On Sunday evening, May 11, 2025, a devastating hit-and-run collision claimed the life of a male cyclist in his 30s in Fresno. The incident occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m. at Belmont Avenue and Thesta Street intersection, an area known for moderate to heavy traffic flow, especially during evening hours.
Incident Details
According to the Fresno Police Department, officers arrived at the scene to find the victim lying in the roadway with severe injuries. Emergency medical personnel transported the injured cyclist to Community Regional Medical Center, where, despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries.
Eyewitness accounts indicate the collision occurred as the cyclist traveled eastbound on Belmont Avenue through the intersection with Thesta Street. According to preliminary findings from the Collision Reconstruction Unit, the black sedan was traveling significantly above the posted limit when it struck the cyclist from behind.
The impact threw the victim approximately 15 feet, causing catastrophic injuries. Investigators have recovered fragments of the vehicle’s headlight assembly and front bumper at the scene, which may aid in identifying the specific make and model of the sedan.
Traffic cameras in the vicinity are being reviewed for potential footage of the vehicle before and after the collision. The intersection remained closed for nearly four hours as investigators documented the scene and collected evidence, with traffic being diverted to surrounding streets.
Investigation Underway
The Fresno Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit has launched a thorough investigation into this fatal incident. According to initial reports, a black sedan struck the cyclist and immediately fled the scene without rendering aid or contacting authorities. Law enforcement officials are actively searching for the vehicle and its driver.
The identity of the deceased cyclist has not yet been released, as authorities are working to notify his next of kin. This standard procedure ensures that family members receive this devastating news through proper channels rather than media reports.
Bicycle Safety Concerns in Fresno
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding bicycle safety in Fresno. According to California Highway Patrol data, Fresno County has seen a troubling increase in bicycle-related accidents over the past few years, with hit-and-run incidents representing a significant portion of these cases.
Cyclists in urban areas like Fresno face numerous challenges, including:
- Limited dedicated bike lanes in certain areas
- Motorists who may not be aware of or respect cyclists’ rights to the road
- Visibility issues, particularly during evening hours
- Intersections that may not be optimally designed for bicycle safety
The Belmont Avenue corridor, where this tragedy occurred, has been identified as a high-risk area for cyclists in previous safety assessments conducted by the Fresno Bicycle Coalition. In 2024 alone, Fresno recorded 87 bicycle-related accidents, with 14 resulting in serious injuries and three fatalities.
The intersection of Belmont and Thesta specifically lacks dedicated bicycle infrastructure despite being a standard route for commuter cyclists connecting to downtown. Local advocacy groups have repeatedly petitioned the city council for protected bike lanes, improved signage, and reduced speed limits in this area.
A 2023 traffic study indicated that nearly 40% of vehicles regularly exceed speed limits by 10+ mph along this stretch, creating hazardous conditions for vulnerable road users. The city’s Bicycle Master Plan, which would address many of these safety concerns, remains partially implemented due to budget constraints, leaving critical gaps in the cycling network precisely where protection is most needed.
Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents involving serious injury or death carry severe legal consequences in California. Drivers who flee the scene of an accident where someone has been injured or killed may face:
- Felony charges with potential prison sentences
- Substantial fines and penalties
- Civil liability for damages
- License suspension or revocation
- Increased insurance rates or loss of insurability
California Vehicle Code Section 20001 mandates that drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death must immediately stop and remain at the scene, reasonably assist injured parties, and exchange information with other involved parties.
Seeking Justice for Victims
For families of hit-and-run victims, the emotional toll is often compounded by feelings that justice remains elusive while the responsible party remains unidentified. Working with experienced legal professionals becomes crucial in cases like these to navigate the complex aftermath.
Victims’ families may be entitled to compensation through various channels, including:
- The driver’s insurance (once identified)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Wrongful death claims
- Victim compensation programs
Community Response and Prevention
The Fresno cycling community has repeatedly advocated for improved infrastructure and safety measures to protect vulnerable road users. Effective prevention strategies include:
- Enhanced bicycle infrastructure, including protected bike lanes
- Improved lighting at high-risk intersections
- Public awareness campaigns about sharing the road
- Stricter enforcement of traffic laws protecting cyclists
- Community reporting systems for dangerous driving behaviors
In the wake of this tragic hit-and-run, the Fresno cycling community has mobilized with renewed urgency. A memorial ride is planned for this Sunday, starting at Courthouse Park and proceeding to the crash site, where participants will install a ghost bike—a white-painted bicycle serving as both memorial and safety reminder.
Local bicycle shops have partnered with the Fresno Police Department to distribute free high-visibility gear and bicycle lights during an upcoming safety awareness event. The Fresno Bicycle Coalition has launched a petition calling for the expedited implementation of protected bike lanes along Belmont Avenue and other high-traffic corridors, already gathering over 2,500 signatures in just two days.
A City Council member has pledged to introduce an emergency measure at next week’s council meeting to allocate funds for immediate safety improvements at ten of the city’s most dangerous cyclist intersections, including Belmont and Thesta. Additionally, a neighborhood watch group has been formed that focuses explicitly on reporting reckless driving behavior in the area, using a dedicated smartphone app to document and report dangerous drivers.
What to Do If You Have Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this incident to come forward. If you witnessed the collision, observed a black sedan with possible front-end damage in the area on Sunday evening, or have any relevant information, contact the Fresno Police Department immediately.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability cyclists face on our roadways and the devastating consequences of hit-and-run collisions. As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers and justice for the victim and his loved ones. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.
Understanding Bicycle Accident Settlement Calculators
Bicycle accident settlement calculators serve as valuable preliminary tools for victims and their families to estimate potential compensation following a serious cycling incident like this Fresno hit-and-run.
These digital tools analyze multiple factors influencing settlement values, including medical expenses (current and projected future costs), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
While no calculator can provide an exact settlement figure due to the unique circumstances of each case, these tools help establish reasonable expectations by incorporating regional settlement trends, California-specific legal parameters, and comparable case outcomes.
For the family of the Belmont Avenue victim, such a calculator might consider the wrongful death aspect, the victim’s age and earning potential, and the egregious nature of a hit-and-run violation.
However, these calculators should be viewed as starting points, with experienced legal counsel providing more precise valuations that account for nuanced factors like the victim’s role in the household, dependent relationships, and the psychological impact on survivors—considerations that automated tools cannot fully capture. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“As someone who has represented countless cycling accident victims and their families over the past four decades, I’m deeply saddened by this tragic hit-and-run on Belmont Avenue. When a life is cut short so needlessly, the pain ripples through families and our entire community. If you’ve lost a loved one or been injured in a similar incident, please know that you don’t have to navigate this difficult journey alone. While no legal remedy can heal the emotional wounds, holding the responsible parties accountable can provide closure and the financial support needed for recovery or help a family move forward. Time is critical in these cases—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and legal deadlines approach. I encourage you to contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can preserve your rights. In contrast, you focus on what matters most: healing and supporting your loved ones during this challenging time.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been affected by this tragic bicycle accident or a similar incident, GJEL Accident Attorneys is here to help. Our experienced team has recovered over $950 million for injury victims throughout California. We work exclusively on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. No upfront costs, no hidden fees.
Your initial consultation is free, and our dedicated legal team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through this difficult time. Don’t let legal concerns add to your burden during this challenging period. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Walnut Creek office to schedule your free case evaluation.
Important Resources & Contact Information
For Reporting Information about this Hit-and-Run:
- Fresno Police Department, Traffic Bureau: (559) 621-5050
- Fresno PD Hit-and-Run Investigation Unit: (559) 621-5066
- Anonymous Tip Line: Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498- STOP (7867)
- Online Reporting: www.fresno.gov/police/report-crime
Emergency Services:
- Emergency: 911
- Fresno Police Department (Non-Emergency): (559) 621-7000
- Fresno Police Department Website
Traffic & Road Safety Resources:
- Fresno Public Works, Traffic Engineering: (559) 621-8800
- Report Traffic Signal Issues: (559) 621-CITY (2489)
- Fresno Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: (559) 621-8031
- Fresno Vision Zero Action Plan
Victim Support Services:
- Fresno County Victim Services: (559) 600-2822
- California Victim Compensation Board: (800) 777-9229
- Victim Services Directory – Fresno County
If you witnessed this accident or have any information that might help identify the driver of the black sedan involved in this hit-and-run, please get in touch with the authorities immediately. Your information could be crucial in bringing justice to the victim’s family.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.