March 2008 was a deadly month for Virginia cyclists, with two fatalities. Both were hit from behind. Neither driver was cited.
15 year old Stephen Caleb Smith of Orange allegedly turned left across traffic when he was struck from behind. Because he was wearing headphones, he may not have heard traffic behind him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Read another newspaper account.
In an similar incident, David Mark Toliver from Pennington Gap was struck from behind when he allegedly changed lanes. He died from his injuries a day later. According to an officer at the scene, “He had cans in the basket on his bike and may have seen some in the median and was going to pick them up.”
In 2007, Virginia had 7 cycling fatalities statewide.
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Caleb is my son. I have read the articles and the blogs from all of the bicyclists. I would just like to say thank you for your support and continued prayers for my family and I. Please continue to fight for your legislation and your rights as bicyclists.