albanyweblog.com
Updated
November 5, 2007
Note that the Colonie Police, unlike the Albany Police, are not afraid to identify the person responsible for the death:
Bicyclist killed in Colonie collision
First published in the Times Union: Saturday, October 20, 2007
COLONIE -- A bicyclist was fatally struck by a recreational motor coach Friday afternoon on Fuller Road, police said.
Nicholas Richichi, 53, was riding near the intersection of Warehouse Row where he was struck around 1:10 p.m. by a northbound motor coach driven by George Acker, a 58-year-old Colonie man, police said. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation. No charges have been filed.
Richichi, who lived in Colonie, was described by his father of the same name as an avid cyclist who once rode to Florida and back. The elder Richichi said his son worked as a manager for several rental properties he owned in Albany, and was riding between them and home.
"I always had a lot of faith in him because he put thousands of miles in," Richichi, 75, said. "He knew the road. That's what made it so shocking."
The younger Richichi was pronounced dead at the scene by the Albany County coroner, and according to his father did not suffer. He hoped the incident would prompt people to be more careful while driving.
"I think it's the motorist that has to beware," he said. "The bikes don't get the respect that's really needed. They should have a dedicated lane."
In addition to his parents, Richichi is survived by two brothers and a sister. Funeral arrangements are still pending.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to call the Colonie Police at 783-2744.
-- Jimmy Vielkind
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