Cyclist dead after being hit by two cars in San Jose

San Jose police say a man riding a bike was hit by two vehicles early Sunday morning and later died from his injuries. 

They say one of the drivers stayed at the scene and the other driver sped away. There have been over 50 traffic deaths in San Jose so far this year.  

As the city of San Jose continues to see a rise in traffic-related deaths, the police and mayor have been speaking out about the issue and discussing possible solutions.

Just after midnight on Sunday, San Jose police say a homeless man was killed while riding a bike near the intersection of Senter and Story roads. This is the 54th traffic-related death in San Jose this year and for months, police have been asking people to be mindful of traffic safety. 

"Obviously the reasoning behind that is many factors. As a group and public, we want to encourage drivers to follow the rules of the road. Make sure that they’re looking out for pedestrians, bicyclists as well as motorcyclists," said San Jose police spokesman Steven Aponte. 

Only one of the drivers remained at the scene and was cooperating with police. 

After an 8-year-old boy was hit by a car and killed last month, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo spoke to KTVU Mornings on 2 about the alarming number of traffic and pedestrian deaths in San Jose.   

"We receive hundreds of complaints every week from residents throughout the city who believe traffic is too fast in their neighborhood, and they’re concerned about various roadway issues," Liccardo said.  

Liccardo says San Jose has received $10 million in state funding to make roads safer, but more money will be needed.  

"The reality is we have a very defined and scarce budget, and we need to focus on where the greatest risks exist. What the data is telling us, in terms of where people are being harmed, and where the greatest risk is, and ironically, it’s not in the neighborhoods. It’s out on the higher speed roadways. That’s where we’re seeing the greatest number of fatalities and the greatest harm," Liccardo said.    

Liccardo also said the city recognizes that many San Jose streets are simply outdated and need safety improvement. He says once the most dangerous areas are improved, the city will address solutions for residential areas as well.