Police Identify Cyclists Killed in Oklahoma City Over the Weekend

For the second time in one weekend, a bicyclist has been killed by a driver on Oklahoma City roads. Police have identified both cyclists who were killed.

Sunday, July 18th 2010, 3:27 pm

By: News 9


By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- For the second time in one weekend, a bicyclist has been killed by a driver on Oklahoma City roads. Police have identified both cyclists who were killed.

Police say Sunday's accident happened in the 5200 block of East Britton Road in far eastern Oklahoma City.

Clyde Armstrong Riggs, 75, was traveling eastbound on Britton Road when the driver of a pickup truck slammed into him. He was pronounced dead at Presbyterian Hospital.

The driver was stopped and interviewed. The case is still under investigation and will be turned over to the District Attorney to determine if any charges will be filed.

Sunday's accident happened just four miles from the scene of a hit-and-run where a driver killed a cyclist on Saturday. That incident happened at Midwest Boulevard and 122nd Street.

Oklahoma City police were called to the scene where they found Alan Spencer, 56, and his bike in a ditch. There were no eye witnesses and police ask anyone with information to contact authorities.

The two deaths are big blows to Oklahoma City's cycling community. Mike Flenniken and his wife Talesa were biking on Saturday when police flagged their group down for help identifying the victim of the hit-and-run.

"It's a really popular area to bike. We helped them at least look for more clues to find this gentleman's identity. We told police to check his cell phone for the ICE, or in case of emergency number. We also told them cyclists often wear special bracelets and carry identification on the back of the bike," Talesa said.

The Flennikens were cycling with Team Bike Buddies, the group they co-founded.

"It's infuriating. It's just devastating. These are our friends," Mike said.

The Flennikens did not know Spencer or Riggs but say everyone in the cycling community is close and have an unspoken bond.

The shock of Saturday's hit-and-run was still soaking in when the couple found out about the accident that killed cyclist Clyde Riggs.

"It's absolutely shocking. It's very rare that you have this kind of incident one time, but two days in a row makes you feel somewhat helpless," Talesa said.

Rules of the Road for Drivers, Cyclists | Cycling Guide

Cyclists and police say both drivers and cyclists need to know the rules of the road. Cyclists have the right to the roadway and share the same rules as drivers. By law, drivers are required to give cyclists at least three feet when passing a cyclist.

"It's not a bicycle. It's a friend. It's a father, a son, a grandfather, grandmother, and those are who we're losing," Mike said.

More: Bicyclist Killed by Hit-And-Run Driver in East Oklahoma City

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