SANTA BARBARA A 54-year-old man was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bicycle early Friday near Modoc Road and Encore Drive, authorities said.
The California Highway Patrol was called to the area at 12:39 a.m. Friday and found a 2003 Ford Explorer had collided with the bicyclist. The vehicle, driven by Monique Martinez, 48, of Santa Barbara, was traveling west on Modoc Road and she did not see the bicyclist, who was reportedly outside the bicycle lane, not wearing a helmet and did not have any lighting devices or reflectors, according to a news release.
The bicyclist was thrown from his bike and succumbed to his injuries at the scene, the CHP said.
The collision occurred near the entrance to the Obern Trail bicycle path.
Ms. Martinez was traveling with three other passengers. No one inside the vehicle was injured, the CHP said.
She was evaluated at the scene and found not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It was unclear whether the bicyclist was under the influence. Portions of Modoc Road were closed for a time after the collision.
The name of the victim was withheld Friday pending notification of next of kin.
