Rancho Peñasquitos, California (December 10, 2025) — A 60-year-old bicyclist visiting family in San Diego was killed last week after being struck by a vehicle while riding along a residential roadway in Rancho Peñasquitos. The victim was identified as Yi Zhang, 60, who was bicycling to a nearby gym when the collision occurred.
Incident Details: According to San Diego police, the crash happened at approximately 5:30 p.m. Wednesday on Salmon River Road near Pipilo Street. Investigators said Zhang was riding his bicycle when a northbound vehicle struck him from behind. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Zhang succumbed to his injuries.
Police reported that the driver, a 51-year-old woman, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Authorities have not announced whether any citations or charges will be filed.
Zhang had traveled from China earlier this year to Rancho Peñasquitos to help care for his elderly mother and young grandchildren while visiting family for an extended stay.
Investigation: SDPD investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the collision. In rear-end bicycle crashes, investigators typically analyze vehicle speed, driver visibility, sightlines, and whether the bicyclist was properly illuminated and positioned within the roadway. They also review physical evidence such as bicycle damage, vehicle impact points, skid marks, and roadway geometry to determine whether the driver had sufficient time and distance to react.
Authorities may also evaluate whether distraction, lighting conditions, or roadway design played a role, particularly on residential streets where cyclists and vehicles often share limited space. While impairment has not been reported, toxicology testing and vehicle inspections are standard parts of a fatal collision investigation.
Legal Considerations: Bicycle fatalities are especially heartbreaking because they often involve vulnerable road users who have little protection when struck by a motor vehicle. California law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance and exercise heightened caution when sharing the road with bicyclists. A failure to see a cyclist in time can raise questions about attentiveness, speed, and whether reasonable care was exercised under the circumstances.
If investigators determine that driver negligence contributed to the collision, Zhang’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. While no civil action can undo the loss, accountability can help families find answers and prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Zhang family as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather.
Source: NBC San Diego