North Manheim Twp, PA (June 13, 2026) – A 45-year-old Schuylkill Haven man was killed on Thursday night, June 11, after the electric pedal cycle he was operating was struck by a truck on Rte 61 north in North Manheim Township.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 11:11 p.m. just north of Seven Stars Rd. Investigators said a 2024 International LT62F truck driven by 38-year-old Edwin J. Viera of Vineland, New Jersey, was traveling northbound in the right lane when it struck the electric pedal cycle, which was moving along the right shoulder near the fog line.
The police reported that the truck’s front passenger-side bumper struck the rear of the cycle. The truck sustained minor damage to its front passenger-side bumper, while the cycle sustained disabling rear-end damage.
The rider was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-East Pottsville, where he later died from injuries received in the wreck. Authorities did not publicly release the man’s name beyond identifying him as a 45-year-old Schuylkill Haven resident; however, investigators continue to gather evidence and review the circumstances surrounding the crash.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the man’s family and friends as they mourn this loss.
Why Shoulder Travel Can Present Risks for Cyclists and Electric Pedal Cycle Riders
Road shoulders are designed to provide extra space alongside travel lanes, but they can still present hazards for cyclists and electric pedal cycle riders. Motorists traveling at highway speeds may have limited time to react when approaching slower-moving roadway users, particularly at night or in areas with reduced visibility.
Several factors can affect safety along a shoulder, including lighting conditions, roadway width, traffic volume, and the relative speed difference between vehicles and cyclists. Even a small deviation in vehicle position can create a dangerous situation when passing close to a rider.
Investigators reviewing these types of roadway crashes usually examine lane positioning, visibility, vehicle movements, and physical evidence from the vehicles involved. Understanding how these elements interact can help provide a clearer picture of the circumstances that led to a collision and may contribute to future roadway safety improvements.
