Semi Strikes, Kills Bike Commuter In Boulder

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - A man riding his bicycle to work was killed Tuesday morning in Boulder when a semi struck him.

The Colorado State Patrol is investigating the incident, which happened at approximately 7 a.m. at 6379 Valmont Road. The bike and rider were dragged several feet after the collision.

Initial reports from police indicate that the semi, which was carrying a full load of gravel, might have failed to yield to the cyclist, but troopers say it's too early in the investigation to tell.

A female coworker was traveling with the victim on her bike and she was able to avoid getting struck while the two were on their way to work.

"The witness, being the other bicyclist who was with this person; trying to figure out exactly what happened, building a timetable and seeing what exactly they were doing, how fast they were going, where, if they were obstructed by anything," Trooper Nate Reid said. "It's a pretty straight road here, so as far as obstructions and things like that, the semi probably should have seen the bicyclist."

The names of the rider and the semi driver have not yet been released.

The road is popular with bicyclists and has bike lanes on both sides of the road. A bicycle painted completely white was dropped off at the location to commemorate the life that was lost there.