Pedestrian killed by cyclist

[SalsaMTB]

I saw this article posted on a couple other boards and didn't see it here (I apologize if it already has been). Make sure you watch the stop signs, we have the same responsibilities as a motorized vehicle!

Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/9vzpj


09-12) 09:21 PDT Corvallis, Ore. (AP) --

A bicyclist was charged with manslaughter after he ran through a stop sign and struck and killed a 71-year-old woman, police said Monday.

Jean Calder died at Good Samaritan Hospital after she was struck Friday night as she crossed a street at an unmarked crosswalk, Corvallis police Capt. Ron Noble said.

Christopher A. Lightning, 51, was charged with manslaughter and reckless driving.

"A car and a bicycle are both vehicles and if they are operated in a way that could be criminal, then charges are filed equally in both situations," Noble said. "He was going right through a stop sign."

Lightning was being housed in Benton County jail with bail set at $57,500. He will be given a court-appointed lawyer at his arraignment in Benton County.

[roughingit]

Oh my...that's where I live. Considering that most of the streets are wide and that your average little old lady doesn't just suddenly run in front of you (shuffle perhaps), that guy deserves some serious jailtime!

[SadieKate]

I'd like to know more details. Last week I was told about someone using aero bars who lacerated a "little old lady's" liver when she trotted out into the street to jaywalk. The cyclist was not held at fault but he sure felt horrible.

The "ran through a stop sign" sure sounds like damning evidence in this case, but what is an "unmarked crosswalk?" A 71-yr old can be pretty spry so I don't think we can assume the woman was shuffling long.

[drplasma64]

Wow, I hadn't heard about this, and I live there! I'll check the local paper, see if I can get more details.

EDIT: Here's the link to our local paper:

http://www.gtconnect.com/articles/20...nity/mon02.txt

[SalsaMTB]

Thanks for confirming the story. The local paper had a much more touching story about the deceased lady. Such a sad story, for both people. One person was out for a walk and one person for a bike ride, now both lives a ruined.

[snpdragn]

yes. I feel for her family. That would seem so pointless. At the same time, one little stupid moment on his part - and you know that's going to be so hard to live with, regardless of what they do legally.
That really hurts me for everyone!

[han-grrl]

my rant

Aero bars should be used for RACING ONLY! Personally i think they should be banned for non race use. People get pretty complacent when they are in the aero position and they can't quickly manoeuver if someone is in front of them.

I'd like to know more details. Last week I was told about someone using aero bars who lacerated a "little old lady's" liver when she trotted out into the street to jaywalk. The cyclist was not held at fault but he sure felt horrible.

The "ran through a stop sign" sure sounds like damning evidence in this case, but what is an "unmarked crosswalk?" A 71-yr old can be pretty spry so I don't think we can assume the woman was shuffling long.

[snpdragn]

I've searched a little bit. I don't know what aero bars are...

[madisongrrl]

http://www.cervelo.com/bikes/2005/dual.html