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2 cyclists are killed ages 29, 31 in the Bay Area by a sheriff cop crossing the yellow line.


Posted on Tue, 03/18/2008 - 23:23 — by cwester760
cwester760
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1
There are too many cyclists being killed by motorists just not paying attention to their surroundings. Not only are there bikes, runners and roller-bladders..they are women pushing joggers with little children inside...How do we make an impact on motorists that we, the cyclists are out there trying to "share the road" but they are just not paying attention or on the cell phone? how can we stop this madness? my husband was killed last summer on his bike in Fallbrook, CA by a driver that didn't see him. My husband was in the right away, a 200 lb man on a red bike with a red and white helmet....it's hard to believe the driver didn't see him. THis is happening too much with everyone in a hurry and more cyclists on the roads everyday...Any programs or education being presented to the communities and something we can get involved with?? please let me know. Christine Harrison, Fallbrook CA
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Sat, 05/24/2008 - 11:10 — BICYCLISTS HIT BY SHERIFF
di pet
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1
ON 3/9/08 MY SON AND I WERE AT THE STEVENS CREEK RESERVOIR FISHING, WHEN I SAW THE SHERIFF DEPUTY BARRELING DOWN THE ROAD AND TOLD MY SON "LOOK HOW FAST HE'S GOING. HE MUST BE ANSWERING A CALL." ONLY TO SEE THE HELICOPTER FLY OVER US A FEW MINUTES LATER. WE SOON SAW PEOPLE CRYING IN THE PARKING LOT JUST FEET FROM US. WE HAD WATCHED THIS PARKING LOT FILL WITH BICYCLIST'S CARS, SINCE WE HAD BEEN THERE BEFORE SUNRISE. IT HAD BEEN FUN SEEING ALL THE DIFFERENT BIKES AND RIDERS TAKING OFF, SO HAPPY ON THIS BEAUTIFUL DAY, ONLY TO SEE SUCH TRAGEDY ON THEIR FACES. WHAT GETS ME, IS THAT THIS ROAD IS ALWAYS, ALWAYS BUSY WITH BICYCLISTS ESPECIALLY ON WEEKENDS!!!!!! THIS ACCIDENT HAUNTS ME TO THIS DAY BECAUSE IT WAS SO SENSELESS. MY HEART AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL.
Tue, 06/03/2008 - 11:48 — You are absolutely right
sir_crash
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1
You are absolutely right that there are too many accidents between those in 4 wheeled vehicles and those on two wheels. I was hit two years ago on a motorcycle on a clear, sunny day. My bike is bright red and so are my leathers. My heart goes out to those mourning for people not so lucky as I-I walked away with minor injuries. This driver admitted that she wasn't paying attention and never saw me. I was following all rules of the road and not speeding. And to think that the bicyclists injured or killed were technically on the side of the road and not in the lanes of traffic! I knew a cyclist who was killed in the Bay Area back in 2007-he was struck by a pickup and killed instantly. Something must be done about the inattention of motorists as well as the distractions they face. However, who here has the nerve to do what will probably (eventually) have to be done? I am talking about eliminating the distractions-NO cell phones while driving, NO GPS maps/screens in vehicles, NO eating and drinking while driving and the responsibilities of parents (I am one) to control there children while not taking there eyes off the road. I doubt any of our elected 'leaders' have the determination to tackle any of these issues much less ask the State of California to provide an actual test of a drivers ability before giving them a license! Sure we have a 'test' now but have you seen the actual driving ability of most people on the road today? Or should I say the apparent lack of ability in most drivers! Unfortunately more non motorists will likely have to be injured or worse before something is done. That in itself is a sad commentary because many of us were either injured or know someone who was injured or killed by this sad situation.
Fri, 06/06/2008 - 11:42 — so, were you lane splitting
slim-jim
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6
so, were you lane splitting when you were hit?. If so, then you shouldn't be sneaking up on cars in their blind spot. Yes, all cars have a blind spot and it isn't always possible to see a speeding bike come out of no where. I'm not saying you did any of this, but a lot of the motorcycle accidents seem to invlove lane splitting and speeding.
Fri, 06/13/2008 - 13:17 — Well, it shouldn't really
MrKool
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4
Well, it shouldn't really matter if he was lane splitting or not.  It is legal to lane split in CA.  If the drivers checked their blind spot like they are supposed to, there would be fewer accidents.  And bikes don't come out of nowhere.  Part of driving is being defensive; you should always be checking your mirrors while driving.  If you hit someone because you didn't see him or her, you are at fault, whether hitting a bike or a car.  Know who and what is around you at all times while driving, you should be updating your self constantly.  Driving isn't supposed to be easy, it's supposed to be hard.
Sat, 08/09/2008 - 15:06 — Fascinating. Where does your data come from?
SlumJack
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3
And how have I managed to miss such defining criteria all these years? slim-jim wrote: > a lot of the motorcycle accidents seem to invlove lane splitting and speeding.
Wed, 06/25/2008 - 08:04 — The whole thing about blind
oaklandandberkeley
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 24
The whole thing about blind spots is that vision is obstructed. That means, whatever is there IS invisible. Drivers can check every point but that. If you are vulnerable, a pedestrian, cyclist or such, take the time and use your common sense to listen and look around you for hazards. You may have right of way (not right away, darn it!) but when you are not safe taking it and you go on without being sure you're committing suicide.
Sun, 07/13/2008 - 19:03 — Bicycles
ennyk67
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 105
I have had more than one event where a person on a bicycle goes out of his way to slow traffic. People on bikes are rude. If someone on a bike gets run over by a car, I can't help but think it is the bicyclist's fault. When it comes to cars and bikes the score will always be Car-1 / Bike-0. Don't cry about getting killed on a bike when it is YOUR responsibility to keep yourself safe. I hate bicyclists. I also hate hippies and anything green. San Francisco is a nasty place too.
Mon, 07/14/2008 - 07:56 — ennyk67: About 5% of
erniem
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 464
ennyk67: About 5% of bicyclists ride rudely. Do you want to run over all of them for the behavior of a few?
Fri, 10/03/2008 - 12:45 — I hate, too
Sabers
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4
I hate rude bicyclists who ride as if they were exempt fro the Vehicle code. I hate rude motorists who drive as if cyclists have no right to the road. I also hate rude commenters who make sweeping generalizations. G. "Pillaging just for fun..."
Mon, 07/14/2008 - 09:02 — Driving
MrKool
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4
Running over people is bad.
Wed, 08/13/2008 - 08:46 — malicious and careless
olchurchgal
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
Obviously this cop is related to Stevie Wonder. I hope he was arrested and drug tested after he murdered two innocent people with a deadly weapon (his vehicle)!
Sat, 10/04/2008 - 15:13 — malicious and careless posting
OregonDave
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 15
Everyone loves to slam a cop. I suppose you have never made a mistake and lived the perfect life.  Not all bicyclists ride using the rules of the road. Quite a few act like they own the road. Just as a lot of people in cars do really stupid stuff.   So get off your little pedestal of righteousness .   

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