Seattle lost a cyclist Friday

[KatzPajamas]

New to biking this spring, and amazed at what motorists do to cyclists! Why do they not pick up on the fact that we are not inclosed in our vehicle of choice, like they are? People in a hurry to get where they are going and everyone else means nothing. These same motorists would never consider hitting a pole or other inanimate object because it would dent their precious vehichle

[Sky King]

We, knock on the helmet, didn't have any issues on our recent trip but did have to ride the Mukilteo speedway and was super stressful. The next day we were at my family reunion and one of my cousins proceeded to tell my DH that he hates cyclists and dreams of running one over because "we don't pay road taxes" Needless to say the DH told him that was false, he continued to be a jerk so DH told him he was an ignorant *#@!, which wasn't new news to me I pray that the DH's willingness to educate helps any bike rider my cousins sees on the road in Washington.

[schwartzdeborah]

oh my. i must tell my friends to be careful then every going to that route.

[Eden]

Well - though it was one of those strange posters.... it is timely that this thread popped back up. Just yesterday it was announced that the driver in this case would not face any charges and that his entire punishment would be a $42 dollar ticket for an unsafe lane change....

Mind you this driver hit a cyclist on the shoulder of the road, in a place that has a wide shoulder, in conditions that were not even a little hazardous (it was mid afternoon on a nice day) *twice*... first striking him, then running him over, then hit a utility pole.... and the police say that it was just a tragic accident and that $42 ticket is all they can do.... sad commentary on the priorities of our society.

[TREKSTRONG]

Mind you this driver hit a cyclist on the shoulder of the road, in a place that has a wide shoulder, in conditions that were not even a little hazardous (it was mid afternoon on a nice day) *twice*... first striking him, then running him over, then hit a utility pole.... and the police say that it was just a tragic accident and that $42 ticket is all they can do.... sad commentary on the priorities of our society.

Where is the accountability!? The kid should get more that just a $42.00 ticket! At least get community service on how 'not' to hit a defenseless cyclist on the road. Besides, I'm sure he feels awful and this would also be therapy for him and dealing with the fact that he caused someone's death.

I'm still recovering from a cycling accident on Sept., 3rd and know how lucky I am. It could have been a lot worse. I had a fractured and very bruised right hand and a had a concussion (you should see my helmet!), however I think I'm ready for a trial run on the road again.

ACCOUNTABILITY people!

[OakLeaf]

You know we're the only ones who can demand accountability.

It's going to need a movement like MADD/SADD was in the '80s. Public shaming and all that (including the willingness to be publicly taunted ourselves, just as they often were).

I'd be delighted to be a warm body in a courtroom when needed, but I just don't have what it takes to be an organizer.

Some of us here must, though. Some of us already are.

[TREKSTRONG]

You know we're the only ones who can demand accountability.

It's going to need a movement like MADD/SADD was in the '80s. Public shaming and all that (including the willingness to be publicly taunted ourselves, just as they often were).

I'd be delighted to be a warm body in a courtroom when needed, but I just don't have what it takes to be an organizer.

Some of us here must, though. Some of us already are.

I agree totally. We need a movement, until then we are moving targets and have to leave for our ride knowing we may not make it back! I think cyclists have always known that, and that's what makes us a unique group of people. We'd rather take our chances to be free and enjoy this beautiful planet by experiencing it physically through sight, sound, sweat, and the agony of defeat. However, we will not let the fear of getting hit by a car, keep us off the road.

I don't have the time to organize and probably not the time to sit in the court room either. I'm taking time off the get my bachelors in engineering so I barely have time to get in 3-4 hours of sleep some nights. I just have to hope that there are people out there that have the time to start a movement. Hopefully I'll be one of them after I'm all set with my engineering degree and am able to participate.