Bicyclist Killed in Berkeley Collision

BICYCLIST KILLED IN COLLISION AT TELEGRAPH AVENUE AND HASTE STREET IN BERKELEY

A tragic collision between a vehicle and a bicyclist occurred on Saturday afternoon, November 15, 2025, near the intersection of Telegraph Avenue and Haste Street in Berkeley. According to preliminary information, a man in his 60s who had been riding a bicycle southbound on Telegraph Avenue was struck by a northbound vehicle. He was transported to a nearby hospital where, despite emergency efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver involved remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.

This loss is devastating for family, friends, and the community. Avian Law Group extends its deepest condolences to those affected as investigators work to understand how this crash occurred and whether any preventable factors contributed to the outcome.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE CRASH

- Location: Telegraph Avenue at Haste Street, an area with significant pedestrian and bicycle activity due to nearby businesses and residences.
- Direction of travel: The bicyclist was reportedly traveling southbound; the vehicle was traveling northbound.
- Emergency response: First responders quickly arrived, and the bicyclist was transported to the hospital, where he later passed away.
- Driver cooperation: The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
- Investigation: Law enforcement is examining the intersection and surrounding area to determine contributing factors such as visibility, lane positioning, traffic signals, vehicle speed, and potential right-of-way issues.

ROAD CLOSURES AND SCENE SECURITY

Due to the severity of the collision, authorities closed multiple blocks to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic to preserve the scene and allow for a thorough investigation. Closures included:
- Telegraph Avenue between Haste Street and Dwight Way
- Haste Street between Bowditch Avenue and Dana Street

These closures are standard in serious or fatal collisions and allow investigators to document evidence, analyze lighting and sightlines, and reconstruct the event.

CALIFORNIA LAWS THAT PROTECT PEOPLE ON BIKES

California law recognizes that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when operating on public roadways. Several statutes are especially relevant in bicycle-vehicle collisions:

- Equal rights and duties: California Vehicle Code section 21200 generally grants bicyclists the same rights and subjects them to the same rules as drivers.
- Safe passing: Under California’s “Three Feet for Safety” law and updated passing requirements, drivers should change lanes to give bicyclists space when feasible and must provide at least three feet of clearance when passing.
- Lane positioning: CVC section 21202 allows bicyclists to take the lane when necessary for safety, including when avoiding hazards or when the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side.
- Duties at intersections: Drivers must yield as required by traffic control devices and avoid entering intersections at unsafe speeds or in ways that compromise the safety of others.

INVESTIGATIVE FACTORS COMMONLY REVIEWED

While authorities have not released a final determination in this case, investigators often evaluate:

- Speed and stopping distance of all involved parties
- Right-of-way and compliance with traffic signals or signs
- Sightlines, parked cars, and visual obstructions near the intersection
- Sun glare, lighting conditions, and weather
- Positioning within the lane and signaling of any turns
- Possible distractions, impairment, or fatigue
- Vehicle equipment issues (brakes, lights) and bicycle equipment (lights, reflectors)
- Roadway design, signage adequacy, and pavement conditions

If roadway design or maintenance contributed to visibility or safety problems, claims against a public entity may be implicated, which carry strict notice deadlines.

UNDERSTANDING WRONGFUL DEATH RIGHTS IN CALIFORNIA

For families grieving the loss of a loved one following a bicycle crash, California law allows certain survivors to pursue a wrongful death claim. Eligible claimants typically include a surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or other dependents as outlined in California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60. A separate but related “survival” action may also be available under section 377.30 to recover damages the decedent could have claimed if they had survived, such as medical expenses between injury and death.

Wrongful death claims seek to hold negligent parties financially responsible and may include compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of household services, and the loss of love, companionship, and guidance. Survival claims may recover medical bills and other damages incurred prior to death. Punitive damages are rare and generally reserved for egregious conduct such as intoxicated or reckless driving.

As Berkeley continues to push for safer streets and more sustainable modes of transportation, tragedies like this fatal bicycle collision serve as a sobering reminder of how vulnerable cyclists remain. Every life lost leaves behind grieving families, unanswered questions, and a community searching for accountability and change.

At Avian Law Group, we stand with victims and their families during these devastating moments. Our team is committed to seeking justice, uncovering the truth, and ensuring that negligent drivers and responsible parties are held fully accountable. No family should have to navigate the aftermath of a fatal crash alone, and our attorneys are here to provide clarity, guidance, and unwavering support.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a bicycle collision or serious traffic incident, you have rights — and you deserve answers. Contact Avian Law Group for experienced, compassionate legal help during this difficult time.