Cupertino residents mourn teen hit, killed while riding bike to school

CUPERTINO, Calif. (KGO) -- A new report shows some stunning numbers about bicycle accidents in our state: California has more deaths than any other state. And the numbers show the story.

In 2012, there were 712 bike deaths nationwide. Of those, 123 happened in California, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. That's more than a fifth of all deaths in the U.S.

On Tuesday, officers were out monitoring an intersection in Cupertino where a teen was killed while riding his bicycle to school. And a memorial in the area is growing, as members of the community continue to pay their respects.

Officials aren't releasing many details, but that hasn't stopped people from grieving the loss of the 15-year-old Monta Vista High School student struck and killed by a big rig Monday in a section of McClelland Road.

The boy was riding west when police say a truck hit him, killing him at the scene.

Extra patrols from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office were out Tuesday, keeping an eye on the flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Cupertino resident Meenakshi Mukerji came by to leave flowers. She didn't know the victim, but says she could empathize with those angry at what she says was the unnecessary loss of a young life.

"Just a token of my, you know, I don't have words," she said. "I just thought if there is anything I could do. I know the flowers won't bring back anything, but just a token from my heart."

Officials say the truck driver didn't know he had hit the teen and is cooperating with their investigation. The accident has sparked outrage in the community. An online petition at Change.org was started

On Monday, it demands an immediate modification of the road usage for trucks. It has already garnered almost 200 signatures.

ABC7 News has called the Fremont Union School District to ask them about their path forward for students trying to understand this loss. They're expected to speak on the matter later in the day.

Watch ABC7 News starting at 4 p.m. for the latest on this developing story.