Another article.
XTri website
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Another article.
XTri website
Well, I ride in Dallas, TX. You just do what you gotta do. We ride in a group, but as this accident shows, safety isn't always in numbers.Quote:
Originally Posted by sundial
Otherwise, the only 2 bike wrecks that I have had involved mud in the road and wind. The cyclists I know who have had wrecks... went down due to other cyclists. Not cars.
So yes, the city is dangerous but we do more harm to ourselves riding around here.
I can guarantee you that the officer will have to undergo drug testing.
I feel terrible for the families of all involved.
I'm not niave enough to think that all officers are good and above reproach, but being married to one and having first hand knowledge of all they go through and put up with, I do know that most new officers are in the job because they want to do good and help people and this would be the last thing any of them would want to have to live with.
I am saddened that the media and others want to point blame at the cyclist.
It seems to most definetly be the officers fault regardless the reason, and something he will have to live with always.
These accidents, when accidents are what they truly are, are horrible for anyone involved regardless if they are an officer or just somebody's mother or father.
The "accidental" part is when a driver actually hits somebody.
The choice made to use electronics or to drive when drowsy... that's no accident. THat's done on purpose.
When we make choices that significantly increase the risk to others on our paths... we need to be held responsible for the consequences of those choices. He can't give back the lives, but I would suggest - shocking as it may be - that he shouldn't be burdened with the responsibility of driving and we shouldn't be burdened with the danger of him driving (unless, somehow, it's found that oh, a bird flew through an open window, struck him on the head and rendered him unconscoius... *that* would be an accident.)
I spent my ride today thinking about this.
Is there anyone who can honestly say they have never done something stupid or been inattentive in a car? I know I can't. I know there have been times when I've done something and thought, "Wow, I'm glad nobody else was around because that could have been ugly." I'm so thankful that I have been lucky.
What I'm going to take from this is the reminder that life is precious. I want to be more careful with what I do, not just in my car, but in general. I want to spend my time on this earth wisely. Maybe be a little nicer... a little kinder... do I really need to be so sarcastic at staff meetings? more thoughtful of others. We're all on this world together. Maybe I can do more to make it a better place.
The deputy has to live with this forever. He's only 27. If he's a decent, compassionate man, he's going to be suffering for a long time because he screwed up and he didn't get lucky and have no one around. I doubt it was in his plan for the day to have that happen.
When I have a perfect day, maybe I can rest in judgement on him.
V.
PS If it turns out that he was on drugs or alcohol, then I take back everything I just said.
Exactly. Every single word. Thank you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Veronica
V-
Ditto. Yup. You said it.
Well said, Veronica.
I KNOW that I have been there -- falling asleep especially, being a night worker that lives 45 minutes from where I work. I think about this all of the time.
I sincerely HOPE this was purely accident, and not some choice made that changed the fate of the day -- as it is, pure accident will be a terrible thing for this deputy to live the rest of his life with.
KSH: I agree about how people look at cyclists... I can recall one day that someone in a pickup truck rolled down the window and yelled at me, "Get off the road! You're not a F*%$#G CAR!". That is how many people feel. Never mind, there is only two inches on the pavement past the white line before you hit the ditch! But when hit, it's suddenly our fault.
Thoughts go out to everyone -- this is truly devastating to all involved.
JES
thanks, V, that's beautiful
This article gives a great bio on both the cyclists:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?...ornia_deaths08
Yes, and crashes can happen anywhere. My serious bike wreck in April 2005 happened in an extremely rural area, no cars on the road at all, just two big dogs that ran out right for me. I actually feel safer in the city sometimes, as I know the chances of dogs running freely is much less, and cars sometimes don't worry me as much as dogs, due to my experience.Quote:
Originally Posted by KSH
This is very sad news indeed...
Emily
I totally agree with Veronica on this one. I really feel for the family's of the couple that were killed but I feel equally sorry for the cop. Twenty-seven, first year on the job, his life is over now too. I will keep all involved in my thoughts and prayers.
These two articles were on the front page of the local paper today ... odd, since they usually ignore anything cycling related.
Riders' deaths rattle cyclists in Bay Area
Accident a reminder to respect center stripe
As one who has made idiotic mistakes in this area, as well as many other areas, even these circumstances leave room for compassion.Quote:
Originally Posted by Veronica
You're right SF. I personally just find those kind of choices harder to understand and forgive. Probably because I've been on the receiving end of people who made those choices already.
V.