A UAFS student bicyclist on her way to class was hit by two cars Thursday morning, according to the victim.
It happened along Free Ferry Road, near the Fort Smith Public Library east of Rogers Avenue just before 8 a.m.
Stephanie Kissack, a freshman student at UA Fort Smith says a driver in a dark grey SUV hit her from behind.
Fort Smith Police say the driver pulled over a short distance from the accident scene. Officers at the scene say the driver told them they didn’t see the bicyclist because the sun was in their eyes.
Kissack says she was hit by another woman behind the SUV, who the bicyclist said was unable to stop in time. That woman stopped and called 911.
The UAFS student says she understands what caused the accident, but says drivers need to be more aware of cyclists.
“I mean, there is not much you can do with the sun in your eyes. But, it’s supposed to be a bike route. People should be aware that there is going to be someone biking down here even if it’s not the usual case,” said Kissack.
Kissack says she hasn’t been taking the route long, but says she has been concerned with drivers following her bicycle too closely on the road.
Fort Smith Police say the driver of the grey SUV clipped the bicyclist with their mirror knocking them over.
The SUV driver received a citation for following too closely. The woman in the other vehicle was not cited however.
The route is on a posted bike trail.
