There is no doubt that biking is a favorite form of transportation in Portland, but sometimes the combination of bicycles and cars on Portland’s streets does not mix. Two weeks ago multiple fire crews responded to an early morning report that involved a bicyclist trapped face down underneath a car.
Around 6:40 a.m. on January 5, a bike accident involving multiple cars was reported near Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Grand Avenue. Multiple fire crews responded to numerous reports of the bike accident and ultimately the fire crews discovered the accident scene at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Interstate 84.
According to a witness, a man riding a bicycle in the far right lane of the road was hit by a car after the bicyclist made a lane change. After the bicyclist was hit by the initial car, an approaching car, unable to stop, hit the man and pinned the man face down on the street.
A member of the Portland police said the 30-year-old bicyclist, “made a dangerous left turn, abruptly changed lanes and hit a car. [The man] flew off his bike and was hit by another car that pinned him.”
Emergency personnel determined the man was in critical condition and needed help immediately. Fire crews used air bags, jacks and brute strength to lift the 3,200 pound car off of the 30-year-old. A firefighter who was on his way to work and responded to the call described the efforts of the fire crews as “pretty impressive.”
Source: oregonlive.com, “Portland bicyclist makes illegal lane change and ends up pinned under a car in Northeast Portland,” Tom Hallman Jr., Jan. 5, 2012
