Deputy kills 2, 1 in critical cond.

**KSH** · 03-10-2008, 08:14 AM

How horrible and tragic. My heart goes out to the cyclists families. How very sad. They didn't have a chance.

As for the officer... well, let's face it, people in cars hit cyclists all the time and everyone blames the cyclist... it's NEVER the fault of the driver in the car. AND even if it is... no one cares. "Oh well, so what... he plowed down people on bikes... they deserved it."

If he killed a family in a car, there would be serious charges brought against him. Since he hit cyclist, it's OK. *rolls her eyes*

I wish they would view people on bikes as if they were driving cars and throw the book at people who kill people on bikes.

**trinena** · 03-10-2008, 11:08 AM

I was at my PT this morning and coming down the stairs I saw a framed picture of Kristy Gough (one of the cyclists killed). She had been treated there and it was pic of her at Ironman winning her age group.

It's all very upsetting including the news coverage and what they say about cyclists - one report said how sometimes cyclists ride next to one another and how dangerous, even though not illegal, this is. How is that conjecture even relevant?! That road they were on has a wide shoulder to ride on - it really is one of the least dangerous roads out there. I also don't understand why they have not released the name of the deputy and why a breathalyzer test wasn't administered.

**trinena** · 03-10-2008, 11:14 AM

article about Kristy

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl.../MNE8VH1CV.DTL

**sundial** · 03-10-2008, 11:30 AM

I really have to hand it to you guys that cycle in the large cities. I'm not so sure I would ride my road bike anymore. Now I understand why some abandon their road bikes for the mtb and trails.

**kelownagirl** · 03-10-2008, 11:37 AM

Another article.

XTri website

**maillotpois** · 03-10-2008, 05:49 PM

This article gives a great bio on both the cyclists:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?...ornia_deaths08

**arielmoon** · 06-05-2009, 05:50 AM

How very unfortunate for everyone involved!

I am glad they took the deputy from behind the wheel.

**Eden** · 06-05-2009, 07:37 AM

did they really though.... they took away his gun and his patrol car, but from what the article says, he probably still has his private license.... unless they expect to make him serve summonses by taking the bus.... Perhaps they should have demoted him and made him serve as a bicycle patrol officer.... (and never get his drivers license back! I totally believe that if you kill/maim negligently with a car you should lose the right to drive forever)

**KSH** · 03-10-2008, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by sundial

I really have to hand it to you guys that cycle in the large cities. I'm not so sure I would ride my road bike anymore. Now I understand why some abandon their road bikes for the mtb and trails.

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.

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.

**DDH** · 03-10-2008, 03:33 PM

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.

**Geonz** · 03-10-2008, 03:45 PM

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.)

**emily_in_nc** · 03-10-2008, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by KSH

So yes, the city is dangerous but we do more harm to ourselves riding around here.

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.

This is very sad news indeed...

Emily

**Jones** · 03-10-2008, 06:28 PM

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.

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