[CMI-CM] Bicyclist Killed By Teen Downloading Ringtones

[Timothy P Freeman]

Hello all critical massers---
   In response to this news (which I find very disturbing that such a light sentence would be imposed when this is clearly  an instance of manslaughter) I am of the opinion that a ride should be planned in honor of Wilhelm and in support of 
"Matt's Law." 
   I am not sure if a ride has already occurred; I have been told that there was a candlelight vigil which I was not aware of. Perhaps the next critical mass can be held in his honor or a separate "special" ride can be planned. I envision signs and pamphlets may also be utilized in further support of bike advocacy and "Matt's Law." 
   This probably would be more successful if it is planned for a post-winter month (possibly March) as there have been very few riders showing up for the rides because of the cold weather.

   Let me know your opinions and if this interests anyone. Also, if someone could let me know how the last ride went I would appreciate it. I know there was some talk of planned routes and I am wondering if this was effective.
   Also, in an effort to further discourage bike snobbery I insist that a waving policy be instituted. If you see a fellow cyclist, wave!
Keep 'em spinning despite the cold weather!


----------T.Freeman
one gear---one love



---- Original message ----
>Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2006 10:32:35 -0800
>From: Jym Dyer <jym at econet.org>  
>Subject: [CMI-CM] Bicyclist Killed By Teen Downloading Ringtones  
>To: critical-mass at lists.chambana.net
>
>http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2006/11/30/woman_is_sentenced_for_bicyclists_death
>
>Woman is sentenced for bicyclist's death
>	By Mary Schenk
>The News-Gazette | Thursday, 30-Nov-2006 11:38 AM CST
>
>URBANA -- Jennifer Stark wiped away tears and nodded that she
>understood the maximum sentence a Champaign County judge gave
>her Wednesday for improper lane usage.
>
>The 25-year-old former Champaign resident, a University of
>Illinois mechanical engineering graduate working for Caterpillar
>in Peoria, died on Sept. 8 from head injuries he received
>Sept. 2 when 19-year-old Jennifer Stark hit him with her car
>because she was downloading ring tones to her cell phone instead
>of paying attention to driving.
>
>Mr. Wilhelm was bicycling north on Illinois 130 east of Urbana when he
>was struck from behind about 7:15 p.m. Stark was so far off the road
>that she hit Mr. Wilhelm from behind with the driver's side of her car.
>
>[...]
>
>=v= The tear-inducing "maximum sentence" for killing a cyclist
>is a $1000 fine and traffic school.  You can read all about how
>persecuted the driver/killer feels on her MySpace page:
>
>http://www.myspace.com/jenniebob18
>
>=v= The late cyclist's parents want a better law.
>    <_Jym_>
>
>http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2006/11/30/wilhelms_push_legislators_for_distracted_driving_measure
>
>Wilhelms push legislators for distracted driving measure
>	By Mary Schenk
>The News-Gazette | Thursday, 30-Nov-2006 11:35 AM CST
>
>URBANA -- Gloria and Chuck Wilhelm spent the better part of
>their day Tuesday in Springfield talking to representatives and
>senators and their staffs.
>
>They want "Matt's Law" passed -- legislation that specifically
>addresses the careless and negligent use of interactive
>technology including, but not limited to, cell phones, e-mail
>and iPods.
>
>[...]
>
>
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Timothy P Freeman

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department of Urban and Regional Planning

Student Planning Organization, Member

American Planning Association, Member