Mayor Sam Pedroza was seriously injured in a cycling accident Tuesday evening near the corners of Arrow Highway and Elder Drive in Claremont. Mr. Pedroza suffered 2 cracked vertebrae in his neck, a fractured nose and deep lacerations to his face, according to city officials. His injuries are considered serious but not life threatening.

Mr. Pedroza was traveling west on Arrow Highway near Elder Drive when the handlebar of his bicycle clipped a parked utility truck. He was thrown from his bicycle, according to reports. Mr. Pedroza was transported by ambulance and then airlifted from the Fairplex to USC Medical Center where he is currently receiving treatment.

According to Claremont Police Lt. Mike Ciszek a call for an injury accident came in at 8:39 p.m. No citations or arrests were made. The accident is currently under investigation by the police department with a full report expected in 7 to 10 days, according to Lt. Ciszek.

Julie Pedroza, the mayor’s wife, has spent most of this week by her husband’s side.

“We really appreciate the outpouring of support from the community, it is very motivating to Sam,” she said. 

Ms. Pedroza noted that her husband is not ready for visitors or phone calls, but those wishing to send get well cards may mail them to the City of Claremont, P.O. Box 880, Claremont, CA 91711. The family is spending much of their time at the hospital, so food and flowers shouldn’t be left at the home, she said.

“The most important thing is that he’s out of danger,” Ms. Pedroza said. “And he would want everyone to keep riding their bikes safely.”

As of Thursday morning, Mr. Pedroza had been moved from the ICU, and is said to be “resting comfortably” in a private room at USC Medical Center. On Wednesday, doctors reset his nose, sutured facial lacerations, and placed stitches in his tongue, according to City Manager Jeff Parker. Additional tests and x-rays will be given in the coming days to determine whether or not Mr. Pedroza will need surgery to repair the 2 fractured vertebrae in his neck.

As a result of the Mayor’s accident, the State of the City Luncheon that was to be held Thursday, September 8th, has been postponed until further notice.

We will continue to provide updated information at www.claremont-courier.com as it becomes available.

—Kathryn Dunn