Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald
GRAHAM COUNTY – A 13-year-old boy was treated for a broken arm and lacerations to his face Thursday, after colliding with a truck while riding an electric bicycle south of Safford.
A Graham County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched at about 4:12 p.m. to the area of S. Lebanon Loop Road and Anns Ranch Road regarding a bicycle versus truck collision.
According to the deputy’s report, the juvenile entered the southbound lane of Lebanon Loop from Anns Ranch Road without yielding to traffic and was struck by a southbound white, 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. The pickup truck driver told the deputy he was traveling at about 35 mph (the posted speed limit) when the bicyclist entered the roadway. The driver said he attempted to avoid striking the bicyclist by braking and swerving into the northbound lane, but a collision could not be avoided and the bicyclist made contact with the truck’s grill, which knocked him roughly 20 feet from the collision point.
Skid marks that were located at the scene and a second driver who was also southbound behind the truck corroborated the truck driver’s version of events.
The juvenile was transported to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. No citations were given in the crash.
