Another Cycling Tragedy

[Bike Chick]

I get sick to my stomach just reading this.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1430338.html

[Aggie_Ama]

I wish the motorist would be charged with murder. I don't know if the comments from readers are true but they are reporting he was not only drunk, he was angry with his girlfriend who left his drunk butt at a club so he was going to continue the argument and TEXTING as well. The cyclist was riding in daylight, in a bike lane. This is infuriating!

[kermit]

He has been charged with everything in the book. His booking photo and rap sheet are on the web. He will hopefully never see the light of day. That could have been me! Thats my regular ride. The one place semi-safe to ride. How do you drive with a bike under your car for 4 miles at 60 mph and not know. They haven't released the victims name yet but there is already a memorial ride planned. Yeah, another one. This is happening way too much!

[AnnieBikes]

Absolutely sickening story. I hope this guy goes to jail for a LONG time. :mad::mad:

[badgercat]

As usual, I wish I hadn't started reading the comments. There are plenty of people dragging up the tired "what was the cyclist doing ON THE ROAD?" argument. There's no hope for individuals who still have that attitude even when the victim was in a bike lane in broad daylight.

[sarahspins]

There's no hope for individuals who still have that attitude even when the victim was in a bike lane in broad daylight.

No kidding :(

Honestly the fact that he dragged the bike FOUR MILES is what really has me. Legitimate accidents happen, but to not stop.. is just unbelievable. :eek:

[Pedal Wench]

That's one of my BF's usual rides. Luckily, he was riding a different route that day, but it easily could have been him. I've ridden that road countless times and it has a HUGE bike lane. It's easily 6 feet wide, and it sounds like it was on the bridge - very wide open visibility - no turns or trees. The drivers go SO fast in that area, and I've never seen anyone ticketed for speeding.

[Tri Girl]

OMG... unthinkable...
I know I don't really mean this and it's just a product of my anger- but I hope he burns in hell for that one. It's not premeditated, but it's darn sure murder. :mad:
I hope it was over in a second for the cyclist. My thoughts to the family... :(

I long for the day when we're treated equally in the eyes of the law (and that includes pedestrians, too). That when cyclists and pedestrians are murdered (and they've done nothing wrong) that the perpetrators receive full punishment as if they'd used a gun.

[skinimini]

Heartbreaking!

[zoom-zoom]

I long for the day when we're treated equally in the eyes of the law (and that includes pedestrians, too). That when cyclists and pedestrians are murdered (and they've done nothing wrong) that the perpetrators receive full punishment as if they'd used a gun.

Ditto. There needs to be a PSA campaign to impress upon people that cars are just as much weapons as they are transportation.

[kermit]

The protests and outrage in the cycling community are coming. There were so many witnesses to this tragedy that the media is covering the whole truth. Key Biscayne is huge for cyclists and this guy's case is NOT going to fall through the cracks. I hope that we will be taken a little more seriously. It's just a shame that another death had to occur for positive cycling support.

[annielynn]

That is just so sad. :( I really hope that the authorities make sure that the driver is charged accordingly.

[Pedal Wench]

The memorial ride is this weekend. My BF will be there, and I wish I could show my support too.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/bik/1561428487.html

[michelem]

Turns out he's some kind of pop star:

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2010/01/musician_carlos_bertonatti_cha.php

UGH!!! :mad:

[sundial]

^ According to a witness, it was half an hour before the cyclist received medical help! :( :( :(