News Summary
The Phoenix community mourns as two bicyclists, Larry Leon Schepp and David Griffith, were tragically killed in separate incidents over the weekend. Schepp, 60, was struck while crossing 51st Avenue on Sunday morning, while Griffith, 63, lost his life later that evening near Cave Creek and Cactus roads. Both incidents underscore ongoing concerns about bicycle safety on Phoenix roads. Local authorities emphasize the need for improved safety measures for cyclists, urging motorists to be vigilant and cautious to prevent future tragedies.
Phoenix – A tragic series of incidents involving bicyclists has left the community mourning the loss of two individuals over the weekend. On Sunday morning, Larry Leon Schepp, a 60-year-old resident of Phoenix, was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross 51st Avenue. The police were alerted to the scene at approximately 6 a.m., and initial investigations indicate that Schepp was either riding or pushing his bicycle at the time of the collision. The driver remained at the scene following the accident. Schepp was transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
In a separate incident later that day, a 63-year-old man named David Griffith also lost his life after being hit by a vehicle while biking in north Phoenix. This tragic event occurred around 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Cave Creek and Cactus roads. Authorities found Griffith seriously injured on the roadway, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary reports suggest he was riding westbound on Cactus Road when he was struck by a vehicle traveling in the same direction. The driver involved called 911 and stopped at a nearby location. Notably, Griffith’s bicycle lacked reflectors or lights, although investigators have not confirmed whether distracted or impaired driving contributed to the fatal crash. The investigation into Griffith’s death is still underway.
These incidents add to a concerning trend regarding the safety of bicyclists in Phoenix. Earlier in the year, there were other reported incidents involving bicycle-related accidents. For instance, on January 1, a man was hospitalized after his bike collided with a police vehicle along 24th Street near McDowell Road. The crash took place around 2 p.m., prompting authorities to close the area for investigation, although it has since reopened.
In another earlier occurrence, a rider of a motorized bicycle died following a collision with a pole at the intersection of 23rd and Washington streets. This incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on January 12, with the rider pronounced dead at the scene. No further details have been released regarding the circumstances surrounding this crash.
The city of Phoenix has been facing challenges in ensuring the safety of cyclists on its roads. With the increasing number of both routine bicycle accidents and fatal incidents, there is a pressing need for enhanced safety measures. Bicyclists are often vulnerable on busy roads, and incidents involving cars are particularly concerning in areas with high traffic volume.
Local authorities are working to gather more information surrounding these incidents and encourage the community to remain vigilant. All motorists are urged to exercise caution and be aware of cyclists sharing the roads as a crucial step in preventing future tragedies. Efforts to improve visibility, such as the use of reflectors and lights on bicycles, are being emphasized as additional safety measures for cyclists navigating the streets of Phoenix.
The investigations into both Schepp’s and Griffith’s fatalities will continue as authorities seek to understand the circumstances and determine any necessary actions to improve cyclist safety in the area. This series of tragic events serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by individuals on bicycles and the critical importance of vigilance on the roads.
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HERE Resources
Bicyclist Larry Schnepp Killed in Crash in North Phoenix
Additional Resources
- AZFamily: Bicyclist Hit and Killed in North Phoenix
- Google Search: Bicyclist fatalities Phoenix
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Crash Involving Police Vehicle and Bicycle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bicycling Safety
- ABC15: Police Investigating Deadly Hit-and-Run Crash
- Google News: Bicyclist accidents Phoenix
