An Olathe teen was riding his bike when he was struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of Blackbob Road and 139th Street in Olathe on Thursday morning. The 13-year-old boy was crossing Blackbob road when the driver of the pickup truck, turning right onto Blackbob, hit the child. The boy was taken to an area hospital and treated for cuts and bruises. The driver of the pickup truck was not ticketed according to police, because he was unable to see the teen because the sun was in the driver's eyes.
The intersection was previously monitored by crossing guards provided by the Olathe School District. This year, the crossing guards at this intersection were removed due to budget constraints. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are common occurrences and claim numerous lives each year. In 2008, 716 bicyclists sustained fatal injuries nationwide and there were 52,000 reported bicyclist injuries. Since 1932, more than 50,000 bicyclists have lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents. We encourage you to share the road with bicyclists and remember bicycle safety and encourage your children to do the same.