The Sunnyvale Sun

News

Light-rail train kills a bicyclist in Sunnyvale

By Stephen Baxter

A 48-year-old man on a mountain bike was struck and killed by a VTA light-rail train March 28 at the corner of E. Java and Geneva drives in Sunnyvale.

Douglas Cowger of Menlo Park was riding with another bicyclist shortly after 12 p.m. As they approached the intersection to turn left on Geneva, the other bicyclist slowed while Cowger continued, apparently unaware of a red arrow that warned of an oncoming train. A video camera mounted on the eastbound train captured Cowger turning in front of it, according to police and VTA officials.

VTA spokeswoman Jayme Kunz said the train was probably traveling at less than 20 mph because it was between two close stations, Borregas and Crossman.

Paramedics tried to revive Cowger, but he was pronounced dead at 12:18 p.m.

The 15 to 20 passengers on the train were transferred to a bus. Train service was suspended on the Mountain View line for about two hours, and temporary buses ran between the Crossman and Borregas stations.

The VTA took the train's driver in for routine questioning and substance testing, and its investigation will determine whether the accident was preventable.

Kunz said the last fatal VTA light-rail fatal accident was in 2003 and it involved a motorcyclist at W. San Carlos Street and Woz Way in San Jose.

Kunz advised bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers in Sunnyvale to pay close attention to markings and signals around the VTA rail line.