Ultra endurance cyclist Jay Petervary speaks out about recovery and safety after being hit by a driver in Colorado.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : HARTSEL, Colo. — It has been a long and challenging 11 weeks of recovery for ultra endurance cyclist Jay Petervary after he endured a severe injury from being hit by a driver while riding through Colorado this past summer. The incident occurred on August 27, when Petervary, who was over 2,000 miles into The Great Divide Race across the Continental Divide, was struck from behind by an SUV driver. The cyclist was on a flat terrain on Park County Road 53, thinking he was in a safe spot due to good visibility and the time of day.

Recalling the horrifying crash, Petervary shared, “I was sliding on my face and my right eye was packed with gravel and all bleeding. I couldn’t move because, at the time, I didn’t know this, but I ended up breaking my wrist, it was kind of sideways while I was laying there. I snapped my humerus in half and then I broke my elbow with a compression fracture.”

According to Colorado State Patrol, the driver, a 16-year-old, attempted to pass Petervary and ended up colliding with his bike. The driver was subsequently ticketed for careless driving. This unfortunate incident highlights the vulnerability of cyclists on the roads, even in seemingly safe conditions.

Sadly, Petervary’s case is not an isolated incident. Just this past summer, 17-year-old US National Team Cyclist Magnus White lost his life while cycling on CO 119 between Boulder and Longmont. Colorado State Patrol investigators believe that the driver, a 23-year-old woman from Westminster, drifted onto the shoulder of the road and struck the back of White’s bike. The driver in White’s case has not yet faced charges, but the investigation is expected to conclude soon.

These incidents have sparked a renewed call for major safety improvements to be implemented. Following the tragedy involving White, plans were announced to enhance safety on CO 119, including improved pedestrian crossings and a protected commuter bikeway. However, construction for these improvements is not slated to begin until 2024.

Petervary, along with other cyclists, insists that more needs to be done to address the issue of cyclist safety. He expressed, “People still get hit on bike paths, even the ones with like the medians and things like that with warning and stuff. I mean, it still happens. I was on a dirt road thinking, ‘that’s safe,’ with a good line of sight, and I wasn’t. So that falls into another category of awareness and education.”

While there is no easy solution to prevent such accidents, Petervary hopes that his experience will serve as a reminder for drivers and cyclists alike to prioritize safety. He emphasized the importance of awareness and education to minimize the risks faced by cyclists on the road.

The recent surge in pedestrian deaths in Colorado further underscores the urgent need for action. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, 2022 set a record with 111 pedestrian fatalities. These alarming statistics highlight the pressing need for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of all road users.

As Petervary continues his recovery journey, he remains determined not to let anger consume him. He acknowledges that while he has every right to be mad, he chooses to focus on regaining his strength and pursuing his passions. However, he also hopes that no one else will have to endure a crash like his or suffer a worse fate.

With the investigation into White’s case nearing its conclusion, the 20th Judicial District Attorney’s office will make a decision on possible charges against the driver. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly impact the ongoing discussions surrounding cyclist safety and the need for stricter enforcement and measures to protect vulnerable road users.

In the face of these tragic incidents, it is crucial for authorities, lawmakers, and communities to work together to create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians. Greater investments in infrastructure, education, and enforcement are necessary to prevent further loss of life and ensure that everyone can travel the roads without fear..