When a bicyclist in Athens couldn’t stop for a turning bus Tuesday night, the rear tires ran over him, officials said.
Anthony Zackery, 53, appeared as if he couldn’t stop his bicycle while riding about 8 p.m., the Georgia State Patrol said in a news release. Both Zackery, who was riding on the sidewalk, and Athens Transit System Bus 745 were traveling east on Nellie B. Avenue when the bus turned left onto Martin Circle.
Zackery was pronounced dead at the scene.
After stepping on the bike’s brakes, Zackery tried to stop by putting his feet on the ground and fell into the roadway, according to the GSP. The left rear tires of the bus hit Zackery as the bus continued its turn.
The veteran public transit driver, Pauline Howard, stopped and called 911. Howard, 48, has 20 years of experience, including 12 with the New York City transit system, the GSP said.
Howard was taken to Athens Regional Medical Center for drug and alcohol testing after the accident and remains on administrative leave until an investigation is complete. Toxicology testing results are also pending for Zackery.
Four passengers who were on the bus at the time reported no injuries.
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