Cyclist Hit by Car at Highway Speed Recovering

[Deborajen]

This is a remarkable story. It's a real tribute to what physical conditioning and will to live can do. And what a great attitude --

http://www.kansas.com/2010/07/10/1398685/injured-spanish-cyclist-wants.html?pageNum=1&&mi_pluck_action=page_nav#Comments_Container

[PamNY]

That is remarkable in every way.

[tctrek]

Incredible story... it's on every riders mind that someone driving a car will be texting, or spill a coke, or be changing the radio station and become distracted for just a moment... and run into us. This rider has great courage and if anyone can make it, he can.

[buffybike]

Wow. Breaks my heart. I wonder what kind of punishment the driver will receive?

When a driver hit me 2 days ago, she was given 2 citations: a misdemeanor for driving with a revoked license...and a flimsy little ticket for hitting me. So it's a greater offense to drive with a revoked license than to run into another human being...?

[colby]

I don't even know what to say, but I am sending as many positive vibes as I can his way... someone with that positive an outlook in the face of such sheer adversity deserves to walk, to ride again.

[Tri Girl]

Wow. Truly, if anyone can pull through- I believe he can. What a heartbreaking story. I was crying while reading it, because I know that could be any one of us, or the bikers we love.
The laws in our country are appalling when it comes to cars vs. pedestrians/bikers. I hope that whatever punishment is given, it will change the driver and he will become an advocate for safe driving. In fact, that should be his punishment: to have to go to high schools and talk to kids about not driving distracted and tell his story and the story of the cyclist.

[Deborajen]

I think that's a great idea - having the driver speak at high schools. Even better if he does it voluntarily because then the kids would know he meant it and maybe it would "hit home" a little more.

So far, all that's been said is that the Highway Patrol isn't pressing any charges but has turned the evidence over to the District Attorney. No word yet on how long it will take for the DA to respond. I really hope it doesn't get swept under a rug or it doesn't just get put off for so long that they end up treating it like it's something minor.

On our local news, they said the driver wanted to visit the cyclist in the hospital but the cyclist declined saying he didn't want to put a face with the accident. He did, however, say that he forgave the driver and understands that he feels bad about it, but he said "you need to drive more carefully because someone's life can be broken." The cyclist has been a really classy guy. He's made quite an impression around here. He has a long way to go and will probably never be the same, but I sure do wish him the best.