Sunnyvale councilmember injured in bike accident

A Sunnyvale official’s recent bicycle accident is reigniting concerns about traffic safety. Sunnyvale Councilmember Richard Mehlinger was hit by a car while riding his bike on California Avenue Aug. 30, breaking his left thumb and right wrist. Mehlinger, a staunch traffic safety advocate, said the incident shows the necessity and urgency of installing safety infrastructure. “There wasn’t a bike lane, so I was having to bicycle in traffic, and that’s why I got hit,” Mehlinger told San José Spotlight. “Frankly, I’m really lucky to be alive.” Despite being a minor crash, Mehlinger said the two-month recovery time and financial requirements could be devastating for…