25 MPH: The speed limit on the road where two motorcyclists died
Residents of Lakeside are urging San Diego County to install speed bumps and better lighting after the fatal crash of Crissy and Bobby Hodge on September 28.
By Austin Reed ·
A memorial now stands on East Lakeview Road in Lakeside.
The site marks where Crissy and Bobby Hodge died in a motorcycle crash on September 28.
Their mother, Kimberly Whitfield, described the family's grief as a state of numbness and disbelief.
“There's lots and lots of tears, numbness, can't believe it, not my Bobby, not Bobby,” Whitfield said.
Local residents argue the roadway is inherently dangerous for motorcyclists due to poor visibility and physical obstructions.
Patrick Sotier, who has known the couple for more than 20 years, pointed to trees positioned directly against the pavement as a primary hazard.
“I mean, the trees are literally 1 foot off the road, like no room for error whatsoever,” Sotier said.
He noted that the lack of streetlights and missing reflectors compound the risk at what he calls a very dangerous corner.
Drivers also face a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour, a figure San Diego County officials say applies because the area is residential.
Residents report that speeding remains a persistent issue despite the signage.
Lidya Volden, another longtime friend of the Hodges, has suggested specific infrastructure changes to improve safety.
Volden recommends installing speed bumps, roadway reflectors, and potentially a stop sign to force drivers to slow down in the area of the crash site where they lost their friends in September 2026. She has already placed red reflectors along the road herself to increase visibility for oncoming traffic while waiting for official action. San Diego County officials stated their traffic team is currently reviewing and assessing the roadway to determine if further improvements are necessary. Authorities have not yet released details on whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident. The County is waiting for the results of a toxicology report to confirm those factors. Both Crissy and Bobby have active GoFundMe campaigns to assist their families with immediate expenses following the loss. Volden expressed hope that officials will act before another family suffers a similar tragedy on the road. “We need to do something about this because we've lost two precious lives, and we don't need to lose anymore,” Volden said.
