Tuesday, March 22, 2011

$5000 Reward for Info leading to the SUV Driver who Struck Down a Cyclist in Fairmount Park

An outlaw SUV motorist driving well above the 25 mph speed limit hit a cyclist who was on a training ride near the Please Touch Museum. 33 year old Meurig James was struck down from behind Friday night at 7:05 PM at the roundabout intersection of Lansdowne Dr. and Avenue of the Republic Lansdowne Dr in Fairmount Park, The driver if found is likely to face charges for leaving the scene of a crash and failing to render aid.

Meurig (My-Rig) was lucky enough that after he went flying that he was both wearing a helmet (and didn’t suffer any brain injury) and landed on the grassy median strip. The police have also found some pieces of evidence from the car that hit him.

The incident occurred a day before the Philly Phlyer Race which took place in the Park on Saturday. Meurig is a competitive cyclist who has taken home prize money on several occasions for his cycling. In 2010 James won USA Cycling Federation cat 3 best all rounder for Pennsylvania. He was out on a training run that night with his friend and fellow cyclist Nick Rogers a transportation project associate for the Clean Air Council who witnessed the crash and called 911.

Meurig’s employer Celerant Consulting has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Police are looking for a White SUV with front end damage, and anyone with any information should contact 911.



View PA/NJ Bicycle Crashes 2011-2012 in a larger map

News Video -

Thanks to Kimberly Junod and Nick Rogers for contributing to this story
Retraction: It was reported earlier that the crash occured in the roundabout at Avenue of the Republic which was incorrect.

1 comments:

Caroline said...

A cyclist getting hit from behind is statistically uncommon. This incident also occurred before sundown.

Accident? Intoxication, significant distraction, or intent to cause grievous harm. We must demand a full investigation.