Joseph Hurlimann

• February 8, 2017
• Sacramento Street between Hopkins and Ada Streets, Berkeley CA

Joseph Hurlimann, a lifelong Berkeley resident and retired UC Berkeley researcher, was killed by a driver in Berkeley on the morning of February 8, 2017. Hurlimann's death occurred near on Sacramento Street between Ada and Hopkins Streets, where northbound traffic merges from two lanes into one.

Joseph had been a familiar presence in the city, known for riding his bike around town as he had since childhood. He grew up near University Avenue and Curtis Street and continued to live in his childhood home throughout his life.

Joseph was a distinguished scholar, earning three degrees from UC Berkeley including his PhD in plant pathology in 1974. He was part of the first graduating class of the College of Natural Resources and went on to spend 31 years working at Cal as a researcher before retiring in 1991. His work in plant biology resulted in nearly 100 academic articles and reports.

Colleagues remember Hurlimann as a kind, humble man with a sharp mind and an easygoing nature. Matt DuPont, who worked with him for 18 years, described his "big heart and soul" and noted his lifelong connection to Berkeley. Another co-worker, Christian Vazquez, recalled Hurlimann's sense of humor and humility, while others described him as soft-spoken and hardworking.

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This neighborhood in Berkeley remains dangerous for cyclists. Sacramento Street has no protected bike lanes, and Joseph was killed near the intersection with Hopkins Street, where neighborhood NIMBYs successfully lobbied to halt construction of protected bike lanes.

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More information:

• Berkeleyside: Photos from the memorial for Joe Hurlimann, who died cycling in Berkeley
• Berkeleyside: Cyclist who died in Berkeley was native, Cal PhD, Truitt & White worker, 61 years old
• Berkeleyside: Cyclist dies in North Berkeley crash