Tragedy on Two Wheels: Conflicting Accounts Emerge in Cyclist Magnus White’s Fatal Hit-and-Run Case
April 4, 2025
Day 94 of LA’s Vision Zero failure to end traffic deaths by 2025.
The tragic death of 17-year-old Magnus White, a rising star on the U.S.National Team cycling scene, continues to reverberate, with conflicting accounts emerging during the trial of Yeva Smilianska, the driver who struck and killed him outside Boulder, Colorado.
Smilianska testified on Thursday that she was working the night before the crash, implying she had not been drinking. However, her former friend, Nereida “Neddy” Cooper, presented a different narrative. Cooper testified that Smilianska had the night off and was drinking at the bar where they both worked untill closing time.They then allegedly continued drinking whiskey at smilianska’s home until around 6:30 a.m.
Less than six hours later, Smilianska was at the scene of the crash where White lay dying next to his damaged bicycle.
Smilianska’s defense hinges on the claim that she fell asleep at the wheel, drifting onto the shoulder where she struck White.
Smilianska stated she was sleepy but sober at the time of the crash and police at the scene said she didn’t appear to be intoxicated.
State
San Diego County Crime Stoppers is pulling out all the stops in the hunt for the driver, and the car, who killed an ebike rider in a Clairemont hit-and-run last weekend. Which is exactly how it should be, and exactly what Los Angeles doesn’t do.
She gets it.The head of the Mineta transportation Institute asks if the convenience of turning right on red is really worth the risk to bike riders and pedestrians.
San Francisco approved plans for a parking-protected bike lane on Oak Street leading to Golden Gate Park, but will divert riders into a park to make room for turning cars.
National
People For Bikes considers the effects of Trump’s tariffs on the bike industry — not to mention what you’ll pay for yoru next bike and parts — with import taxes as high as 46% on Asian nations, where most bicycles are made. Best advice is to buy what you can now, before prices go up and availability goes down.
international
Momentum lists the six most bike-friendly North American airports, none of which are LAX. Or any other California airport south of San Francisco.
London’s bicycling and walking commissioner says it would be “extremely unpleasant” to have thousands of bicyclists riding through a newly pedestrianized Oxford Street,but bike riders complain about the “weak and wiggly” alternatives provided for bikes. Although the real news is that London has a bicycling and walking commissioner, unlike a certain SoCal megalopolis we could name.
British custom framebuilder Feather Cycles is the latest bike brand to bike the dust, as the owner says he could make more money as a food delivery rider.
Stars and Stripes recommends resources for long-distance bicycling through Europe, most of which apply to us non-service members, too.
Around 80 university students are riding nearly 800 miles to strasbourg, France to call for European Union support for a Serbian anti-graft project to halt corruption in the Balkan nation, as it seeks membership in the 27-nation bloc.
Competitive Cycling
The teams competing for this year’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift were announced Thursday,including all 15 WorldTour teams,along with seven teams from the ProTour.
Two-time world and Olympic champ Remco Evenepoel is expected to return to racing at Switzerland’s Tour de Romandie at the end of this month, after suffering multiple fractures, dislocated collarbone and bruised lungs when he was doored by a Belgian postal van driver in December.
You know the Lotto cycling team missed the mark when their new team kit is best described as “an explosion in a paint factory.”
Velo will live stream all the races in the USA CRITS series this spring. Which may the only way you’ll see them, since most of the races are in Georgia, and all are in the South other than a single race in Nebraska.
The case highlights the vulnerability of cyclists on American roads. Organizations like the League of American Bicyclists advocate for safer infrastructure and increased awareness to prevent such tragedies. They emphasize the importance of Complete streets policies, which prioritize the safety of all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
The legal proceedings continue, with the cycling community and beyond watching closely. this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving. As the investigation continues,the family and friends of Magnus White hope that justice will be served and that his death will not be in vain.
Finally….
Seriously, who knows the best bikes better than Brit GQ? You win some, you lose some, and sometimes you just take a coffee break.
and that feeling when they raised the speed limit, but you could still get ticket for going too fast.
In a bike race.
………
Be safe, and stay healthy. And get vaccinated,already.
Oh, and [expletive] Putin.
What specific changes do you think would make your community safer for cyclists?
Interview: Cycling Safety Expert Dr. Evelyn Reed on the Magnus White Case and the Broader Issues
archyde News: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Reed. The tragic death of young cyclist Magnus White has deeply affected the cycling community. As a leading expert in transportation safety, what are your initial thoughts on the conflicting accounts emerging in the case?
Dr. Reed: Thank you for having me. It’s a heartbreaking situation. The discrepancies certainly raise concerns. We have a young life lost, and the details surrounding the crash are crucial. One of the key points will be establishing a clear timeline and understanding the factors that may have contributed to the crash, including potential impairment and visibility.
Archyde News: The defense claims the driver fell asleep at the wheel. How common is driver fatigue in cyclist fatalities, and what are the challenges in investigating such claims?
Dr. Reed: Driver fatigue is a important, often underreported, factor in traffic accidents, perhaps exacerbated by lifestyle choices. Proving fatigue can be challenging.It relies heavily on circumstantial evidence like sleep patterns, work schedules, and potentially, witness testimonies. The absence of definitive proof doesn’t mean fatigue wasn’t a factor, and it’s something investigators need to closely examine.
Archyde News: The article touches upon the broader issue of cyclist safety, including infrastructure and awareness. What specific infrastructure changes would you advocate for to make our roads safer for cyclists?
Dr.Reed: Prioritizing Complete Streets policies is essential. This means designing roads to accommodate all users: cyclists, pedestrians, motorists, and public transit. Dedicated bike lanes with physical barriers, improved visibility at intersections, and reduced speed limits in areas with high cyclist activity, coupled with public awareness campaigns, are all vital steps. In many cities,we’re seeing very little progress,even with “Vision Zero” initiatives.
Archyde News: There’s news about hit-and-run cases in San Diego and issues with right-on-red turns. How do these issues contribute to the dangers cyclists face?
Dr. reed: hit-and-run incidents are especially troubling as they deny the victims immediate medical attention increasing chances of fatality, and they can often be difficult to solve, leaving families without closure. Turning right on red, while seemingly convenient, adds a layer of complexity to intersections. Cyclists are often in a driver’s blind spot, increasing the risk of collisions. It really begs the question: is the convenience of right-on-red truly worth the risk, especially when we see evidence that LA’s “Vision Zero” plans are failing?
Archyde news: Considering the recent news, it seems like infrastructure improvements alone are not enough.What are the societal and cultural changes needed to protect cyclists effectively?
Dr. Reed: We need to foster a culture of mutual respect and shared duty on the roads.This means educating drivers about cyclist safety, advocating for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and promoting a mindset that values everyone’s safety. Changing attitudes takes time, but it will ultimately save lives.
Archyde News: With the upcoming Tour de France femmes and other cycling events, cycling is enjoying increased visibility. How can we leverage this interest to promote cyclist safety?
Dr. Reed: Major cycling events are an opportune moment to highlight safety. Event organizers, media, and cycling advocates should actively incorporate safety messages and promote responsible road behavior. Highlighting professional cyclists advocating for road safety can also have a significant impact. These role models are best placed to help raise awareness and make cycling safer with an open dialog.
Archyde News: Dr. Reed, thank you for your insightful commentary. What message would you like to leave our readers with regarding cyclist safety?
Dr. Reed: The loss of Magnus White underscores the urgent need for action. Every cyclist has the right to feel safe on the roads. Let’s work together – drivers, cyclists, lawmakers, and community members – to prioritize safety, demand better infrastructure, support enforcement of traffic laws, and cultivate a culture that values every life on our roads. What specific changes do you think would make your community safer for cyclists? We encourage our readers to share their views in the comments below.
