Albany, NY cyclist killed. No helmet or ID.

[HillSlugger]

I'm up here in Albany right now and heard about this death on the news. I did not hear, however, that she was without helmet or ID or that she ran a red light. Sad to say but three strike and you're out...

[lizbids]

Denise Goldberg suggested a Road ID when I asked about it, and I have to say, it's great. Just a little bracelet that goes around my ankle containing my name, insurance carrier, emergency contact...

I also want to say that I rode around a bit today and still can't get over cyclists going the wrong way on a one-way street with no helmet. Somehow they remember to throw their iPods on, though... Ladies, we can't prevent everything that happens in life, but we can sure make smarter decisions, am I wrong?

[salsabike]

I live in Seattle but have spent a lot of time in Albany in the last year since my ill mom is there. The difference between cyclist and car habits (in each of the two cities, I mean) is HUGE. Seattle is relatively bike conscious compared to Albany, where cyclists frequently ride without helmets, on the wrong side of the road, and dart in and out of traffic, and drivers are famously (for those of us who grew up there) impatient, rule-breaking and rude. I have often thought in the last year during my times in Albany that I'd be WAY less comfortable road-riding there than I am here. They are in dire need of a bike ed program for everyone.

[Zen]

We have a large latino immigrant population who often rely on bikes as their only means of transportation. I have yet to see one of these guys wearing a helmet.

I'm a belt and suspenders woman, myself. Especially when I'm alone (which is 99% of the time). Yellow jerseys, blinky light, mirror, copy of insurance cards. Where can I get a helmet that has a rotating red light on top?

Why would someone do something so senseless? She was smart enough to run her own business but not smart enough to wear a helmet. Very sad.