A cyclist died after being struck by a vehicle in St. Tammany Parish. 33-year-old James W. Bowie of Covington was hit by a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer while riding his bicycle on LA Highway 1081 near Smith Road around 12:10 a.m. on September 7, 2024, according to the Louisiana State Police website.
Bowie was in the northbound lane near the center dashed line at the time of the crash. He was not wearing a helmet and was dressed in dark clothing. The bicycle did not have rear lights or reflectors. Bowie was pronounced dead at the scene, and a toxicology sample was collected for analysis.
The driver of the Chevrolet was uninjured and showed no signs of impairment. A breath sample from the driver indicated alcohol levels below the legal limit. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
The Louisiana State Police issued a reminder that bicycles are considered vehicles under state law and must follow the same traffic regulations as motor vehicles. They also emphasized the importance of visibility, including the use of proper lighting and reflective clothing when cycling in low-light conditions.
