Bicycles are the most efficient form of transportation, and superior to all others in so many ways.
Unfortunately, the cyclist is more vulnerable in an accident situation, than all those poor pathetic folks in their motor vehicles. In fact it's safe to say the only way to for a cyclist to avoid injury or death, is to avoid being in an accident.
This week, two experienced cyclists were killed in separate accidents, even though all evidence indicates they were doing everything right.
It's tragic... and it's also somewhat sobering. To realize how dependent we are on motorists to be taking care of their responsibilities in a competent manner - when we see their incompetence demonstrated regularly.
(Lest you misunderstand - most motorists are doing just fine. But there are some who obviously view their driving duties as secondary in importance to their phone call, or text message, or whatever the distraction of the moment happens to be. I sincerely hope that our legal system requires some accountability on the part of those who have cut lives short; there should be a heavy price to pay.)
Correspondent bob t sent me this; PLEASE help get the word out to anybody who might be of a mind to participate. Thanks. ...
Memorial Ride for Jim Chu
Last week on Tuesday, May 19, a van hit bicyclist Jim Chu, who was having a lunchtime ride along Orchard Street south of I-84 in Boise. Jim died two days later as a result of severe traumatic brain injury. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Jim's funeral will be held on Friday, May 29, at 1:00 p.m. Services are at the Cathdral of the Rockies, located at 11th and Washington near downtown Boise. Burial will occur at the Dry Creek Cemetary.
The family wants bicyclists to lead the funeral procession partway from the church to the cemetery, and they hope for a large turnout. There is no requirement that you attend the funeral service itself, but the family welcomes all who wish to come inside. If you are available and want to join just the ride, please arrive at the Cathedral of the Rockies around 1:45 p.m. on Friday. The procession will stage on 11th Street, and will be fully escorted once underway.
I hope that you can join us on Friday, and please accept my apologies if you receive this message more than once.
Tireless advocate for the most efficient form of
human transportation ever devised - bicycles!
3 comments:
The day after the incident at Milwaukee and Emerald I was watching an interview on KTVB with Thomas Bettger's son who gave the impression that his dad made an error which resulted in his death.
However, from what I have heard about Jim Chu's incident it appears to have been entirely the motorist's fault.
Here are some details concerning the memorial ride on Friday, May 29
1. As one reader alertly pointed out, Cathedral of the Rockies is located on 11th St. between Franklin and Hayes.
2. Funeral services begin at 1:00 p.m., and all are welcome to attend. For those who do, personnel from Boise Bicycle Project will supply enough stands to park 50 bikes, and will keep these secure during the service.
3. Those who are not attending the funeral but who want to join just the ride should arrive at 1:45 p.m., and begin assembling on 11th St.
4. Bicyclists will depart with the funeral procession. However, graveside services will be intimate, attended only by family and close friends.
5. Therefore, the family wants the bicycle group to peel off when the procession has reached Hill Road, so that the family group can make a speedy trip to the cemetary.
6. After letting the private funeral procession pass, some bicyclists plan to gather in Camelsback Park. Others of us may continue riding as a group in memory of Jim Chu and other recent victims of collisions between motor vehicles and bikes.
7. Leadership and ground rules for the extended ride(s) will be determined on site, and will be tailored to the size of the crowd.
8. Again, please accept my apologies if you receive this message more than once.
--
George C. Knight
Department of Philosophy
Mail Stop 1550, Boise State University
E-mail [ mailto:gknight@boisestate.edu ]gknight@boisestate.edu
Telephone 208-426-2797
Today roughly 100 cyclists were able to join the funeral procession for Jim Chu. If you were among those able to take time out for this important observance, I send my deepest gratitude. Beyond that, I want to express what a privilege it is, being acquainted with the cyclists in this town - and that goes for everybody, not just those who rode today.
--
George C. Knight
Department of Philosophy
Mail Stop 1550, Boise State University
E-mail [ mailto:gknight@boisestate.edu ]gknight@boisestate.edu
Telephone 208-426-2797
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