Northwestern student killed in bike accident

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) -- A student at Northwestern University was killed in a crash in Evanston Thursday afternoon, according to police.

Around 5 p.m., police responded to a crash involving a cement truck and a bicyclist in the 2000-block of Sheridan Road between Garrett Place and Library Place. The truck was traveling on northbound Sheridan when it hit the cyclist, who was biking westbound.

The 18-year-old female student was unresponsive when emergency crews arrived on the scene. She was taken to Evanston North Shore University Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Police said they believe the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. Police said no citations have been issued to the 38-year-old cement truck driver from northwest suburban Des Plaines. An investigation is ongoing.

There is a memorial with candles at the site of the crash and on campus a deep sense of sadness.

"It's just like scary to think that it's a freshman and that she probably came in here really excited. I'm really sorry for her family too, I mean I can't even imagine," said student Emma Hodge.

"I think everyone is really shocked and realizing it could be any of us at this point," Hodge added.

The crash is raising issues about bike lanes on Sheridan Road. The Evanston City Council tabled a plan to build bike lanes until 2017.

"I would say that students would like bike lanes on Sheridan because I know a lot of times people are biking on the sidewalk and it's hard for those of us who are walking. It's not safe for us, it's not safe for them," said student AnnMarie Hilton.

The bicyclist has not yet been identified.