North Carolina driver targets cyclists

[Bike Chick]

This is such a tragic accident. A 21 year old young man drove into a group of cyclists, dragging one under his vehicle while he was attempting to leave the scene. Thank goodness no one was killed. A motorist followed him and got his license number and he turned himself in later. Then a deputy sheriff released him on a notice to appear!!!!

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/north-carolina-hit-and-run-leaves-six-cyclists-injured-26362

[XMcShiftersonX]

Wow.... that is really disturbing. I'm surprised no one was killed by that. Though the article says that some have suffered head trauma, which unfortunately, will likely hold some life long effects, if it isn't completely debilitating. :( I hope the cyclists make good recoveries and are able to carry on meaningful lives after this and get back on their bikes to do what they love.

[channlluv]

I wonder if they guy showed up for court on the 25th.

Roxy

[oz rider]

Terrible, but it doesn't sound like an 'accident'. We've had a few hit-runs lately, but not on that scale. Last week a driver cut off a cyclist, objected to being given the bird and king hit the cyclist before driving off. Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Violence-against-cyclists-AUSTRALIA-SAYS-NO/122491947782932) and the original report. (http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/05/24/176121_news.html)

[Bike Chick]

Very good question, Roxy. I found another story in the local newspaper that had a little more info. According to this article, the driver of the vehicle was going in the opposite direction as the cyclists. Unfortunately, I can't find any kind of follow-up to the accident. Here is the link if anyone is interested in reading it: http://www2.independenttribune.com/content/2010/may/20/man-charged-hit-and-run-cycling-team/

There were three young women hit by an elderly man in our area a couple of months ago. He had also crossed the center line and we can't find out any information on what charges were filed, if any, and this was local news. Don't get me wrong, I am an animal lover, but if animals are hurt or abused, they cover it for days on the news but we didn't hear another word on this story after it happened.

[Bike Chick]

Terrible, but it doesn't sound like an 'accident'. We've had a few hit-runs lately, but not on that scale. Last week a driver cut off a cyclist, objected to being given the bird and king hit the cyclist before driving off. Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Violence-against-cyclists-AUSTRALIA-SAYS-NO/122491947782932) and the original report. (http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/05/24/176121_news.html)

Wow! This is horrible too. What are we to do? It almost makes you want to not ride.......I said almost. It's scary. There are lots of crazy people out there and we are moving targets. Sometimes I think trying to raise public awareness only makes it worse.

[owlice]

Bike Chick, if this is your local paper, please call them and ask them for an update on this story. If they know there is reader interest, they will be more likely to write a follow-up article. I'd like to know what happens!

[Bike Chick]

I will do that and will let you know.

[Bike Chick]

owlice, I followed up on this with the reporter and have posted her email response here: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=512888#post512888

I'm going to dig a little further. Surely someone else besides us gives a rip if charges were ever filed.

[oz rider]

owlice, I followed up on this with the reporter and have posted her email response here: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=512888#post512888

I'm going to dig a little further. Surely someone else besides us gives a rip if charges were ever filed.
Well done. I think following up where we can keeps it on their radar and flags that everyday people do care and do get angry about this sort of stuff. There was one in Canada recently too and last I saw there was some doubt charges would be laid, yet the car showed near frontal impact. I assume there's no law saying it's ok to run down anything in your path.

[Biker Jo]

There were three young women hit by an elderly man in our area a couple of months ago. He had also crossed the center line and we can't find out any information on what charges were filed, if any, and this was local news. Don't get me wrong, I am an animal lover, but if animals are hurt or abused, they cover it for days on the news but we didn't hear another word on this story after it happened.

That story was covered big time in Chicago because the three young women were from here, and one of them was killed.

Here's an update on the driver:
"The 86-year-old driver will appear in court June 10 for an improper lane usage citation. If found guilty, he'll be fined $75, police said."

You can find that quote in this article about the young woman that was killed:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/family/faithsmom-20100515,0,4683109,full.story