 551-0600.
American Canyon and Highway 29
Highway 29 serves as a gateway to Solano County and the central Bay Area through American Canyon in south Napa County. Approximately 50,000 vehicles per day travel the highway. There are five traffic signals and rush hour traffic can slow to a crawl.
Proposals to Improve Highway 29 Traffic Flow
The Napa Valley Transit Authority (NVTA) recently unveiled potential options for easing traffic flow on Highway 29. Three options were suggested and all included pedestrian/bicycle paths to make the area safer for alternative commuting. The proposals also include lanes designed for buses to travel through faster and more efficiently.
The three options for Highway 29 are:
- Keep the four lanes that already exist (two in each direction) as well as the current intersection traffic signals.
- Retain four lanes and remove the traffic signals with the exception of the light at American Canyon Road. Install roundabouts at Eucalyptus Drive, Napa Junction Road, Poco Way, Rio Del Mar, Crawford Way, and Donaldson Way. Crawford Way and Poco Way currently do not have traffic signals.
- Widen the highway through American Canyon from four to six lanes – three lanes in either direction – and retain the current five traffic lights.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are costly and not everyone wants to see them installed. Proponents of installing roundabouts on Highway 29 through American Canyon say that they could improve the traffic flow, cause drivers to reduce speed, and increase safety.
American Canyon’s Vice Mayor opposes the idea and feels the configuration of the proposed roundabouts is confusing. A City Councilperson in opposition was concerned about a potential increase in aggressive driving through the roundabouts, especially at the proposed site at Donaldson Way.
Roundabouts are also being considered for another stretch of Highway 29 between St. Helena and Yountville at Oakville Cross Road and Rutherford Cross Road.
Watch the YouTube video below which explains why Americans are resistant to traffic roundabouts.
Highway Widening Proposal Would Add Bike Lanes
Many feel that the likelihood that the highway will be expanded to six lanes is low, especially given that Caltrans, the agency that oversees the highway, is currently focused on a climate action plan, which is inconsistent with a traffic capacity-adding project. The option exists to have Caltrans give up control of the highway section, but then the city would have to adopt the maintenance costs, which are approximately $3 million per year.
Proponents of the highway widening idea point to the fact that it would also be a beautification project for the community. It would include the addition of sidewalks and bike lanes as well as the removal of unsightly power lines.
American Canyon Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello and thanks for reading our report on this tragic American Canyon bike accident. I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in American Canyon, California. Busy roadways such as Highway 29 see a large number of automobile collisions each year. Some cause injuries, others, sadly, are fatal car crashes that result in claims for wrongful death. My team of skilled injury lawyers can help you after a serious motor vehicle accident. Call us at (800) 404-5400 or (707) 564-1900.
Photo: Pixabay
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