Another bicyclist killed

[Biker Jo]

Bicyclist killed in Chicago:

http://tinyurl.com/yvyevp

Here's a blog on the subject from someone who was there:

http://tinyurl.com/2gh8j9

I know that intersection quite well. It's a six-way intersection where three very busy streets intersect, and they're all controlled by traffic lights. It's very sad the young man died, but you just can't take chances like that on the streets of Chicago (or anywhere else for that matter).

Jo

[Beane]

I will forward this to my DH who is somewhat reckless around traffic. Very sad. People, be careful!!!!

[sundial]

That's so sad. He had his whole life ahead of him.

[tulip]

So sad. I hope folks realize how important traffic laws are for everyone--drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Sounds like he was part of a big group--40 cyclists. Was it a Critical Mass event? I really can't stand CM; I don't think they do anything to promote cycling. [back to topic]

[Biker Jo]

It wasn't a Critical Mass ride. From what I've read about it, it was something called Tour da Chicago, which I guess is a series of unregulated races involving mostly bike messengers, who, judging by the way they dodge traffic and pedestrians in Downtown Chicago, think they're invincible.

[Zen]

It goes without saying that this incident was indeed very sad but it's that type of senseless behavior that gives cyclists a bad name...
He was under the influence of youth and testosterone.

[Eden]

Sounds like it was an alley cat race - like Jo said, mostly attended by messengers. The blogger however said that they are attracting more non-messengers (like himself) these days, which likely means larger crowds and less experienced riders...
Dodging traffic and running lights are never good ideas. Running a "race" that encourages that behavior is bad judgement at the best.

[Running Mommy]

OY and UGH all at the same time...
I feel sorry for this guys wife. I wonder if she knew that what he was doing for kicks could kill him?
I don't want to trample on the spirit of someone who has passed, but I really don't feel sorry for him. I feel sorry for the wife and family and friends he left behind, but not him.
Alley cat races like that are pure stupidity (IMO of course). UGH

I read the blog and I liked how the guy said "I'm going to go out and buy myself a helmet".
I think it speaks VOLUMES of the IQ of these folks...

[bouncybouncy]

When I first read this earlier I wondered if anyone would see it the way I did...bad cyclist. So sorry for his family and those involved.

I just came from a city planning meeting where a bicycle plan was on the agenda...one board member made it very clear that although she was in favor of the plan it is "OUR" responsibility as cyclist to act as a vehicle and obey the law as well as educate any and all cyclist that may fail to do so.

I hope this makes all those in the so-called race aware of their actions...

my condolences!!!

[Biker Jo]

Here's an article from today's newspaper on the young man who was killed:

http://tinyurl.com/yqshgf

Two lines in particular jumped out at me:

"Manger-Lynch was an experienced cyclist, having grown up in Milwaukee in a family of avid mountain-bikers."

And this from his wife: "Manger-Lynch was very responsible about safety."

Even with his experience, he obviously decided that winning was more important that being safe. It's very sad. He had so much to live for, but he threw it all away.