Bicyclist struck, injured on Park Plaza Drive in New Albany
New Albany Police Chief Chris Robertson has informed NEMiss.News that a 29 year old male bicyclist was struck and injured on Park Plaza Drive just before 11 pm on July 2, 2023.
At about 10:50 pm, a 911 caller reported that a vehicle had struck a bicyclist near the Plaza Auto Wash. New Albany Police Department (NAPD) officers were dispatched. They found that a small Isuzu pickup truck had struck an adult size bicycle, causing extensive damage and injuries. Both the truck and the bicycle had been heading eastward toward Bratton Road in the same traffic lane.
The pickup driver, age 59, stated that he had not seen the cyclist in the road. The bicycle was equipped with a headlight, but no light on the back. The cyclist received severe injuries and was airlifted to North Mississippi Medical Center, where he is reported to be in critical, but stable, condition. The truck driver did not sustain any injuries.
Isuzu pickup damaged in accident with bicyclist.
Photo: courtesy NAPD
Chief Robertson reported that both parties in the wreck had recently been at Walmart, but had left the store at different times. The bicyclist had family working at Walmart, and the truck driver had been buying groceries.
There are a few street lights in the area, but the road is not well lit. Chief Robertson states that there were no untoward circumstances involved – no speeding or driving under the influence, etc. He does not expect criminal charges to be placed. It was, he says, “just an unfortunate accident.”
The Union County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) assisted in traffic control at the accident scene.
All of his coworkers come together last week and surprised him with this bike to show appreciation for all his hard work. It was brand new! He had reflectors! There is no excuse as to why this car shouldn’t be facing any punishment.