Following Fatal Bike Crash Montgomery Leaders Seek Solutions

BETHESDA, MD — State lawmakers from Montgomery County have organized a meeting with the Maryland State Highway Administration to discuss road safety after a young cyclist was fatally struck by a car in Bethesda last week.

Del. Marc Korman, a Democrat from Bethesda, announced on Thursday that he would meet with transportation officials in the coming weeks. At least five other lawmakers are expected to attend this meeting, including: State Sen. Susan Lee; Del. Ariana Kelly; Del. Sara Love; Montgomery County Council member At-Large Hans Riemer; and District 1 Council member Andrew Friedson.

A tragedy for the young man, his family and community. @MDSHA is conducting an initial review and has agreed to meet w/ @SenatorSusanLee @DelArianaKelly @SaraLove4MD @hansriemer @Andrew_Friedson me and community on site in a few weeks. More info soonhttps://t.co/iTWR48AtaW
— Marc Korman (@mkorman) August 2, 2019

The announcement comes two days after Jacob Cassell, a 17-year-old boy from Bethesda, was struck by an SUV on Old Georgetown Road. Montgomery County Police are still trying to piece together what exactly had happened, but said he was traveling southbound on the sidewalk when he fell off his bike and got hit by a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.

Cassell, who wore the "bulldog" mascot costume for Winston Churchill High School, was rushed to a local hospital, where he died.

There is no buffer on Old Georgetown Road that would have better protected Cassell from the busy roadway.

Soon after news broke about the crash, a Montgomery County lawmaker called on transportation officials to make safety improvements along Old Georgetown Road.

"We have so many problem areas, honestly, in the county, all over the county, but I think that this one clearly needs to get to the top of the list," said Montgomery County Councilmember At-Large Hans Riemer, according to WTOP.

Per the news outlet, Riemer says Old Georgetown Road — particularly where last week's fatal accident took place — is one of the most dangerous roadways for bikers.

"Without hesitation, I'd say that stretch of Old Georgetown Road was the worst," Riemer said.

Because the Bethesda roadway is state-run, changes must come from the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Korman says he will be meeting with the Maryland State Highway Administration in a few weeks. The details of the meeting, however, have not yet been worked out, according to Bethesda Beat.

The Democrat told the outlet that the State Highway Administration's protocol is to review the police report and conduct a separate evaluation. But he hopes residents can get the chance to weigh in on the matter.

SEE ALSO:

• Churchill HS Mascot Fatally Hit By Car While Riding His Bike: PD
• Teen Cyclist's Death Shines Light On Safety Upgrade Needs: Report