Cyclist dies in crash with dump truck near High Trestle Trail Des Moines, IA

Cyclist dies in crash with dump truck near High Trestle Trail The Des Moines Register

A bicyclist died in a crash with a paving dump truck on a street crossing with the High Trestle Trail.

The fatal crash happened in the 12100 block of Northwest 44th Street outside of Crocker in Polk County on Thursday, Oct. 9, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The 44-year-old woman was cycling southeast on the High Trestle bike trail in a recumbent style bike. The dump truck was going south on Northwest 44th Street when the crash happened.

The driver, who has not been identified, stayed on scene and is cooperating with the investigation, according to the sheriff's office.

Northwest 44th Street was closed for a few hours while investigators worked the scene.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol are investigating the cause of the crash.

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Authorities identify cyclist who was hit, killed by dump truck while crossing road on High Trestle Trail KCCI

Authorities have identified the cyclist as 44-year-old Courtney R. Petersen, of Ankeny.

The crash is still under investigation.

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Cyclists say Polk County bike trail highway crossing is too dangerous KCCI

Polk County, IA - Cyclists in Polk County are urging action to improve safety at a hazardous bike trail intersection after a tragic accident claimed the life of a cyclist.

It happened on Thursday on the High Trestle Trail, where it crosses NW 44th Street between Polk City and Ankeny. Cyclists and advocates say the intersection's design makes it particularly dangerous.

"This is the most dangerous intersection on this trail," said Randy Smith, a frequent trail user. The crossing is located at the crest of a hill, limiting visibility for both drivers and cyclists.

"People can't see vehicles, and vehicles can't see cyclists," said Sue Kearney, another cyclist.

The limited visibility gives drivers only about five seconds to react after the crossing comes into view, which many say is insufficient.

"By the time you're in the middle of the road, a car is on you," Smith explained.

The danger of the intersection became tragically evident when 44-year-old Courtney Peterson, of Ankeny, was hit and killed by a dump truck while riding her hand-pedal recumbent bike. Witness Rodger Routh, who came upon the scene, described Peterson as a familiar face on the trail.

"I've seen this woman multiple times on the bike trail. I wave at her, say hello. With a bike like this, it takes more than just jumping up on your regular bike and getting across the intersection," Routh said.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition has long identified this intersection as a safety concern. Advocates are now calling for immediate improvements.

"There could be better signage, there could be better lights to help with raising that awareness, and I've personally felt unsafe on that specific intersection myself," said Luke Hoffman, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

Currently, signs warn drivers in both directions, but ...


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