A Bexar County grand jury this week indicted Linda Collier Mason on a charge of intoxication manslaughter in the death of well-known local cyclist Tito Bradshaw, according to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.
Bradshaw was riding his bike on East Houston Street on April 1 when the car Mason was driving allegedly struck him from behind, according to San Antonio Police Department reports.
Mason, 67, was arrested at the scene. The charge against her was upgraded to manslaughter when Bradshaw, 35, died at a hospital later that day. The SAPD report stated that Mason said she saw his bike’s flashing light before she struck him.
“The indictment also includes a deadly weapon allegation (motor vehicle),” according to a statement from the District Attorney’s Office.
Bradshaw’s death and deadly incidents involving other cyclists and pedestrians sparked an increase in calls for safer street infrastructure in San Antonio.
Cyclists gathered together for a memorial ride to remember Bradshaw the evening after he died, and UTSA has dedicated a bike trail and repair shop in his honor. Bradshaw owned the Bottom Bracket Social Club bike shop and regularly attended group rides.
The new fund Live to Ride was established through the San Antonio Area Foundation to raise money for bike safety awareness and improve bike infrastructure throughout the city.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg has pledged to update and implement the City’s Bike Master Plan and emphasize separated and protected bike lanes in Connect SA, the city’s long-term multimodal transportation plan.
