Motorcyclist Injured in Highway 29 Crash

A 47-year-old Oakland man sustained mild-to-moderate injuries this morning when the motorcycle he was riding was struck from behind by a maroon Acura, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP Officer Nate Wentzel said Bradford Smith was transported to Kaiser Hospital in Vallejo after the 11:45 a.m. incident on Highway 29 southbound near Southern Crossing.

His Kawasaki motorcycle was left down on the highway and was removed by police. Traffic in the right hand lane was blocked for a short time until the cycle was removed, Wentzel said.

Amy Hansen, 20, of Vacaville, driver of the Acura, was uninjured, Wentzel said.

According to Wentzel, the incident occurred when both vehicles were traveling southbound on Highway 29 approaching the George Butler bridge. The Acura, traveling behind the Kawasaki, attempted to pass the motorcycle, but then the driver pulled back when said she did not have enough room to pass, Wentzel said.

"At that point, for an unknown reason, the motorcycle rider applied the brakes," Wentzel said.

The Acura then struck the braked motorcycle from behind, he said.

Wentzel said no citations were issued at the scene. Passing was legal along that stretch of road, if room were available, he said.

He said the accident is still under investigation.

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