Yesterday, near Portola Valley, it turned violent when a black sedan slammed into three bicyclists, sent one rider to the hospital with major injuries, and then kept going as the occupants bolted on foot, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision happened around 1:30 PM at Alpine Road and La Mesa Drive, a popular route for both commuters and cyclists. As reported by KRON4, one cyclist suffered major injuries and was rushed to the hospital, while two others were also transported for medical treatment.
Investigators said they are looking for a black sedan whose occupants fled on foot after the crash. The group reportedly included a woman in her 30s with blonde hair, dressed in all black and carrying an orange phone case, along with two male passengers. Authorities have not announced any arrests.
Alpine Road safety concerns
The spot where the crash occurred is not some random stretch of pavement. Alpine Road has already been flagged by county planners as a problem corridor, thanks to the mix of fast-moving traffic and heavy bike use.
According to San Mateo County documents, the Alpine Road Corridor Study recommended changes such as lower speed limits, radar feedback signs, and buffered bike lanes near La Mesa Drive to help reduce conflicts between drivers and cyclists.
The Town of Portola Valley has also highlighted the corridor in its recent planning materials, signaling that local officials were already worried about exactly the kind of vehicle-bicycle collisions that unfolded on Friday.
Legal note
Leaving the scene of a crash that injures someone is not just bad form in California; it can be a felony. Under Vehicle Code section 20001, drivers who flee after a collision that causes serious injury or death face potential prison time if convicted.
As KRON4 reports, investigators said it was not immediately clear whether the involved car had been stolen. The CHP is continuing to process the scene, talk with witnesses, and is asking anyone with information to contact the agency.
