crash_reports: 2000000597

On Thursday, October 15, 2020, while assigned to Traffic unit N525, I responded to the Whole Foods parking lot entrance located at 916 Walnut Street, Newton for a report of a motor vehicle/bicycle crash. Walnut Street is a public way maintained by the City of Newton. The weather at the time of the crash was clear and sunny. The road surface was dry. I spoke with the operator of MV1, Tyrone Powell. Powell stated he was operating his 2016 Toyota Highlander (MA: VTT188) while traveling across Walnut Street (E) from Carthay Circle. Powell stated there was a strong sun glare at this time on his passenger side. Powell stated as he entered the Whole Foods parking lot entrance, the passenger side of his vehicle collided with a passing bicyclist that was traveling northbound on Walnut Street. Powell reported no injuries. I observed damage to the passenger side hood/fender of MV1. I spoke with the bicyclist involved in the crash, Scott Chamberlain. Chamberlain stated he was operating his bicycle on Walnut Street (N) in the marked bicycle lane near the entrance to the Whole Foods located at 916 Walnut Street. Chamberlain stated he had a bicycle helmet on at this time. Chamberlain stated that he observed a vehicle to his left travel across Walnut Street in front of him into the Whole Foods parking lot. Chamberlain stated he was unable to avoid crashing into him. Chamberlain reported minor injuries and signed a patient refusal with Newton Medics. I observed no substantial damage to his red Specialized bicycle. Photos were taken and submitted to the IT Bureau. While on scene, Officers did notice a strong sun glare coming from the Southeast direction of Walnut Street. This glare would have shined on the passenger side area of MV1 as it crossed Walnut Street.