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

Fri Jul 17 21:27:44 CDT 2009

We've definitely got some bikes that would be more useful painted white and
locked to a sign than scrapped at The Bike Project.

Bike Project folks - Is this something we would support after this rash of
recent issues?

T

On Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 5:13 PM, Fawn Ellis <fawn.ellis at gmail.com> wrote:

> I think along with alerting drivers that cyclists do share the roads, ghost
> bikes can also make cyclists more aware that they are not invincible. I know
> I haven't been riding in Champaign very long (1 month) and while I don't see
> as many risky riders as I did in NYC I do see a lot of people who do not pay
> attention while riding and who also maybe don't know the rules of rightful
> and safe cycling. Overall there needs to be more education for both cyclists
> and drivers. I think ghost bikes while they aren't the exact type of
> education we are looking for, it is awareness.
>
> Also, in the big cities, at least in my experience, ghost bikes don't seem
> to make people ride less or fear for riding they simply act as awareness and
> a memorial/respect for the rider. However, since they are in big cities they
> are spread out more.  I am not sure how they would play out in a small town
> like Champaign-Urbana, I am not sure if they would become overwhelming,
> though that could be a good thing as it would signify that things need to
> change and the infrastructure and education needs to be put in place.
>
> Fawn
>
> On Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 4:36 PM, Susan Jones <siouxgeonz at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I know we brought "ghost bikes" up for Matt Wilhelm.  The down side of
>> it is that it focuses on cycling being a death-defying act  (tho' the
>> assorted memorials for car wrecks on the side of the road don't seem
>> to dissuade drivers).  The "up" side is the awareness that driving can
>> be a death-inflicting act and to STFD (slow down).
>>
>> On Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 3:38 PM, Elizabeth Simpson<elizacorps at yahoo.com>
>> wrote:
>> > 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?
>> >
>> >
>> > -----Inline Attachment Follows-----
>> >
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>> >
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>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sue J, webmastress
>> http://www.resourceroom.net
>> http://bicycleuc.wordpress.com
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>
>
>
>  --
> Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing.
> - Helen Keller
>
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