Drivers failing to proceed through turns safely, opening vehicle doors improperly, and driving in designated bike lanes, all contribute to reduced cycling safety”
— quote from Toronto Police
via Police Launch Cycle Safety Campaign
There’s a line of reasoning advanced by the media, angry motorists and, sometimes, cyclists, that goes something like: Since some cyclists don’t follow the rules, cyclists don’t deserve respect.
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Bike lawyer Brendan Kevenides wrote in Urban Velo last year that “the way you ride is probably a crime,” saying that in many cases cyclists have logical reasons for breaking the rules, often for their own safety. He wrote that lawmaking bodies across the country are starting to recognize ways in which cyclists behave differently from motorists, and are making appropriate accommodations. In other words, lawmaking bodies are recognizing that cyclists are special, in that they are not the same as cars, and that they should have their own rules.”
— from Cyclists Are Special, and They Should Have Their Own Rules by Angie Schmitt
ghost bike for Richard Pollett: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Richard Pollett, a 25-year-old musician, was crushed under the wheels of a cement truck while cycling in Brisbane in September 2011.
The virtuoso violinist was due to perform with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra when he was killed as the truck was overtaking him on Moggill Road, a two-lane conduit through the suburb of Kenmore.
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Two weeks ago, truck driver Luke Stevens faced court charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death. After several days of testimony and a weekend for the jury to consider its verdict, Stevens, 29, was found not guilty.
AdvertisementReports on the proceedings detail how the prosecution argued that Stevens’ decision to overtake Pollett was “very dangerous” and “left no margin of error”.
Stevens should have been “patient” and waited for a safer opportunity to pass Pollett on his bike, the court was told.
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Reviewing the case this week, Crikey blogger Alan Davies pondered if cyclists are seen as “mere obstacles” by motorists.
“The underlying issue is most motorists don’t view cyclists as legitimate road users. The slower speed and greater vulnerability of riders isn’t acknowledged, accepted or duly allowed for by drivers,” Davies wrote.
“I suspect the jury’s decision reflects that widespread perception.”
Read more: “One metre between life and death” via The Age
photo credit: San Diego Reader
About 50 cyclists gathered in south Clairemont on May 15 for a ten-mile “ride of silence.” It was the second memorial ride held this month to honor Eric Ringdahl, 45, who was killed April 21 on El Camino Real, north of La Costa Avenue in Carlsbad. (The May 11 ride of silence included an estimated 200 bicyclists.)
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According to various reports, the car driver fell asleep at the wheel after working the night shift as a nurse. Carlsbad police spokeswoman Jodee Sasway said the case has been turned over to the district attorney, who will decide whether or not to file charges. Ringdahl was an avid outdoorsman, husband, and father of three young children. Family and friends are still delivering flowers and photos at a memorial set up in front of La Costa Resort & Spa, near the accident site. An all-white “ghost bike” is tied to a pole on a grassy are.
Read more: San Diego Reader
On the trail of 'ghost bikes,' families and friends of cyclists killed on the streets of New York rally for more police action »
There’s an understanding for a driver who is unaware of his surroundings and people around him. But the cyclist who is rapping on a person’s vehicle can be charged with criminal mischief. The difference is that a cyclist knows he’s touching a car and a driver doesn’t know he’s hitting or running over a cyclist. And it’s not just the police. It’s judges who have that perspective. And that affects what charges district attorneys brings.
Sort of how we shrug off the thousands of collaterally dead civilians in the various wars we’ve initiated lately, while vilifying dissidents at home and abroad who pose no violent threat to anyone. It’s not a good look.
There’s probably a good chunk of automobile killings that are just as intentional as the cyclist harmlessly rapping on the metallic shell of an automobile, but it’s hard to sort them out because it’s so easy to carelessly kill with an automobile. That’s not a good look, either.
“Quer outro exemplo ainda mais complicado de discutir? A bicicleta, deixada como homenagem a ciclista Márcia Prado, morta atropelada por um ônibus na mesma Avenida Paulista.
A homenagem precisa ser respeitada, a morte lembrada. O encontro de ciclistas para lembrar a data, a criação da Rota Cicloturística Marcia Prado são bons exemplos disso.
A pergunta é, a bicicleta deveria ficar para sempre lá? Se deveria, não seria correto fazer uma estátua aprovada pelo município?”
Ghost bike in Salt Lake City, sad.
Ghost bike Dalston by Alan Denney on Flickr.
via talkingbollocks
so disrespectful. ghost bike for Dan Valle had its wheels stolen. sad face.
2*18 - 6:30 pm - Brooklyn side of the Williamsburg Bridge
This is the saddest bike I’ve ever seen - I don’t know what kind of person desecrates a bike *and* a memorial at the same time, but it’s truly a shameful thing.
Go out
