San Rafael, CA – On Saturday, 12/02/23, SRPD officers responded to Andersen Drive at the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (S.M.A.R.T.) railroad grade crossing for a vehicle versus bicyclist collision.  Officers and the San Rafael Fire Department arrived on the scene and found the bicyclist deceased.  SRPD’s Major Accident Investigations Team (M.A.I.T.) is investigating the collision.  The driver of the vehicle involved is cooperating with investigators.  A detailed determination of the cause of the collision is expected to take several months as evidence, and all the factors involved will be thoroughly investigated. 

Just before 7:45 AM, SRPD began receiving 9-1-1 calls about a vehicle versus bicyclist collision on Andersen Drive at the S.M.A.R.T railroad grade crossing.  This location is just north of the intersection of Andersen Drive and Francisco Boulevard West. 

SRPD officers, SRFD firefighters, and paramedics arrived within minutes.  First responders attended to the male bicyclist and determined that he was deceased.  Due to the fatality, SRPD assigned its Major Accident Investigation Team to investigate the incident.  The roadway and railroad services were shut down for seven hours while an investigation was being conducted. 

The preliminary investigation has determined that the bicyclist was headed northbound on Andersen Drive and approached the S.M.A.R.T. railroad grade crossing.  It appears the bicyclist drove over the tracks, fell to the pavement, and into the path of a northbound traveling pickup truck that was towing a trailer.  The pickup truck was unable to stop in time, and the bicyclist was run over.  The driver of the pickup truck is cooperating with investigators.  At the scene, drugs and alcohol were not immediately suspected; however, investigators will await the results of toxicology reports. 

SRPD is investigating with the assistance of the Marin County Coroner’s Office and SMART officials.  M.A.I.T. investigators expect it will take several months to complete a thorough investigation and release findings as to how the collision occurred as they analyze evidence, take statements, and review the scene.   

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call San Rafael Police at (415) 485-3000. Tips can also be made online at http://www.srpd.org/tips.