Person biking struck and killed in Woodinville

NE 171st St at 143 Pl NE will be closed for KCSO investigation for a car vs cyclist fatality. pic.twitter.com/fd75wOThf6

- Woodinville Fire (@WoodinvilleFire) July 27, 2020

Someone driving turned left in front of a person biking in Woodinville Monday morning, striking and killing him.

Our condolences to his friends and family.

The person biking was a Woodinville man in his 40s on an e-bike, according to the King County Sheriff's Department. He was headed westbound downhill on the wooded and winding NE 171st Street when a person driving, also from Woodinville, was headed eastbound. The person driving failed to yield when turning left onto 143rd Place NE directly in front the person biking, who collided with the side of the car. The person driving told police he didn't see the victim, possibly in part due to glare from the sun. The collision happened around 9:50 a.m.

Looking eastbound on NE 171st Street approaching 143rd Place NE. From Google Street View.

An investigation is ongoing, though the Sheriff's Department spokesperson said they did not yet see signs of a criminal infraction.

Sun glare is often claimed as a factor in collisions, and while it is a real challenge it is not an excuse. People driving are still responsible for their vehicles regardless of visual conditions. When dealing with sun glare, people driving must slow down and be that much more aware and cautious. Life can change so suddenly, and cars are so deadly.

Again, our condolences to the victim's loved ones.