A traffic accident occurred Tuesday evening, just before 5:00 p.m., on State Route 235 near Lakeview, involving a vehicle and a bicyclist.
The incident occurred in conditions with reduced visibility due to the setting sun, making it difficult for the driver to see the cyclist.
The driver, Franklin Hurley, 46, of Russells Point, was traveling south on State Route 235 when he struck the bicyclist, identified as Banty Kumar, 27, of Lakeview.
Kumar was riding on the shoulder of the road between the edge of the roadway and the white fog line.
Deputies on the scene observed that the bicyclist was not wearing high-visibility apparel and did not have a rear flashing light, which could have made him more visible to approaching drivers.
Hurley told deputies that the sun was directly in his eyes, making it difficult for him to see the bicyclist.
Deputies confirmed that the sun was particularly bright in that area at the time, which likely contributed to the visibility issue.
At the time of the report, it was unclear if the bicyclist sustained any injuries.
No citations were issued at the scene.
Deputies noted that both the timing of the accident—just before sunset—and the lack of visibility precautions on the part of the bicyclist contributed to the collision.
The incident is still under investigation.
