Another cyclist gone...

[OakLeaf]

I'm starting to sound like a broken record on this issue, but the problem isn't the penalty, it's the difficulty of proof. Vehicular homicide needs to be a strict liability offense just like all other traffic offenses. The minute they kill someone, drivers are absolved of their ordinary duty to be responsible for the operation of their vehicles, and instead, prosecutors must prove (depending on the state) at a minimum negligence, sometimes as much as recklessness.

IOW, it's easier - far easier - to convict someone of hitting a tree, than to convict them of running over a cyclist, or another motorist. That's BS in my book.

[smilingcat]

Hi Crankin,

My condolence to everyone in his family, to all his friends and to you and your husband. Life is precious and no matter how old we are and to die unexpectedly in such unfortunate circumstances, it doesn't make it any easier. To say that he had a wonderful full life, is to lessen the hurt we all feel. But it doesn't take away your pain.

The gentleman was gracious, giving, and compassionate soul. And no amount of words can express the sorrow his friends he touched and people he touched.

Understand too that you will have lots of strong emotions: sorrow, anger, emptiness... Be kind to yourself. This is all part of grieving. It just means that you really cared for the person.

peace be with you,

Smilingcat

[azfiddle]

So sorry for the loss of your cycling friend. There is no making sense of this kind of tragic situation...

[Crankin]

Emily, I used to obsess about my DH riding, too, when he commutes to work. There's a lot of traffic when he rides home and at the peak of the season, there are a lot of cyclists out there and people get a little crazy. But, at a certain point, I stopped because, as was said, there's nothing you can do.
The funeral is today; I am not going, although I might go to the Shiva later in the weekend. I really didn't know him that well, despite the fact I have ridden with him so many times. The group I ride with is quite unique-- a part of a regular club, but with weekly rides at a "moderate" pace, always with a lunch/social/ historical focus. Some of these people have been riding (and skiing, running, hiking) together for 25 years. Quite a few of them have run the Boston Marathon together, many times. I have been riding with them for about 5 years and I am one of the younger people who rides with this group. There's a group of very fit guys and a few women who ride with this group, who often split off and do a longer or faster ride and then meet up with the original group. Last year, I was able to hang on to the back of this pack, which, for me, was no small accomplishment. I got connected with these people when one of the members of the group (another 65 year old+ physician) came to a ride that I ended up leading without my DH, as he was having some medical issues. The first ride I did with them was super hilly, and I ended up being behind the leader on most of the climbs. It was the first time I ever rode with others who had the same attitude toward cycling that I do.

[Crankin]

Here's one more article that says it all about the victim.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news...mate-physician

[TrekTheKaty]

So sorry to hear about your loss, Crankin. My sympathies to you, the club and his family.