Frankly it is just too hard to discern anything from the article. It is possible

1. The driver didn't see the cyclist at all
2. The driver saw the cyclist, but misjudged his passing distance considering he had something sticking out to the side
3. The road was too narrow, and the cyclist should have taken the lane (kinda suicidal without lights however)

you get the idea though.

It is a shame that even a simply $8 blinkie could have been enough to help the situation. And maybe a helmet.

-D