Officers confirm that the bicyclist was wearing all black and was not wearing a helmet when Pernsteiner who was driving westbound on Harding Road about 40 to 45 miles an hour struck the bicyclist who he says he did not see throwing him into the windshield. They also believe that there were no reflectors on the bicycle.
Officials with the California Highway Patrol believe that Pernsteiner had accidentally crossed the yellow line when the accident occurred, but they do not understand why. They do not believe that drugs or alcohol were involved in the fatal accident.
Paramedics took the bicyclist to Doctors Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Pernsteiner was not injured in this accident happening at the start of Bicycle Safety Month. Motorists and bicyclists are reminded to be careful when using public roadways. Across the state, bicycle fatalities account for about four percent of all traffic fatalities.