Popular SSU Professor Victim of Hit-and-Run Accident

The cyclist hit this morning on Petaluma Hill Road near East Railroad Ave. has been identified as Sonoma State University professor Steve Norwick, 68, according to the Press Democrat.

Norwick and at least one other cyclist from the SSU community were riding south on Petaluma Hill Rd. around 8:40 a.m. when he was struck from behind by a truck that drifted onto the right side of the road, California Highway Patrol Officer Kerri Post said.

The California Highway Patrol has issued a "be on the lookout" alert for a truck that struck and injured a bicyclist in the Penngrove area of Sonoma County this morning.

The bicyclist suffered major injuries and did not regain consciousness at the scene before being transported to the intensive care unit of Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, according to the Press Democrat.

Their report continues:

Norwick, who joined the faculty at SSU in 1974, was a well-known, popular figure around campus, where he nearly always rode his bike, school personnel said.

He took early retirement in 2005, but continued teaching and lecturing part-time and is teaching a course through the School of Extended Education this summer, university spokeswoman Susan Kashak said.

“Steve is the sweetest man. He always has a ‘hello’ for everyone and waves as he's riding his bike around,” Kashak said.

The truck is described as a champagne-colored Chevrolet or Ford pickup truck, model year 2000-20008. The truck's right side mirror might be missing and it might have right front damage and a possible broken right headlight, according to the CHP.

The vehicle was last seen on southbound Petaluma Hill Road. The CHP sent the alert to Sonoma and Solano counties as well as San Francisco.

If you have information or leads on the truck or driver, please contact CHP at (510) 286-6923 or (707) 588-1400.

Bay City News contributed this report