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Triathlon head to motorists: Share the road
The bicycle of Triathlon Association of the CNMI president Ricky Castro is seen wedged in front of the vehicle that hit him and his bike last Saturday morning. (Contributed Photo)
Triathlon Association of the CNMI president Ricky Castro has asked motorist to share the road with local cyclists after being hit by a car last Saturday along Beach Road.
Castro told Saipan Tribune that he and fellow TRAC official Manny Sitchon were going southbound after their usual weekend morning ride when the incident happened.
“It was our usual weekend ride from Banzai Cliff. We were already on our way home so we’re taking our time. We were inside the bike lane approaching National Office Supply,” said Castro, who lost consciousness after the accident.
“When I woke up, I was already lying down on the road and there were people around me. The one who hit me was also going southbound,” added Castro,
He said that he was able to talk to the driver of the car that hit him. “[The driver] said he fell asleep. He then veered to the [left] then quickly steered his wheel [to the right] and we were there. That’s when I got hit.”
The driver of the car is 19 years old, according to Castro, who is already at home recovering from his injuries. Saipan Tribune tried to get a copy of the official incident report, but the Department of Public Safety has yet to release it.
Meanwhile, cycling enthusiast Marian Aldan-Pierce, in a Facebook post, also appealed to motorists to be careful when bikers and runners are on the road.
“Runners and bikers use the shoulders because we do not have dedicated bike lanes. Please help make our roads safe for bikers, pedestrians, runners, [and] for everyone,” Aldan-Pierce said
This was the second recorded bike-related accident this year after 49-year-old Noe Valdisimo was allegedly hit by an Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) bus last January. Valdisimo has sued IPI and the bus driver.
