Cyclist hit by vehicle in Friendship, police looking for driver who fled

PITTSBURGH — Channel 11 News spoke with the victim of a hit-and-run incident. Julianne Pazio was riding her bike in the designated lane along South Negley Avenue in Friendship when a vehicle made a sharp left turn onto Coral Street, causing her to be thrown off her bike while the driver continued.

“When I woke up, I was hunched over on the ground, gasping and groaning,” said Pazio. She bikes frequently throughout the East End and typically avoids dark streets or busy corridors.

On Tuesday night, just after 10 p.m., while biking home from the grocery store, she was struck by a car. “I remember a lot of confusion. As the car turned towards me, I realized there was nothing I could do; I knew it was going to happen,” she recalled.

Fortunately, a passerby witnessed the incident and called for help, which Pazio credits with providing her with the immediate assistance she needed. “I have a facial abrasion, and there’s swelling beneath my scalp that is very tender,” she said. “I just want to understand why the driver didn’t stop. If it weren’t for that bystander, I could have been left bleeding for a long time.”

The police are currently searching for a light-colored SUV and are working to collect surveillance footage to identify the driver. Pazio stated that she plans to continue cycling once she feels stronger, but she hopes drivers will become more aware of cyclists on the road.

Pittsburgh Police are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the hit-and-run to contact 412-323-7800.

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