Littleton Police Department Responds to Bicyclist Being Struck; Advises Community Of Increased Pedestrian Law Enforcement

LITTLETON — Chief Matthew Pinard reports that the Littleton Police Department responded Tuesday to a bicyclist being struck in a crosswalk, and that the department would like to remind motorists that officers are actively enforcing pedestrian laws in the community.

On Tuesday, April 29, at approximately 2:45 p.m., the Littleton Police and Fire Departments responded to a crash involving a large commercial truck and a 12-year-old boy on a bicycle. 

The boy was struck by the truck as he entered a crosswalk near King and Foster streets. Out of an abundance of caution, the boy was transported to Boston Children’s Hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life-theatening. 

A preliminary investigation determined that speed does not appear to be a factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit.

Littleton Police have spent the past several months conducting targeted pedestrian and crosswalk safety patrols thanks to a $19,863 Municipal Road Safety Grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants & Research.

Grant funds have paid for dozens of hours of overtime patrols focused specifically on lowering speeds throughout town, on preventing distracted driving, and on improving crosswalk safety. 

Officers on these extra, targeted patrols have worked to both enforce the law, and to educate drivers via motor vehicle stops. Areas that have been specifically targeted include crosswalks on Great Road, King Street, and crosswalks in school zones. 

The department plans to conduct more than 30 more hours of targeted, overtime patrols to improve pedestrian safety during the month of May. 

“It is extremely fortunate that the injuries in Tuesday afternoon’s crash were not more serious,” said Chief Pinard. “Our officers have been conducting extra patrols to improve crosswalk safety in the hopes of preventing these types of crashes. We will continue work to improve public safety for everyone in Littleton. I encourage all drivers to slow down, observe safety laws, and look for pedestrians any time you’re approaching a crosswalk.” 

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