"Velazquez rode his tricycle every day, joking it was his secret to a long life, according to a GoFundMe set up to cover funeral expenses. The fundraiser described him as a father, grandfather and friend who attended mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Windsor, where he was known for his smiles, handshakes, prayers and encouragement. "He believed deeply in helping others, often putting the needs of family, neighbors and even strangers above his own," the fundraiser said."
"The stretch of Old Redwood Highway where the crash occurred is wide and straight, with three lanes and a 45 mph speed limit. Pedestrians' and cyclists' risk of death nearly doubles when impact speeds rise from 30 to 40 mph, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. The road is bordered by farmland to the northeast and homes and a church to the southwest."
Fernando Velazquez, 94, was stopped on the shoulder just south of Shiloh Road when a northbound Range Rover veered off Old Redwood Highway and struck him on Sept. 20. Velazquez was taken to Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he later died. A GoFundMe described him as a devoted father, grandfather and churchgoer who rode his tricycle daily and helped others. The driver remained at the scene and was later interviewed by CHP; drugs and alcohol are not suspected. CHP is coordinating with the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office on possible charges. Old Redwood Highway is wide, straight, three lanes and 45 mph, and its design and a right-turn lane at Shiloh Road can encourage fast driving and create right-of-way confusion for cyclists. Possible safety improvements include installing a physical barrier.
Read at The Mercury News
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