tagged w/ Bicycle Accidents
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This 7-yr-old girl is now an orphan because a truck veered into the shoulder her parents were riding tandem and killed them both. The driver is out walking free and was never ticketed or charged.
This happened near my hometown of San Antonio and although it's breaking hearts amongst locals, I wanted this situation to be known on a larger scale because I know it's not just a San Antonio or Texas issue. Cyclists are being treated no better than deer even in cities with a bike-friendly attitude. If you are a Texan, please to go to biketexas.org and sign the BikeTexas Safe Passing petition. If you are not, please do all that you can within your own community to ensure the cyclists and pedestrians have rights out there on the road and have a better chance of getting home safely.This 7-yr-old girl is now an orphan because a truck veered into the shoulder her... more
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That, at least, appears to be the lesson of this chart, which shows the increasing number of bike riders and declining number of bike-related accidents in New York City since 1998.
This trend is due in part to New York’s aggressive and smart Bicycle Network Development Program—begun in the mid-1990s—which expanded bike access on greenways and established a number of new on-street biking routes chosen, in part, for their low conflict with “existing modes of transportation.”
What do you think? Safety in numbers?That, at least, appears to be the lesson of this chart, which shows the increasing... more
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Over 10 years ago, Stephen Murray left his home in New Castle Great Britain, and headed to the United States with dreams of riding with and becoming one of the best BMX racers in the world. However, Stephen quickly found his niche in Dirt Jumping and Freestyle, and gained acclaim for tricks like double and 360 back flips. 2001 and 2002 marked the biggest year for Stephen Murray of his career. He won the Gold Medal in Dirt Jumping at X Games and back to back wins at the Gravity Games, the two biggest contests at the time. Not too long thereafter, Stephen got married and had two baby boys.
The added distractions began becoming apparent in his performance, and his sponsors quickly took notice. With a family to support, and sponsors infectiously dropping off, Stephen knew he would have to do something drastic to return to the elite of the BMX world. On June 22, 2007 during last set of the dirt finals of the Panasonic Open, (the first stop of the AST Dew Tour), he decided to take his chance.
While attempting a double back flip, both of Stephen's feet slipped off the pedals, and he fell violently to the dirt below. He was quickly rushed to the hospital, flat-lining twice on the way. At the hospital, doctors confirmed the fears of Stephen's family and friends. Stephen had landed on his neck, and his spinal cord and vertebrae had been shattered. Even if he were to survive these catastrophic injuries, he would spend the rest of his life paralyzed from the neck down.
HBO's Real Sports, recently did a great story on Stephen, in which Mary Carillo interviewed him to see how he's been dealing and coping with all the challenges of his disabilities. It is in this interview, that you see an individual with a heart of gold and the determination of a true champion. Without a hint of bitterness, he informs Ms. Carillo that his wife recently walked out and left him with two young boys to care for, and he actually seems to be understanding of her inability to face the challenges that were facing her. Contrary to the beliefs of his physicians, and due strictly to his own will, Stephen began breathing without the help of a machine. As a further testament to his strength of character, Stephen has begun to regain slight movements in his wrist and fingers, and says he's determined to one day get out of the chair.
It was in the same HBO interview that its learned, while all BMX riders are required to have medical insurance, almost none of them have coverage for the long-term care needed for injuries like Stephen's, and before his accident opened the eyes of fellow BMX riders, almost all had the most basic coverage. Stephen's family and friends have really networked in caring for him. Two of his closest friends even quit their jobs to care for him full time. However, with insurance covering only the most basic expenses, the cost of medical care and equipment have began to take it's toll. The family now depends on fellow BMX riders, friends, fans, and any other compassionate people who want to do whatever they can to help. They have recently set up the Stephen Murray Family Fund for anyone who feels like they want to do anything to help out, and have even made some merchandise, from which, the proceeds go toward helping Stephen and his family. To the friends and family of Stephen Murray, no amount of help if too little, and all help is greatly needed and appreciated.Over 10 years ago, Stephen Murray left his home in New Castle Great Britain, and... more
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Matt Peterson and Kristy Gough Memorial Dedication and Ride
SATURDAY Oct. 18th, 2008
8-10am, 7:30am recommend arrival, Cupertino Civic Center, 10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino
The City of Cupertino has graciously sponsored a permanent memorial in honor of Kristy and Matt at the site of their crash. There will be a memorial ride to the site of the plaque, followed by a brief dedication ceremony. On Sunday, March 9, 2008, two bicyclists were tragically killed in the foothills of Cupertino. Weather permitting, permanent memorials will be dedicated to Kristy Gough and Matt Peterson. Please join us for this brief ceremony as we honor the memory of our friends and family who have passed. Guests will cycle up McClellan Road to Stevens Canyon Road, near the site of the accident. Those driving by car should go directly to the memorial site, as the road will be closed to automobile traffic once the bicyclists get under way. Shortly after 9am there will be some brief comments and an unveiling of the plaques.
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from the fatal accident :(
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/10/MNKSVGTJ1.DTLMatt Peterson and Kristy Gough Memorial Dedication and Ride
SATURDAY Oct. 18th, 2008... more
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The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition celebrated the installation of San Francisco's first ever bicycle traffic signal at the notoriously dangerous intersection of Fell and Masonic on the Panhandle Path.
The SFBC has spent years advocating for safety improvements at this intersection, and we are relieved that this safety fix is finally in place. This special traffic light separates the crossing light into two phases--pedestrians and bicyclists will receive a white walk and green bicycle signal respectively when it is their turn to cross, and then a separate green arrow will indicate when motor vehicles can turn left. These separate light phases ensure that bicycles and pedestrians do not cross paths with left-turning cars.
Read from the sf bike coalition site: http://www.sfbike.org/?fellmasonic
---article from sfgate.com's City Insider---
San Francisco cyclists and transit officials on Tuesday unveiled new traffic lights to help bikers cross safely at the busy intersection of Masonic Avenue and Fell Street.
Within minutes, cars were ignoring it and blowing through the red no-left-turn arrow.
A biker waits to cross Fell Street at Masonic Avenue.
OK, so it's going to take everyone a few days to get used to the new lights. But cycling advocates said in the long run, the changes are going to prevent a lot of accidents and scary near-misses.
The intersection is among the city's most dangerous, said Leah Shahum, head of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Just three weeks ago a woman was hit by a car while crossing Fell Street and suffered a broken rib.
The lights are on the south side of the intersection, where cars turn left from Fell onto Masonic. A multi-purpose trail runs through that intersection. What happens is cars making the left turn on a green light don't see bikes coming from the trail.
"It's one of those situations where no one's at fault," said Shahum.The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition celebrated the installation of San... more
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There will be a memorial ride for Jordan next Tuesday evening (9/30) at 7:00 pm; gather at the east end of the Panhandle (McKinley statue near Fell and Baker)
:(
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//Remembering Jordan McKay, San Francisco Bicyclist
We're deeply saddened to report that late last Tuesday night that Jordan McKay, a young man and SFBC member, was shot and killed on Cabrillo Street in the Richmond District while riding his bike home from BART. Our hearts go out to Jordan's family and friends; we mourn for him as a fellow urban bicyclist and a fellow human being whose life was ended suddenly and pointlessly on an otherwise peaceful street.
There will be a memorial ride for Jordan next Tuesday evening (9/30) at 7:00 pm; gather at the east end of the Panhandle (McKinley statue near Fell and Baker) and we'll ride into the evening together to inhabit the streets with life and celebrate one life lived too briefly. Wherever you go, ride safe, and remember Jordan.There will be a memorial ride for Jordan next Tuesday evening (9/30) at 7:00 pm;... more
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Driver under the influence of non-existent common sense.
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Christopher Thomas Thompson, 59, was charged with two felony counts each of reckless driving causing injury and battery with serious bodily injury in connection with a July 4 crash.
Prosecutors allege that on July 4, Thompson slammed on the brakes of his red Infiniti sedan in front of two cyclists riding downhill on Mandeville Canyon Road. Authorities said the impact flung one cyclist through the car's rear window and the other to the pavement.
Peter Swarth, Thompson's attorney, said in a statement about the July crash today: "We regret that charges were filed today against Dr. Thompson. The incident was an unfortunate accident and was absolutely not a case of 'road rage,' as some have suggested. Dr. Thompson continues to wish for the injured cyclists speedy recovery."
Watson said he skidded to the right of the car as the other cyclist skidded to the left, "right into on-coming traffic." The motorist drove right at the other cyclist, who then punched the car, Watson said. "He then drove straight at me."
Cyclist Ron Peterson, 40, whose head crashed through the car window July 4, had broken teeth, a broken nose and serious cuts on his face. The other cyclist, Christian Stoehr, 29, had a shoulder separation he said would require surgery.
Photos showing a car's shattered window and what appears to be blood-covered trunk and others showing an injured Peterson on a gurney and in a UCLA Medical Center bed were quickly posted on Internet blogs, prompting outraged e-mails among members of Westside riding clubs.
Peterson said that Thompson "yelled out some profanity and, 'Ride single-file!' " Peterson said he then screamed an expletive at Thompson, who he said veered in front of the riders and "slammed on his brakes as hard as he could."
Thompson is free on $30,000 bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 1 at the airport branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court. If convicted on all counts, he will face up to seven years and eight months in state prison.
---full story at link---Driver under the influence of non-existent common sense.
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Christopher Thomas... more
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A drunk driver who fell asleep, crashed into a group of bicycle racers. Several people were injured and one person was killed.A drunk driver who fell asleep, crashed into a group of bicycle racers. Several people... more
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A 65-year-old man was killed during his bicycle ride to work when he was struck by an open car door in the bike lane at 6th Avenue and 36th Street. David Smith was then pushed off his bike and into the path of a box truck, which hit him.A 65-year-old man was killed during his bicycle ride to work when he was struck by an... more
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