Local cyclist killed

Cyclist to be treated, released after collision with 18-wheeler
Cedar Park woman knocked unconscious by morning wreck.
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
A 49-year-old Cedar Park woman riding a bicycle collided with an 18-wheeled truck in Cedar Park around 8:45 a.m. today but will be treated and released from Brackenridge Hospital, officials said.

Police said Bridget Holliday was biking west in the 3800 block of FM 1431, also called Whitestone Boulevard in that area, when she hit the back axle of the truck after it pulled out of a driveway and was turning east.

Holliday was airlifted to Brackenridge unconscious and with apparent head injuries, police said. Hospital officials said shortly before noon today that she would be treated and released.

Investigators said Holliday was wearing protective head gear and was riding legally on the roadway. She left tire skid marks in front of the truck from trying to stop, police said. No citations against the truck driver had been issued but police said the accident was still being investigated.

And unfortunately there will be people who simply think, sincerely (and nice people to boot), "well, she really just shouldn't be riding near 18-wheelers!"

Kinda like, "well, you really should know better than to walk down *that* street!" ... except some people live there...

I'm glad to hear that she survived and is being released though. :o Bodes well for her although head injuries can be lasting.

Such tragedy... that needs discussion, needs awareness. I encourage all of you to check out the Ride of Silence (website: www.rideofsilence.org). This is an annual ride, in memorium of fallen cyclists or those that have been injured. The ride originated in Dallas, TX when Chris Phalen chose to recognize his dear friend that was clipped by a cars rear view mirror. The ride is on the third Wednesday of May, begins at 7pm and is a 10 mile ride, ridden in silence. If your community does not have the ride organized, take the challenge and sign up on-line (I am taking on the organization of the Austin, TX ride). The ride is about awareness, it's about comfort for those grieving, and it is unifying.

I think almost the entire club I ride with is doing Ride of Silence... It will be my first one and I am glad I'm riding it.

Please everyone, attend a Ride of Silence in your area, to let the motoring public know we're out there, becareful and Share the Road with us.

Together we can make a difference.

markpedal
Ride of Silence, Michigan Director
Ride of Silence, 2005-06 Grand Rapids Organizer
www.rideofsilence.org

I'm proud to say Michigan is leading the world with 25 locations, thanks to the dedication of our bike clubs and bike shops statewide. The R of S is now in 221 cities worldwide, in 8 countries and 5 continents.

An article in May 5th Grand Rapids Press. It will be on line for 14 days.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?D1D03111D