Bicyclist thrown 30 feet in hit-and-run on Shore Drive

By Kathy Adams
The Virginian-Pilot
© May 4, 2011

VIRGINIA BEACH

A bicyclist was struck and injured during a hit-and-run on Shore Drive on Tuesday evening.

Jim Dunham at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. (Steve Earley | The Virginian-Pilot)

Jim Dunham, 55, said he was on the last leg of his pre-dinner bike ride when, all of a sudden, he went flying through the air. He landed about 30 feet away and ended up at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital with a host of injuries, including nine broken ribs and a broken clavicle and pelvis.

Police say a blue truck may have struck him and fled the scene, and detectives are investigating the incident as a felony hit-and-run case.

The incident occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday near the intersection of Shore Drive and 83rd Street, police said. There was one witness, but she did not see the actual impact, said Officer Adam Bernstein, a police spokesman.

Dunham said he didn’t see the vehicle. He’s been riding for 32 years, often along Shore Drive on his way to and from his Cape Story home, he said. He was wearing a helmet and safety gear.

Dunham said he was struck once before on Shore Drive, more than 20 years ago, but was not seriously hurt. In April 2009, a cyclist died after being struck from behind by a sport utility vehicle on the road. No charges were filed in that death.

Tuesday’s case remains under investigation. Police ask that anyone with information call Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (562-5887) or text “VBTIP” and the information to CRIMES (274637).

Link to original article on the Pilot Online