Accident Report Suggests Bike Turn Led to Big-Rig Collision

The Napa ofice of the California Highway Patrol released the accident report from the June 21 collision that took the life of a 68-year old Sonoma man, identified as Brian Laurie, who was riding his bicycle at the time.

The collision took place at about 4:40 p.m. on Thursday afternoon on 8th St East, just south of Denmark Rd. Several county agencies responded, and the victim was taken to Napa's Queen of the Valley Hospital, where he died of his injuries at 8:20 p.m. in the emergency room.

Both bicyclist and big rig were southbound, with Laurie riding in the rightmost part of the lane. He apparently used his arm to signal a left turn and began his turn; the driver of the truck, 46-year old Carlos Linarez of Vallejo, saw him entering his lane, applied the brakes and turned toward the left, but was unable to stop in time.

There was no indication of alcohol use or other violations. Laurie was wearing his helmet at the time of the accident.

Though the accident report is still being written, there are no charges at the present time, subject to change as the investigation proceeds, said Sgt. Jaret Paulson of the Napa office of the CHP.