LULING — A St. Charles Parish man has succumbed to injuries sustained in a May 31 bicycling accident.

John Collins, 81, of Luling, was riding a bicycle in a private parking lot off of Highway 90 just before 8 a.m. when he came into the path of an Eastbound 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by 27-year-old Bethany Branson of Luling.

Preliminary investigation by state police revealed the crash occurred as Collins exited the parking lot onto Highway 90 and failed to yield. As a result, the Cobalt struck the bicycle.

Collins was not wearing a helmet and sustained serious injuries, according to state police. He was transported from the scene to University Medical Center in New Orleans for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries June 6.

State Police said impairment is not suspected from either party involved in the crash. However, the crash remains under investigation.

Branson was properly restrained at the time of the crash and suffered only minor injuries.

Louisiana State Police reminds bicyclists to never assume they are visible to motorists.

Wearing an approved bicycle helmet, reflective materials and avoiding distractions are key to preventing crashes. Louisiana law requires bicyclists to remain as close to the right of side of the roadway as practicable and obey all traffic laws.

According to State Police, motorists should also be committed to safety on shared roadways.

“Motorists should remain alert at all times and remember the three foot rule when passing bicycles,” State Police said. “Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death.”