ZEPHYR COVE — Nevada Highway Patrol has identified the people involved in a bicycle versus semi-truck collision Thursday morning in the Cave Rock tunnel on U.S. 50.
Bicyclist Clarence M. Aldridge, 48, of Bakersfield, was riding eastbound through the tunnel when he was struck by a truck. He suffered serious injuries and was flown to Renown Medical Center for treatment.
Richard J. Pettay, 39, of Carson City, was driving a Kenworth tractor truck and trailer and also headed eastbound when he struck Aldridge.
Pettay struck the bicyclist “for reason unknown at this time,” according to the NHP. The front of his truck struck the rear of Aldridge’s bicycle, throwing Aldridge from the bicycle inside the tunnel, Trooper Dave Gibson said.
There is not a bike lane inside the Cave Rock tunnel. The speed limit is 35 miles per hour.
Pettay is cooperating with law enforcement and alcohol or drugs are not a factor at this time. The incident remains under investigation and charges are pending, Gibson said.
Trooper Chris Kelly of the Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating the incident. Witnesses or anyone else with more information is asked to contact him by telephone at 775-689-4661 or by email at ckelly@dps.state.nv.us. It is case number NHP-140700874.
