Ethan Boyes, a world champion cyclist from the United States, died after being struck by a car while cycling on Arguello Boulevard in San Francisco’s Presidio Park. The accident occurred on a curvy stretch that has been a safety concern for cyclists. The 44-year-old was a winner of multiple championships and a 10-time national champion. He was also the reigning champion in the men’s 35-39 age group for the 1,000-meter time trial. Boyes was rushed to a hospital with fatal injuries and was later pronounced dead. The driver involved in the crash was also transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The accident was mourned by many on several platforms. San Francisco has seen a record number of traffic fatalities in the past ten years, with the largest number of traffic fatalities since 2014 being recorded last year. The heavily used cycling route connecting Golden Gate Park and the Presidio has been a safety concern for cyclists for years. The narrow and curvy stretch where Boyes was killed has painted bike lanes but no buffered space or bollards. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition described Boyes as a “champion bicycle racer and beloved figure in the bicycling community” and demanded “immediate action” to protect cyclists in the park. According to USA Cycling, Boyes was the reigning masters track world champion in the men’s 40-44 age group for the time trial and sprint events, and he held several records in his age group.
