Updated – 5:15 p.m. – A Chevy Chase man riding a three-wheeled recumbent bike died after being struck Monday morning by a vehicle at a Capital Crescent Trail crossing in Bethesda.
Police said Monday afternoon that Ned Gaylin, 81, of Norwood Drive, died from injuries he suffered after being struck while crossing Little Falls Parkway on the trail around 11:30 a.m.
Gaylin was crossing the road in the area of a marked crosswalk, according to police. He was brought to a local hospital where he later died.
Gaylin was struck by a 2002 Mercedes E320 driven by Nils Carl Axel Rudelius, 78, of Rolston Road in Bethesda, according to police. Investigators believe Rudelius’ Mercedes was traveling southbound when it struck Gaylin.
The collision happened at a heavily used road crossing for the Capital Crescent Trail, which is popular with bikers and walkers for exercise and to travel between Bethesda and Georgetown. Most of the trail is off-road, and there are only a few intersections where it crosses a road traveled by vehicles.
Signs at the crossing warn motorists to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the road.
The Little Falls Parkway and Capital Crescent Trail intersection where the man was struck. Photo via Google Maps
Police did not immediately say what, if any, charges will be filed against the driver in the case.
Rita Gaylin, Ned's wife of 60 years, said when reached by phone this afternoon that she wished him a great ride when he left their home Monday morning.
"It was part of his routine. He's devoted to riding the Capital Crescent Trail in his recumbent trike," Rita Gaylin said. "It was something that gave him profound pleasure."
She said Ned, a clinical psychologist, worked for the University of Maryland, heading the university's Marriage and Family Therapy Department before retiring about 10 years ago.
"Everybody loved him, I would say, without exception," Rita said. "He's known to every neighbor on this street and there will be many students who will be very sorrowful. He still has many adoring students."
Rita said she and her husband have lived in Chevy Chase for 48 years, and family members have begun arriving at her home to grieve and provide support.
"I am OK," Rita said. "I have a good family."
Police said the collision reconstruction unit will likely take about six weeks to complete its investigation.
Recumbent cyclist killed at road crossing ID'd as Ned Gaylin, 81 of Chevy Chase, Md. pic.twitter.com/A0bXgppu7L
— Scott Broom (@scottbroom) October 17, 2016
