Sun staff
An Anderson man passed away on Feb. 1 after he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle down state Route 52 on Jan. 31.
Michael Prater was hit by Melinda Woodall, age 34 of Amelia, at 10:30 a.m. near Asbury Road in Anderson Township, according to a media release from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Woodall was driving a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee when she hit Prater, who sustained critical injuries.
Woodall, who fled the scene, was arraigned the morning of Feb. 1 and will be charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an auto accident, according to Michael Robison, director of media and public relations for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Woodall is believed to have been under the influence of drugs during the time of the crash.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Traffic Unit is still investigating the incident.
“This was a senseless tragedy,” said village of New Richmond Administrator Greg Roberts, who has seen more and more cycling enthusiasts riding on state Route 52.
The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office has recorded four incidents of cars hitting bicyclists in the past five years.
In 2009, a car hit a cyclist on Estate Drive in Batavia Township. In 2010, a car hit a cyclist on Twin Bridges Road in Williamsburg Township. In 2011, one car hit a cyclist on Linton Road in Goshen Township, and another car hit a cyclist on state Route 743 in Washington Township.
None of those crashes were fatal, according to Steve Leahy, chief deputy for the sheriff’s office.
“If we want to see more people heading to New Richmond on a bicycle, it has to be safe,” Roberts said.
Leahy says that cyclists have the same right of way as motorists. While state Route 52 has a large berm, many of the roads in the county have a minimum berm.
“There’s not a lot of room on the road, so for us, we want to ensure that cars are sharing the road with cyclists,” he said.
The Columbus Division of Police has compiled tips for motorists to safely share the road with cyclists.
• By law, cyclists belong on the road and have the right to a full lane, just like motorists.
• Pay attention. Expect bikes and motorcycles on the road, and pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Pass with care; motorists should allow at least three feet between their car and cyclists.
• Wait until it’s safe to pass cyclists.
• When making left turns, yield to oncoming bikes.
• Before making right turns, check for approaching cyclists on the right.
• Watch for and yield to cyclists when pulling out of a driveway.