Authorities say a man known for riding his bike on a state road inside the city of Tallapoosa died Thursday after his bicycle was struck by a truck.
According to the investigation report shared by Lt. Stephanie L. Stallings with the Department of Public Safety, the collision happened around 11:23 p.m. Thursday evening.
The report states: A black bicycle, was traveling east on SR 8 near mile marker 5. Â A Georgia Power bucket truck, approached the bicycle from the rear. Â The rider, James Rowell 35 YOA of Tallapoosa, was in the middle of the roadway with no reflectors or lights emitting from the rear of the bicycle. Â Rowell was shirtless with dark shorts and shoes on at the time. Â The driver of of the truck attempted to negotiate his vehicle onto the south shoulder upon observing the cyclist. Â Â Simultaneously, Rowell began weaving to the right within the eastbound lane. The truck struck the rear of the bicycle. Â Rowell was pronounced deceased at the scene. Â
The report says that a Tallapoosa P.D. Officer had observed Rowell in the middle of the roadway earlier in the evening and warned him to stay out of the middle of the road at that time. Â The officer stated Rowell was commonly seen riding in the middle of the roadway despite being warned and informed of the laws.
Stallings says the report is not complete.