Rest in Peace: Roy Nasr from Lebanon had co-founded a triathlon group named Tri Dubai Club. He died when a car rammed into him near Safa Park on Friday morning. (Image sourced from Roy’s Facebook page).
Driver, who was under the influence of alcohol, rammed into the hapless victims, says Chief of Dubai Police Traffic Department
Dubai : A cyclist was reportedly killed after he was hit by a car near Safa Park during his early morning ride on Friday morning. Two other cyclists were also injured in the accident, and are being treated at a hospital.
According to initial reports, the accident occurred around 5.30-6.30am near Safa Park at a bridge that crosses over the Sheikh Zayed Road. The cyclists were hit by a car from behind.
The deceased is identified Roy Nasr, who had co-founded a triathlon group named Tri Dubai Club. The tragic news was reported on the facebook page of the cycling group.“Our beloved Roy was killed this morning near Safa Park as he was doing his morning ride with Ali and Sarmad.
“He was hit from behind and died on impact.”Roy, who hails from Lebanon is in his late 40s and is survived by his wife and two children.
Nasr, 49, and a cycling buddy whose name was not immediately available, were hit from behind by a car when the drunk driver swerved past the cyclists’ escort vehicle as they pedalled towards Meydan, said a senior police official.
Major General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Chief of Dubai Police Traffic Department, said the driver, who was under the influence of alcohol, rammed into the hapless victims. “A cyclist was killed after he was hit by a car on the Safa Park bridge early morning and another cyclist was also injured in the accident and was rushed to hospital,” said Maj Gen Al Zafein.
Police arrested the driver, an Emirati, and a case will be transferred to Traffic Public Prosecution. According to initial reports, the accident occurred around 5:30am near Safa Park while the cyclists were crossing over to Shaikh Zayed Road.
He was working as chief operating officer at Abela and Co. This tragedy highlights the lack of safety for cyclists. “He was hit from behind. Surely the car driver wasn’t paying attention,” stressed a cyclist who was devastated by the news. “Roy was the kindest, most gentle and nicest person you could ever hope to meet. We are all devastated,” read a social media tribute.
The Road Transport Authority (RTA) is in the process of building an exclusive 850-km cycling track in the emirate. The project recently completed its first phase.
Source: 24/7
