[CMI-CM] Re: [CCB] Bicyclist dies after being hit by truck in Urbana

[Elizabeth Simpson]

Hi all, 

I was recently in chicago, where, when a cyclist is killed, a white bike (simply a bike painted white, with the person's name on it, and maybe a placard about them) is placed nearby as a memorial and to create awareness.

I would like to see this happen in response to the death of George Weisiger, if it seems appropriate. Thoughts?

elizaBeth

A strong people need no leader 
- Zapata 

  

--- On Thu, 7/16/09, Rick Langlois <ricklanglois at gmail.com> wrote:

From: Rick Langlois <ricklanglois at gmail.com>
Subject: [CMI-CM] Re: [CCB] Bicyclist dies after being hit by truck in Urbana
To: "Joel Gillespie" <joelgillian at hotmail.com>
Cc: "Critical Mass" <critical-mass at lists.chambana.net>, "Bike Coop" <bikecoop at lists.chambana.net>, "CCB Discussion List" <discuss at lists.champaigncountybikes.org>
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2009, 1:28 PM

I want to express my most sincere sympathy for the cyclist's family. I believe he grew up here in town. 

No one likes to hear of these sorts of tragedies. I think the entire community is lucky this isn't the second bicyclist's death in two weeks. The hit and run on Montecello Rd. could have turned out worse than it did.



A reporter from Ch. 15 news just came and interviewed me about this. My talking points were...
1) There is no excuse for driving under the influence or while distracted.

2) All road users have to be careful - and be aware of the risks and understand your own level of risk acceptance.  


Most of us drive cars as well as ride bikes. Will you wear your seat belt? Do you have airbags? Will you talk on the cell phone and drive?  Bike riders and peds aren't the only ones killed by cars. Cars kill people in other cars too. 


Do you wear a bike helmet? Do you use bike lights at night? Do you wear bright colors to be more visible? Do you talk on the cell phone while you ride? Do you stop at stop signs? Do you use a rear view mirror? Do you use hand signals? Do you ride on busy streets?


Each of us answers these questions for ourselves and that makes up our level of risk acceptance. It's important to understand our cycling skill level and ride within our skill.

3) Bike lanes may have made this situation safer. My understanding is that the bike rider fell while trying to go around pedestrians. Clearly the bike rider didn't feel safe in the street. If Green street had been a Complete Street (with a bike lane) would the rider have been in a bike lane and not had to get around pedestrians on the sidewalk? We won't ever know of course, but the question comes to mind.



Be careful all!
Rick Langlois



On Thu, Jul 16, 2009 at 11:23 AM, Joel Gillespie <joelgillian at hotmail.com> wrote:







http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2009/07/16/bicyclist_dies_after_being_hit_by_truck_in_urbana



Anyone have any additional knowledge of this situation?




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