Update on the Bicycle vs Vehicle Crash in Apple Valley
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA—Just before 2 PM on Sunday, June 2, 2024, emergency personnel responded to a reported injury accident involving a single vehicle and a pedestrian, a child riding a bicycle. The incident occurred at the intersection of Johnny Cake Ridge Road and 157th Street West. According to initial reports, the injured child was alert at the scene.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
According to the Apple Valley Police Department, the preliminary statements from the involved parties presented conflicting versions of what transpired:
The driver (Unit 1), who was heading south on Johnny Cake Ridge Road, claimed they were turning right onto 157th Street West. They stated that another vehicle had waved them through the intersection, indicating it was safe to proceed. They collided with the child on the bicycle as they entered the crosswalk.
The child (Unit 2), riding east along the sidewalk on 157th Street West, reported that they could not stop in time and collided with the vehicle as it entered the roadway.
A graphic provided by the Apple Valley Police Department on the crash scene.
Witness Account
A witness at the scene provided additional context, saying they saw the child on the bike in the crosswalk when the driver began to move and ended up striking the child on the bike in the crosswalk.
According to the Apple Valley Police, the extent of the child’s injuries is unknown, and no citations were issued as a result of this crash.
Safety Reminders
This incident reminds us of the importance of vigilance at intersections, especially for drivers and pedestrians alike. Drivers should always be cautious when proceeding through crosswalks and intersections, even when waved through by other vehicles, and pedestrians should ensure it is safe to cross.
Written by: Will Wight
