How Sight-lines and Seconds Matter: Lessons from the High Trestle Trail Crash

Source: <a id="MainContent_MainColumnContentPlaceHolder_hlSource" href="https://www.bikeiowa.com/" target="_blank">BIKEIOWA
Author: Scott
Posted By: <a id="MainContent_MainColumnContentPlaceHolder_hlPostedBy" href="/Profile/bikeiowa">bikeiowa
Modified: <span id="MainContent_MainColumnContentPlaceHolder_lblModifiedBy" title="10/29/2025 5:46:35 AM by bikeiowa">Oct 29 by <a id="MainContent_MainColumnContentPlaceHolder_hlModifiedBy" href="/Profile/bikeiowa">bikeiowa

Scott
Tue October 28 2025
Posted Oct 28
890

EDUCATIONAL POST - Yesterday, we took Videos and Photos of the High Trestle Trail NW44th Street intersection of the trail between Crocker and the Oasis where Corey Peterson was killed on Oct 9th.

We know this crossing's sight-line distance is limited by the crest of the road going both East and West. We wanted to illustrate how dramatically the sight-line distance is decreased when compared to the height of a upright bicycle compared to a hand-cycle (which is what Corey was riding). The truck was coming from the East. (See photos/video)

News about Corey: https://www.bikeiowa.com/News/search/Courtney%20Petersen

#Fact - Corey had ridden that intersection 160 times in 2025! This was her main route during the Summer as she trained for many marathons like Berlin, Boston and Disney. She knew this intersection.

#Fact - Before her death, There was already a Traffic Study commissioned by Polk County Conservation for this intersection and 3 more along the High Trestle Trail. Results are expected late December 2025.

#Fact - This is the first casualty at this intersection since it opened 10 years ago.

#Fact - This trail has all the appropriate AASHTO safety standards like chicanes and signage for cyclists and motorists.

BUT - Can this trail crossing be made safer? YES. Signing this petition shows public demand and might help prevent future tragedies like this. https://www.change.org/p/make-the-trestle-trail-crossing-safe-honor-corey-petersen-by-preventing-future-tragedies

We believe she was in a split-second 'wrong place at the wrong time' - 1-2 seconds with that lowered sight-line distance is a BIG difference.

A BIG & BRAVE thanks to her family (Brad & Melissa) for stepping up in an advocacy role so quickly wanting to make this intersection safer.

We'll post the traffic Study results as soon as they are released.

RIDE SAFE.