More death, destruction, mayhem, and updates, the Feed

We had a more typical Feed today, plus I threw in a non-cycling specific article just to show that the bigger the vehicle the bigger the problem on the roads to other users. We had some updates on earlier wrecks, and we have a RoS report that’s only about 4 months late.

Up first is a hit-and-run outside the nation’s capital. Cyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run in Gainesville The rider was hit sometime before 10PM and died the next morning. Speculation in the comments has the driver DUI, and will shave shower and put on a suit and tie before turning himself in with his lawyer and claiming to not have known he hit a person… To avoid a similar wreck use typical hit-from-behind tactics, mirror(s), escape route, and ready to use the escape route or to bail from the bike and let the bike do as much damage to the other vehicle as possible and hope you are clear of the carnage.

I wonder about any possible charges for a driver that left the road to hit a cyclist in TN. Bicyclist killed in Roane County crash This is a different county than the one that decided that just because a cyclist had reflective gear and bright blinking taillights you still didn’t actually have to avoid hitting the cyclist in compliance with the 3-foot passing law in the state. Also this driver didn’t just fail to pass safely, the cyclist was not even on the legal part of the road but on the shoulder. As someone pointed out in the comments section, had the driver used a .38 instead of a Tacoma they would have put him under the jail, instead of letting him wander around loose. He also would have been much less likely to have killed the cyclist, as gunshot wounds are only 9% fatal and at the posted speed limit for the road motor vehicles are approximately 98% fatal, add the 10 MPH “tolerance” and fatalities exceed 99%. For how to avoid, once again we have a hit-from-behind wreck, this time at high speed on a straight road with no oncoming traffic. Mirror(s), be ready to bail, etc. Having a video camera pointing backwards with solid state (memory chips) recording might be a good idea also. It won’t help you avoid the wreck but it might help the prosecution put away the driver that hits you.

Another report on the WI cyclist that dumped his bike at a relatively high speed and died in CO. Cyclist killed in Monument accident From reports that have come to me back-channel the cyclist hit some road debris and lost control of the front wheel, loose gravel is suspected. As loose gravel is pretty much the same color and texture as gravel that is part of the actual road surface particularly on roads that have been chip sealed, this becomes a very difficult wreck to avoid. The only thing I can suggest is to not ride faster than you want to hit the road with your body, not very constructive advice.

About all we know in this wreck was there was more than one vehicle involved, at least 3 perhaps more that didn’t actually hit anything, and that one vehicle prevented the 2 colliding vehicles from seeing each other until they hit. Once again the question is why the one motor vehicle did not stop when there was another vehicle stopped in the inside lane. Bicyclist injured in Tuesday Bemidji accident To avoid, don’t pull out into lanes where you can’t see clearly.

From the description of this wreck they are blaming the victim for actually trying to cross the road. Bicyclist Injured After Struck By Car At this point it is unknown if the cyclist entered the intersection on a green or yellow light or if he ran the red.

Mayhem and murder in Portland OR. Cyclist killed in hit-and-run crash in NE Portland Gotta love the comments section, people blaming the cyclist for the wreck because, well he was riding a bicycle in the street! What did he expect? From the initial description of the wreck sparse as it was this was probably another hit-from behind wreck. Read the other hit-from-behind wrecks again if you can’t remember what to do.

A wreck in UT they can’t figure out what happened, except the rider is dead. Bicyclist killed in Park City crash The rider may have been hit by a motor vehicle, but probably not as the other rider in front did not report hearing a motor vehicle. It’s a mystery… But not to the people commenting.

More on the wreck in VA. Car Kills Bicycle Rider slightly more information than the initial report yesterday Bicyclist Killed By Car ID’d updated report Killed cyclist was doctor, surprise-minded father was a separate comments section to both articles. There is speculation the driver in this case was on the cell either talking or texting and not paying attention to driving. Yet another hit-from-behind wreck! [sigh]

A cyclist is hit in the UK Cyclist injured after crash with car After all the US reports it’s almost nice to read a report that someone didn’t blame the cyclist for being a cyclist as the reason for the wreck…

They are having a bit of a wrangle over bike helmets in South Korea. Bike Helmet Bill Causing Stir There was some mis-information in the article (misinformation from a politician?) about the fines for not wearing a helmet, as well as places that mandate helmet wearing.

I know they are “slow” in AL, but really, how long ago was the RoS? The Ride of Silence The article mentioning the RoS is actually in response to a bike wreck from last week, so no Auburn jokes.

A running and road race for charity in far western NY. 1,500 cyclists, runners expected for Thater races If you’re in the area the Poet says “do this”. And have fun.

And even SUV drivers cringe at 40 ton trucks being driven by sleep-deprived Zombies. Trucks can make for a deadly harvest This would be a good time to ride somewhere else if you have that option and are not living in the area.

And that’s all I have today, I’m going to take a mental health trip and de-stress a bit.

Billed @$.02, Opus

Still recovering from the RoS

Yes, I’m still getting over the RoS emotionally. Physically was no sweat, literally. I had to warm up after the ride because the weather was perfect for riding, and Gigi was perfect as a bike can get for such a ride. Well I think that having the OEM cushion and cover would have been better that the surplus 10mm foam and duct tape she has now, “butt” aside from that you couldn’t ask for a bike better suited for maintaining 12 MPH than Gigi, especially riding in a big pack like we had at the Dallas RoS. I could keep the same speed while others were huffing and puffing and dropping off the pace going up the hills around White Rock Lake. And FYI Gigi does not have electric assist installed, and probably won’t ever have assist. Assist is just not part of her mission.

More RoS links. Cycling for safety’s sake and Spokes in silence also Photo: A ride of silence more Cyclists’ silent ride honors those hurt or killed and also Cyclists urge motorists to drive with care still more Ride of Silence in Ann Arbor honors those killed or injured on public roads another one Cyclists honor fallen, promote safety in Ride of Silence even more Update: Cyclist killed in accident remembered in “Ride of Silence” and last link for today Cyclists ride for those who died This is truly an international movement, to bring respect to those who have been killed or injured by motor vehicles on the roads so that everyone can have fossil-fuel free transportation, and the joy of moving your butt with your butt. RIP

And while this was going on more people will be remembered on next year’s ride. Bicyclist injured in Hauula crash dies Now that I can see the wrecked vehicles it looks to me like the car drifted over to the shoulder slightly and hit the cyclist from behind, as there was no impact damage on the bike and heavy impact damage to the right side of the car.

More reports on the MN cyclist killed in the bike lane. Minneapolis cyclist in bike lane killed by semi truck and Bicyclist killed in downtown Minneapolis AFAIK the laws in all 50 states require that you make sure you clear your right of way before making a turn, especially if you must turn across another lane of traffic to make your turn.

They caught the Honda driver that hit-and-run the cyclist in CA after the RoS. Cyclist Injured by Hit-and-Run Driver Driver was drunk, it figures. You know what’s next, backhoe and concrete mixer, throw the guy in, yada, yada, yada. Hit-and-run and drunk, the perfecta in motor vehicle mayhem.

And that’s all I have today, no updates tonight because I have a church thing to go to.

Billed @$.02, Opus

After the Ride of Silence a huge Feed

Well I did the RoS yesterday, and several people recognized me somehow (musta been the helmet) and I had several nice conversations. Most of the Feed today is stuff that lead up to the RoS or reports after, including one from my job with examiner.com.

Starting out with the RoS articles, mine first The Ride of Silence from an honoree’s viewpoint and Ride Of Silence Honors Fallen Bicyclists and Silence on ride honors injured, killed cyclists also Ride of Silence marks boy’s death with more Event will honor fallen cyclists also Cyclists ride to honor injured, promote sharing roadways and Advocate urges participation in Ride Of Silence after cyclist dies in Minneapolis still more Bicyclist’s death in crash with city dump truck serves as solemn reminder for those gathered at ‘Ride of Silence’ event will it ever end? ‘Ride of Silence’ tonight to honor killed or injured cyclists even more Chattanooga Bicycle Club: Ride of Silence to Honor David Meek and Silent ride will remember injured, killed bikers from the far corners of the world Cyclists join thousands worldwide in Ride of Silence and troubles for the Mother Ride Last-minute donation saves Ride of Silence and Bicyclists ride in silence for lost loved ones at White Rock Lake and the last RoS limk Dallas area bicyclists ride in silence at White Rock Lake Whew!…

Now for the rest of the Feed starting with the cyclist killed in the hit-and-run in NOLA I mentioned earlier in the week, with multiple reports. Bicyclist Killed In Hit-And-Run and a later report Cyclist killed in hit-and-run in eastern New Orleans is identified and finally Bicyclist killed in New Orleans East hit and run You can avoid a similar wreck by watching your six like a hawk. I strongly suggest a glasses or helmet mounted mirror and learning how to look back instantly with a flick of an eye. Also leave yourself an escape route, or “out”. There’s nothing worse than knowing the guy behind you is going to hit you and there’s no place to go.

A bad wreck in MN. Cyclist killed in accident with semi and Minneapolis cyclist in bike lane killed by semi truck also Bicyclist Killed In Crash With Semi-Tractor IDed Apparently the cyclist was in a left side bike lane and the driver turned in on him, no word on if the driver signaled properly, but initial reports are that the truck driver may be charged.

More from Columbus OH on getting cyclists on the roads with other traffic. Bike riders want share of streets There are some infrastructure issues there as well.

Another IA rider hit. Dubuque bike rider hurt in crash Another left hook wreck. The only real way to avoid this and still ride on the road is to assume every driver is trying to kill you, but this would make riding no fun. The next best way is to be watching in every direction at once when you come to intersections, and always have an escape route planned.

Another CA hit-and-run. UPDATED: Bicyclist injured in Redding hit-and-run Not much you can do about a red light runner.

A cyclist gets it wrong in a traffic circle. Bicyclist injured, may be cited after hitting car in Belleville traffic circle You have to learn and follow the rules of the road, even in traffic circles. From what I have read this was initially a case of “you go first, no you go first” and then they both decided to go first and the cyclist hit the car.

This cyclist got lucky, and the lesson learned is don’t run stop signs when cars are coming. Bicyclist injured in accident

Lots of wrecks in my old stomping grounds around Temple Square. 2 Cyclists Injured In Crashes With Cars In Salt Lake City and 3 bicyclists injured; two hit by cars The rider that had a wheel come off and did a face plant is going to be very disappointed if he thinks a bike helmet will protect his face in a wreck. The rider that had the left cross should recover…

More from lawyers on the bike wreck in HI. Bicyclist Injured On Kamehameha Highway

Roadblock is injured in a hit-and-run in LA CA. Cyclist and Activist ‘Roadblock’ Injured In Hit and Run When a cyclist as experienced as Roadblock gets hit, there wasn’t any way to avoid the wreck. I suspect foul play, that this was an assault rather than an accident.

A cab and cyclist may share fault in this wreck. Man riding bike critically hurt in collision with cab The cab may have been speeding, way over the limit, and the cyclist may have run a red light.

The children of a slain cyclist make their victim’s statements in the sentencing phase of the Silver Comet Trail trial. Through tears, slain cyclist’s children recall their mom I just want people to know that just because I think the guy that did this has Asperger’s syndrome doesn’t mean that I thik what he did was OK. Even if you have Asperger’s you still know right from wrong, and how to treat a lady. Lack of being able to ask for sex does not absolve you from rape, much less murder.

People in NYC have hated cyclists from the beginning. On This Day in History: May 20 Have Cyclists and Drivers Never Gotten Along? This article quotes sources from the 1890s and earlier.

In Canadia a truck driver is charged in a wreck with a cyclist. Trucker charged in crash that seriously injured cyclist

And finally from Jolly Olde, another hit-and-run. Cyclist injured in hit and run Not much detail, the usual UK media wreck report.

And that’s everything today, I’m taking the rest of the day off from blogging I have a repair gig this evening.

Billed @$.02, Opus

One day before the Ride of Silence

It’s one day before the RoS and the majority of the articles in the Feed today were about that or at least mentioned the Ride. What bugs me is I live near the birthplace of the Ride, and our media has paid absolutely no attention to the existence of the Ride. Only one article from any Dallas media outlet, my article over at examiner.com. Out of all the media in Dallas the only article about the Ride was one I wrote. There is something seriously wrong in this.

The trial of the man accused of murdering a female cyclist on the Silver Comet enters the sentencing phase, and from the testimony reported in this article it sounds like the defendant has a mild case of Asperger’s syndrome. Ledford convicted of murdering Silver Comet Trail cyclist If the testimony is true, this is a case where the mental health system is as much to blame as the defendant. For those not familiar Asperger’s this is a link to information ASPERGER’S DISORDER HOMEPAGE This is a treatable condition, but not something the victim can just take care of by him or her self. People with Asperger’s have to be taught how to interact with other people they can’t just pick it up on their own. Read the linked pages, it’s all pretty well covered in that.

Two reports on a hit-and-run in NOLA. Bicyclist killed in hit and run accident and with more detail Bicyclist killed in hit and run in eastern New Orleans Not a lot of detail in either report, I have no idea if this was something that happened at an intersection or if the cyclist was hit from behind in mid-block, or if the cyclist was hit in some other more off-the-wall mode of wreck. Just be careful out there.

Another report on the Oahu wrecks from over the weekend. 1 Killed, 2 Injured In Windward Oahu Crashes Some differences in reports here, earlier reports had the bicyclist hit in the parking lot of the 7-11, this report has him hit in the road in front of the 7-11.

A child on a bicycle is hit by a car. Nine-year-old Lincoln boy on bike hit by car I can’t understand how people can be so callous about cars taking over a neighborhood and killing and injuring children playing outside. If this had been a gang member instead of a car then the citizens would be up in arms, but dead and crippled children seem to be taken as the price to be paid for motorized transportation, and the total abandonment of the streets to the automobile because it isn’t safe to try to share with cars at the speeds people use them.

Lawyers are watching the progress of the Safe Passing bill in TX. The Safe Passing Bill: An Update If this bill becomes law this will give cyclist’s lawyers a huge tool in cases against drivers that hit cyclists from behind, even if LEO don’t file charges.

OK time for the RoS articles before we move on to the reports from outside North America. Community News You’ll have to pan down a bit on that one. Also Life lines and Silent cyclists honor victims also Ride honors memory of area cyclists and finally Week-long event celebrates the power of bikes Some articles are somber, some are joyous, some are deprecating (it’s a word, look it up) , but at least they are paying attention to us. Now if we can get the same while on the roads.

A report in the UK is harsh towards Gov’t statistics. Watchdog criticises British government cycle safety policy The main thrust of the article is that deaths are not separated out from serious injury which makes cycling look much more dangerous than it really is, as there were few deaths, but thousands of serious injuries, and the two don’t move in parallel, serious injury has been going up while deaths have been declining slightly in recent trends.

You can feel the levels of frustration rising over this wreck. Tributes to cyclist killed in hit-and-run Still no progress in finding the perp, while at the same time nothing is being done about the infrastructure deficiencies that caused the wreck, well that and the impatience of the truck driver in passing where there wasn’t room to do so.

And a hit-and-run driver is tried in absentia for killing a cyclist and attempting to destroy the evidence and then feeling the country to a place without extradition. Embassy official who killed cyclist in hit-and-run sentenced to 10 years in prison Unbelievable.

And another case of street justice in the death of a cyclist in India. Cyclist killed Actually the article never did say what happened to the driver that killed the cyclist.

And that’s it for today, and for tomorrow. Next blog post will be Thursday morning, with my RoS report from the Mother Ride.

Billed @$.02, Opus

Lies, damned lies, and statistics, guess what we get?

Most of the Feed today was rehashes on old wrecks and reactions to the release of a report in the UK about bicycle fatalities and infrastructure.

One of the new wrecks is this injury wreck in PA. Bicyclist injured in accident From the picture it appears he was hit from the left side on the front wheel. The report said he pulled suddenly into traffic, apparently just far enough into traffic to get hit. Actually the word used in the article was “darted”, along with a lot of other adjectives that made the adult rider sound like a mis-behaving 3 YO.

An update on the pinball wreck I covered yesterday with more information. Police: St. Pete bicyclist injured after vehicle runs light, crashes The Nissan ran the red light at a high rate of speed, was hit by the Toyota, and rolled over on the cyclist that was just riding along minding his own business and obeying the law, and guess which one was most seriously injured? Not the woman driving the SUV that ran the red light. If you said the guy riding the bicycle minding his own business, DING DING DING!

Another report on the woman hit by a car in CO. Bike rider killed in Grand Junction I have not seen any of the physical evidence so as far as I know this is still a SWSS.

Another RoS story. Central Bucks Bicycle Club hosts local Ride of Silence Opus says do it.

Quad Cities cyclists try to get people to think outside the box (car). ‘Week’ aims to inspire outside-the-car thinking Well if you read my blog you most likely are already thinking outside the car.

Police in NC ride to DC to honor their killed and wounded. Police bike ride begins Sunday This is another one Opus says to ride in if you can.

And now we get a report on an injured cyclist that wasn’t wearing a helmet. Injured cyclist not wearing helmet: Cops Note that there was no report of the cyclist having head injuries, just that he wasn’t wearing a helmet. What was important to the incident was the part about the cyclist wearing headphones, but that was just mentioned in passing.

And all the UK reports on the road fatalities report. UK ‘lagging on child road safety’ and Too many children killed on roads also Cycling, dangerous? On your bike and one last report from the Beebe ‘My sister deserved safer roads’ Thus is explained today’s headline for the blog.

That’s all I got today.

Billed @$.02, Opus