LULING – On Monday evening at approximately 8 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop
B investigated a
fatal crash involving a bicyclist on U.S. Highway 90 at Barton Avenue in St. Charles Parish.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a 1994 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Lydia Goellner, 50, of Thibodeaux was traveling west on U.S. 90 in the right lane. The bicyclist exited a private drive and successfully crossed the east lanes of U.S. 90. The
bicyclist then proceeded across the west
lanes of U.S. 90 and
began to cross in the
path of the Pathfinder. The Pathfinder struck the bicycle, and the bicyclist was pronounced dead on the scene.
Speed and impairment are not considered factors in the crash, however toxicology results are pending an autopsy for the bicyclist. The crash remains under investigation. Identification of the bicyclist is pending the notification of next of kin.
According to Louisiana State Law, bicycles must travel in the same direction as traffic and obey
all traffic laws, including crossing streets at crosswalks and only when permitted. Bicycles must
also have a lamp mounted on the front
that shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front. They shall also have a lamp mounted on the rear that will emit either a flashing or steady red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear. State Police recommends wearing bright and reflective clothing when walking or bicycling at night. Also, bicycle helmets are 85 percent effective in reducing total head and brain injuries. Bicycle helmets are the single most effective way to reduce fatalities because of head injuries.