Montgomery County

Cyclist Struck, Killed in Bethesda; Northbound Old Georgetown Road Closed

The victim appeared to have been struck in the northbound lanes of Old Georgetown Road, not far from the well-known Wildwood Shopping Center.

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An 18-year-old cyclist was struck and killed by a vehicle in Bethesda, Maryland, Wednesday afternoon, Montgomery County police said.

The victim apparently was struck in the northbound lanes of Old Georgetown Road. Montgomery County police officers and Fire & Rescue crews arrived on the scene, not far from the well-known Wildwood Shopping Center, shortly before 4:15 p.m.

Police said they believe the victim was was heading south when his bicycle came off the sidewalk for an unknown reason and into the street. 

It appears the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with police.

Northbound Old Georgetown Road is closed between Lone Oak Drive and Cheshire Drive in Bethesda for the investigation.

As the investigation continues, concerns are growing for other cyclists in the quiet community.

"It just seems like drivers aren't attentive and they're not looking out for pedestrians and cyclists so it's super frightening," bicyclist Devin Walker said. "It just doesn't feel safe."

Back in 2019, about a mile up Old Georgetown Road near Beech Avenue, 17-year-old Jacob Cassell was killed while riding his bike under similar circumstances.

Bike lanes were added to the road following his death, but the lanes did not extend north to the location of Wednesday's crash.

Stay with NBC Washington for more on this developing story.

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