MANCHESTER, NJ — A 20-year-old motorcyclist was killed and a 49-year-old cyclist injured Thursday night in a collision at the intersection of State Highway 37 and Commonwealth Boulevard, according to Manchester Township Police.
Officers responded to the scene at approximately 8:30 p.m. and found a damaged gray bicycle in the intersection, missing its front fork and wheel, and a black 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 motorcycle on its side in the westbound lanes. The motorcycle’s front wheel was facing east.
The motorcyclist, identified as Connor L. Nolan of Manchester Township, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said he had been wearing a DOT-approved helmet.
The cyclist, Kimberly Reinschmidt, also of Manchester Township, sustained suspected internal injuries and lacerations to her left hand and arm. She was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center and is listed in stable condition.
Preliminary findings indicate the motorcycle was heading west in the left lane of State Highway 37 when Reinschmidt began crossing the highway within a painted crosswalk from Commonwealth Boulevard. The motorcycle struck the front of her bicycle, causing Nolan to lose control. He was ejected after the motorcycle hit the concrete median dividing the eastbound and westbound lanes. The motorcycle came to rest facing east in the westbound lanes.
Emergency personnel from multiple agencies, including local fire departments, paramedics, and state transportation officials, responded to the scene. The road remained closed for several hours.
According to police, contributing factors in the crash appear to include disregard of a traffic signal and unsafe speed. The investigation is ongoing.