Calgary cyclist charged in death of 75-year-old pedestrian

A Calgary cyclist has been charged in the death of an 75-year-old pedestrian who was fatally injured while walking in a marked intersection five months ago.

Paul Joseph MacNeil, 24, faces charges under the Traffic Safety Act of failing to stop at a red light and careless driving.

On July 16, the senior citizen was walking across Richmond Road, a block south of 17th Avenue S.W., when he was struck by a man on a bicycle.

Police said at the time the cyclist had failed to stop at a red light.

The victim was taken to hospital but succumbed to his injuries three days later.

A conviction of careless driving carries a maximum sentence of up to six months in jail. Other penalties for the two Traffic Safety Act charges include fines and licence suspension.

At the time, police said the cyclist stayed at the scene and was treated for minor injuries.

MacNeil’s case is next in court on March 1.