Cyclists Unite!

So about a month ago, a cyclist was hit and killed by a car here while on a ride with his wife on a road that is frequented by many MANY cyclists. It was a shock to many people here, especially since he was a first year law student here at the University of New Mexico, where I go, and where of course many of my friends go.
There was a memorial ride yesterday for him, and I guess word of it really spread, there must have been 250+ people out there!! It was the biggest group I've ever ridden with!
So what I'm wondering is this: WHY does it take such a tragic event for people to get out and ride like this? HOW can we make it safer for cyclists here? People either don't think that we have a right to ride here, or they just don't pay attention...it's so scary because I ride So So much, and I certainly don't want to stop...:confused:

Pinkychique, I'm so sorry to hear about the cyclist that was struck down in your home town. I know how heart-breaking and frustrating it can be to hear about a tragedy like this. Even if you might not have known him personally, it can still have an enormous effect on the psyche.

How about organizing a local Critical Manners ride? They differentiate themselves from Critical Mass by <gasp> actually following local traffic laws. Then you can get together monthly with like-minded individuals to remind drivers that there are more than just cars on the road. Also, get involved by writing to your local legislators about the need to educate the public about sharing the road. Are there any local cycling groups(we have the CBC in Washington) in your area? Not only do they organize group rides, many of them work to lobby for cyclists' rights and cycling facilities. You could become a member to support their efforts.

More discussion on Critical Manners here:
http://groups.google.com/group/critical-manners-ride-sf

~Soo

Thanks, I didn't know about Critical Manners, we have a Critical Mass ride here(it's just a baby yet) and all the people seem sure on following the rules (yay!) We have bike lanes, but obviously enough isn't being done. Especially on this road that functions as a frontage road when really it isn't, and it's the only road we cyclists can get out of town on in this particular direction without getting on the Interstate. :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pinkychique

So what I'm wondering is this: WHY does it take such a tragic event for people to get out and ride like this?

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...human nature...we don't know (or want to know) there's a problem until something bad happens.

I encourage you to PM Silver and get some details on what they've done locally in the Evansville area with the "Share the Road" campaign following a cyclist's death last October.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pinkychique

So about a month ago, a cyclist was hit and killed by a car here while on a ride with his wife on a road that is frequented by many MANY cyclists. It was a shock to many people here, especially since he was a first year law student here at the University of New Mexico, where I go, and where of course many of my friends go.
There was a memorial ride yesterday for him, and I guess word of it really spread, there must have been 250+ people out there!! It was the biggest group I've ever ridden with!
So what I'm wondering is this: WHY does it take such a tragic event for people to get out and ride like this? HOW can we make it safer for cyclists here? People either don't think that we have a right to ride here, or they just don't pay attention...it's so scary because I ride So So much, and I certainly don't want to stop...:confused:

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Pinky, my ex sold him and his wife their bikes. He said they were the one of the nicest couples that he had dealt with, it is a real shame. I am glad to hear that they did a memorial ride for him.

Last Thursday a young art student was killed in a collision with a cement truck in downtown Portland. Friday night at least a hundred cyclists showed up on bikes at the spot.

As of this time the driver has not even been cited...

But what I find incredibly effective is the ghost bike....a bicycle painted all white is chained at the spot. Everytime I see one I weep.