Collision at Mohawk and Tower leaves senior man dead, authorities say
BAKERSFIELD, CA, (August 12, 2025) - An 86-year-old Bakersfield man was fatally struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle Tuesday morning, authorities reported.
Cecil Morse Walker, 86, was fatally struck by a car while riding his bicycle on Mohawk Street in Bakersfield Tuesday morning, police reported.
The crash occurred around 6 a.m. at Mohawk Street and Tower Way. The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the bicyclist as Cecil Morse Walker. Preliminary reports indicate a northbound vehicle on Mohawk collided with Walker, who was traveling west on the same street. Walker was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver remained on site and cooperated with police. Further details are pending.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Safety data indicate that larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks pose significant dangers to cyclists on U.S. roads. Drivers can help prevent tragedies by allowing enough space and staying alert to vulnerable road users. A total of 1,155 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2023. Bicyclist deaths in 2023 were highest during September, October, and July (11%) followed by August (10%), according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
“Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road because, unlike car occupants, they lack the protection of sturdy frames, windows, or airbags.,” said Candice Bond, a Managing Partner with Bond Legal and an experienced bicycle accident attorney.
“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire expert witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process.”
Bond noted that in cases such as this, it is important to have an independent investigation conducted sooner than later to preserve any evidence. “In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the outcome of any investigations, the family of Cecil Morse Walker may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such a claim can provide compensation for loss of companionship, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other damages following a catastrophic accident.
“Families coping with the sudden loss of a loved one often face overwhelming legal and emotional challenges,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“An experienced attorney can provide both guidance and support during this difficult time, helping ensure the family’s rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they are entitled to.”
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience with fatal bicycle accidents. She offers free consultations to those in need of legal guidance.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).