Scene of fatal Love Ride accident on the 5 Freeway.
PACOIMA CALIFORNIA – Two people died Sunday after crashing their motorcycle into a big rig on the 5 Freeway.
The crash happened on the northbound 5 Freeway at Branford Street before 11 a.m. Sunday at just as bikers were crowding the freeway for the 28th annual Love Ride charity fundraiser.
According to California Highway Patrol officials, the driver of the motorcycle was between lanes when he collided with a big rig, throwing the rider and passenger underneath the truck where they were both run over, instantly killing himself and his female passenger.
“During 28 years of the Love Ride, we have not had a single fatality,” Shokough said. “This is sad beyond words. My heartfelt condolences and sympathies go to the family and the friends of these two riders”
Two others were treated on scene for minor injuries and another was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Led by “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, today’s event was expected to draw over 18,000 bikers and raise as much as .7 million for charities, including this year’s designated charity, Autism Speaks.
Love Ride was established in 1984 by Harley-Davidson of Glendale.
The only reason Liz and I were not doing this year’s Love Ride is because I am having a surgery on Friday, and I needed the weekend off.
News of this accident makes me sick as it would any biker who rides motorcycles.
Here in California most of us bikers and motorcyclist split lanes because it is not illegal, and traffic is horrible.
It appears that the guy who was killed in this wreck may have been splitting lanes.
I myself have split lanes countless times and I can tell you what, when I get next to a big rig I always get nervous, especially when there is nowhere to go.
I am not going to use this news to write an article on how to lane split.
My prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of the rider and passenger who were killed in this accident.
Welcome, my name is 
My husband and I were driving on the 5 north freeway and saw the accident right after it happened.It is so sad to see someone get killed, especially when they are going to a charity event.
Alot of these motorcyclists drive in between cars it is not worth the risk!!!!So many times I thought I was going to hit a motorcyclist when I was going to change lanes they come out of nowhere.
My heart goes out to them and their family,also there buddies that unfortunately saw this.
It was horrible. We rode by after it happened. alot of bikes were splitting lanes & passing on the right. Maybe that was what happened, whatever it was I can never erase that image from my mind. It seems like CHP was letting all the bikes go first by the accident almost like they wanted us to see what could happen. So sad. May they rest in peace.
My sympathy & condolences to family & friends. Whenever I split lanes, I always use my flashers & go slow enuff to react/evade any hazard.
We rode with the Love Ride group. Jay Leno’s parting words before the ride began will forever haunt me. He “jokingly” said, “I usually tell everyone to ride safe, but what the heck we haven’t had any bikes go down in years so ride like crazy and create some excitement.” I told my husband after I heard this, “I wish he had not joked about that, if someone does go down, he is going to feel really bad for his comments.” And, I understand that the other couple that went down and were hospitalized were acquaintenances of Jay Leno’s. So very sad. Our prayers are with all.
My boyfriend has a Harley and it always scares
me when I get on it. The news about the accident
confirms my worst fears and it is the main reason
why I will not get on the freeways on his bike unless
there is no other choice. Fun ride on the beach is
risky enough
AS a bike rider myself I am very sad for the couple, but it does highlight the care required to ride on highways (and motorways here in the UK. Not only by the riders themselves but by other drivers – especially lorry and rig drivers.
Two articles that should accompany this one are: Sons of Analchy, and Weekend Warriors.
Hey Grumpy the system got corrupted and we had to restore from a backup that was done yesterday. Unfortunately we lost the last couple of comments from you and a few other people.
Norm