Correspondent bob t points us at the narrative of the cyclist who was involved in the hit-and-run with a black Dodge Charger. Read it HERE.
Based on his description, he and his gal were NOT out prowlin' for trouble on their bikes; they just had the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and encountering some testosterone-charged macho motorist who resented their presence. I sure hope they nail the guy, and the case gets enough publicity that it serves as a LESSON... that cyclists indeed have a right to be on the roads.
The KBCI website had a rather interesting follow-up story HERE: "Can't drivers and bike riders just get along?"
The story points out, accurately, that while bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users, there are some slight differences. (It would be good if motorists understood the unique Idaho stop sign/signal rules for cyclists.)
The comments following the story are a good illustration of some of the hard feelings that exist between the drivers and the cyclists. Can we get along? I'd like to think so...
Tireless advocate for the most efficient form of
human transportation ever devised - bicycles!
8 comments:
For the most part, the written and road exams for a drivers license have not changed since the 30s!
The most notable exception being the inclusion of DUI type questions in the 80s.
Hell... Parallel Parking isn't even part of the road test in Idaho (A near limitless source of amusement for my friends and I when hanging on the patios Downtown)!
3 simple moves by IDOT would dramatically increase safety on the roads...
1. ALL new Idaho Licenses (regardless of age) would be "Probationary", with double points for all moving violations
2. Increase the depth and breadth of the written and road exams
3. Create a Light Truck / SUV endorsement (Think even one person driving an Escalade, Suburban or Hummer has ever taken a road test in said monstrosity? Highly doubtful!)
Lastly...
Prosecutors and Judges that hammer illegal-prescription-dosing Hummer-wielding-sociopaths (like the woman who rear ended and killed that poor woman in Meridian recently) and drunk and / or reckless drivers much harder
There was another collision yesterday on Gowen Road past Victory. A Valley Ride Commuter van "center punched" a bicyclist who was riding on the fog line. According to sources,the van driver was fiddling with the radio and drifted to the right. The cyclist was critical when transported and may not survive. There is a perfectly head formed hole in the center of windshield. Crap, makes me want to throw my road bike away. How disheartening.
<Sigh.> Yeah, that accident is disheartening. Statesman story here.
Criminey! I had heard of the Orchard Street accident, but not the circumstances and details. SCARY! (Typically the bus drivers are some of the most courteous and cooperative. But ANYBODY who makes vehicle operation a secondary priority, while behind the wheel, is dangerously negligent.)
Typically the bus drivers are some of the most courteous and cooperative.
Wish I could agree with you on that, but the Hill Road-Maple Grove route drivers have no problem passing awfully close to me.
db, in the case of a specific route/time, I would definitely encourage you to call and let them know of your concern.
With some exceptions, a firm that has its name plastered all over the side of its vehicles is interested in the public perception of those vehicles. And they'll typically thank you for calling them, instead of the police.
If the driver wants to drive professionally, he should be happy to take some constructive criticism from people he shares the road with.
OMG, another one......
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2009
05-21-05 Bicyclist Dies After Emerald- Milwaukee Collision
Boise, 10:15 p.m. - A bicyclist has died of his injuries following a collision with a car earlier this evening at the intersection of Emerald & Milwaukee Streets.
Boise Police are investigating the collision. So far no arrests or citations have been issued.
What Happened: Boise Police responded to the collision, reported at 7:45 p.m. According to witnesses, the car, a Dodge Neon was headed westbound on Emerald, into the afternoon sun. The cyclist was southbound on Milwaukee, crossing the west side of the intersection when the collision occurred. The cyclist was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but died about two hours later of his injuries.
Officers believe the cyclist is a 62 year old man. He was wearing a helmet and riding a mountain bike. The driver of the Neon is a 21 year old man who is cooperating with the investigation.
Officers are still investigating all circumstances surrounding the collision. More information will be released when confirmed.
For more on the cyclist, please contact the Ada County Coroner's office Friday.
I have heard from a reliable source that the police have identified the driver of the black Dodge Charger.
To prevent possible legal complications the link describing this incident has been removed for the time being.
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