NORFOLK, Va. — A teenager is dead days after a bike and a car crashed at the intersection of E. Princess Anne Rd. and Ballentine Blvd. in Norfolk, according to police.
The teen, a 14-year-old boy, was riding the bike involved in the crash, according to police.
Norfolk
Cyclist with life-threatening injuries after crash on Princess Anne in Norfolk
Police say they heard about the crash on Wednesday, Feb. 21 just before 10 p.m. When officers went to the intersection, they found the teen suffering from serious injuries and took him to the hospital, police say.
He died in the hospital Thursday, police say.
Friday afternoon, a spokesperson for Norfolk Public Schools released a statement to News 3 identifying the teen as a Ruffner Middle School student.
Norfolk Public Schools’ staff and students are extremely saddened to learn of the death of one of our Ruffner School students. With a heavy heart we extend our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to our student’s family. Each young life is precious, and the loss of any child leaves an indelible mark on our community. Norfolk Public Schools' crisis team, which consists of schools psychologists, school counselors, social workers, and various other staff are assisting students and our Ruffner family during this difficult time.
Wednesday night, a bicycle could be seen on the ground at the intersection of E. Princess Anne Rd. And Ballentine Blvd. in Norfolk as a police investigation was underway.
“I have a couple incidents, some pretty serious injuries," said Tyler Whitfield, an avid cyclist who works at East Coast Bicycles in Norfolk.
He’s also been hit by a car while riding. He said a helmet and gear to help drivers see you are a must any time you’re on a bike.
"I’ve had a couple spills here and there and the helmet has played a key factor in not getting a major head injury," Whitfield said. "Daytime, especially on a day like today, I road in and I wore (a high-visibility) jacket. It’s kind of a rain jacket. So, something highly visible. Day or night, we always recommend some sort of flashing light system.”
He noted a fishing light can be relatively cheap. Some can be found online for $14.99.
As of Friday, police had not released the name of the teen, the driver who hit them, or what caused the crash but said the driver remained on scene and the investigation was ongoing.
Norfolk
Norfolk wants to eliminate all traffic fatalities. Here's how.
As News 3 has reported, the city of Norfolk has a plan called Vision Zero to try to eliminate traffic fatalities.
Among other things, the plan includes installing and upgrading crossing signals at crosswalks and more bike lanes.
“People really like the bike lanes because it’s a different way to access parts of the city. It’s good exercise, it gets people outdoors," Norfolk Transportation Department Anna Dewey explained. "When you’re on the street, be mindful that it’s not only you on the street.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bicycle deaths increased more than 8 percent in Virginia from 2010-2020 and more than 50 percent nationwide during that time.
“There’s always the what-ifs. It’s always in the back of my mind," Whitfield said. "I just do everything I can to protect myself.”
Stay with News 3 for updates.
