Car Strikes Bicyclist In St. Landry Parish

A bicyclist was killed after a driver hit him on Highway 749 near Sunnyside Lane in St. Landry Parish.

State Police's initial investigation reveals that 22-year-old Jahvonta Zachary was driving down the highway and hit 67-year-old John Rideaux's bicycle from behind.

The St. Landry Parish Coroner's Office pronounced Rideaux dead at the scene.

Zachary voluntarily submitted to testing, and it was proven he was not impaired.

State Police report that Rideaux was not wearing a helmet. He also did not have the required lights on his bicycle.

State Police want to remind bicyclists to remember that you can't ever assume that drivers can see you.

They suggest these precautions when riding a bicylce:

• Wearing an approved bicycle helmet
• Weariong reflective materials
• Always avoid distraction while bicycling
• Remain as close to the right side of the roadway as possible
• Obey all traffic laws

Troopers says these tips can help to prevent crashes and avoid injuries.