CHICO, Calif. — Authorities have identified the bicyclist who died in a fatal traffic collision at the intersection of Cohasset Road and Ryan Avenue in Chico, California. Investigators say newly reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby business played a crucial role in determining exactly how the deadly crash unfolded.
The victim was identified as 78-year-old Michael Goudy, who was riding his bicycle on Thursday when he became involved in the fatal collision. Following a detailed investigation, police concluded that Goudy entered the intersection without stopping at a posted stop sign before colliding with a passing vehicle.
Fatal Crash Occurred at Busy Chico Intersection
According to the Chico Police Department, the collision occurred at the intersection of Ryan Avenue and Cohasset Road, where Goudy was traveling eastbound on Ryan Avenue toward the intersection.
Investigators determined that as Goudy approached the stop sign controlling traffic on Ryan Avenue, he failed to come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.
At the same time, a vehicle was traveling southbound on Cohasset Road, which has the right-of-way at the intersection.
Police say the two ultimately collided, resulting in fatal injuries to the cyclist.
Surveillance Video Helped Investigators Reconstruct the Crash
During the investigation, officers obtained surveillance footage from a nearby business overlooking the intersection.
Police said the video clearly captured the moments leading up to the crash and allowed investigators to reconstruct the sequence of events.
According to investigators, the footage showed Goudy continuing through the posted stop sign without stopping before riding directly into the intersection.
The video also showed that the approaching vehicle was already traveling through the intersection when the collision occurred.
Police Say Cyclist Rode Into the Vehicle
After reviewing the available evidence, investigators concluded that the vehicle did not strike the bicyclist first.
Instead, police determined that Goudy rode his bicycle into the right front side of the southbound vehicle.
Authorities believe Goudy likely did not see the approaching vehicle before entering the intersection.
Based on the surveillance footage and physical evidence collected at the scene, investigators determined the collision occurred when the cyclist entered the vehicle’s path rather than the driver crossing into the cyclist’s lane.
Safety Equipment Was Being Used
Police noted that Michael Goudy was wearing several pieces of protective equipment at the time of the collision.
According to investigators, he was equipped with:
- A bicycle helmet
- Cycling gloves
- A reflective safety vest
Authorities acknowledged that Goudy had taken visible safety precautions while riding, although those measures were ultimately unable to prevent the fatal injuries sustained during the collision.
Major Accident Investigations Team Responded
The Chico Police Department assigned its Major Accident Investigations Team to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Investigators carefully analyzed surveillance footage, roadway evidence, vehicle damage, witness statements, and the bicycle involved in the collision before reaching their conclusions.
Their findings indicated that the evidence consistently supported the sequence of events shown on the surveillance recording.
Driver Not Found at Fault
Following the investigation, officers concluded that the southbound driver was not responsible for causing the collision.
Police stated that the evidence showed the vehicle was lawfully traveling on Cohasset Road when Goudy entered the intersection against the posted traffic control.
Authorities have not announced any criminal charges or traffic citations against the driver.
Investigation Concludes
The fatal crash serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of obeying traffic control devices, regardless of whether a person is traveling by bicycle or motor vehicle.
Investigators emphasized that bicyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists, including stopping at stop signs before entering intersections.
As family members, friends, and the Chico community mourn the loss of Michael Goudy, authorities continue encouraging all road users to remain alert, obey traffic laws, and exercise caution at intersections to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
