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The man was struck and killed while riding his bicycle on the eastbound side of Balboa Avenue over Interstate 805 just after 7 a.m. San Diego police believe an SUV struck him before he was run over by at least two more cars.

"Because traffic was heavy, the bicyclist was run over subsequently more times, causing his death," said San Diego Police Lt. Jerry Hara.

The drivers and witnesses all stopped and at least one of them appeared to be visibly shaken.

There is no designated bicycle lane on the bridge. It is unclear whether the bicyclist was riding in the shoulder.

Traffic investigators spent hours taking measurements at the crash site. Other bicyclists could not help but begin to second-guess their safety.

"The people [are] sometimes coming from right there… too much rush, a lot of rush right there," said bicyclist Gumaro Delgado. "Riders have to be more careful."

Bicyclist Jen Sippel added, "That's why I cycle on the pavement on the other side, even though you're not meant to… I stop for pedestrians always, but that's the only way I feel safe."

The California Highway Patrol shut down the Balboa Avenue exit from southbound I-805. The eastbound lanes of Balboa Avenue near Charger Boulevard were shut down while the investigation continued.

The offramp and the roadway are expected to be reopened at about 11:30 a.m.

Authorities say the victim was wearing a helmet. His identity has not been released.