Secret to a long life': Bay Area cyclist, 94, remembered after fatal crash

"Fernando Velazquez, 94, was stopped on the shoulder just south of Shiloh Road when the driver of a northbound Range Rover veered off the road and struck him, California Highway Patrol Officer David deRutte said. Velazquez was taken to Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he later died. Velazquez rode his tricycle every day, joking it was his secret to a long life, according to a GoFundMe set up to cover funeral expenses."

"The fundraiser described him as a father, grandfather and friend who attended mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Windsor, where he was known for his smiles, handshakes, prayers and encouragement. He believed deeply in helping others, often putting the needs of family, neighbors and even strangers above his own, the fundraiser said. The driver remained at the scene and was later interviewed at CHP's Santa Rosa office, deRutte said."

A 94-year-old Santa Rosa cyclist, Fernando Velazquez, was struck Sept. 20 when a northbound Range Rover veered off Old Redwood Highway and hit him as he was stopped on the shoulder just south of Shiloh Road. Velazquez was hospitalized at Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and later died. He rode a tricycle daily and was remembered as a father, grandfather, parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and a helpful community member. The driver remained at the scene and was interviewed by CHP; drugs and alcohol are not suspected. CHP and the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office are reviewing possible charges. Old Redwood Highway is a wide, straight three-lane road with a 45 mph limit; its design and a right-turn lane at Shiloh Road can encourage fast driving and create right-of-way confusion for cyclists, and installing physical barriers and other safety improvements were suggested.

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