Any collision, just about 100 per cent of collisions, are preventable, either on the part of the driver or the pedestrian. If either one of those took some extra care, regardless of who has the right-of-way, a collision can be avoided.”
—
Edmonton police Sergeant Dave Thompson, in response to November 11, 2010, traffic fatality in Alberta, Canada.
The Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society has placed a ghost bike at the corner of 137th Avenue at 131st Street, in memory of 29-year-old cyclist Jeremy Half.
Courier vs. Car! »
Anyway, the whole thing quickly turned into a two-ring circus with all sorts of people sticking their causes to the event:
This morning, bikers got together in the spot where the courier died and staged a demonstration. Or protest. Or something. Some of them shouted out “murderer”, referring to Bryant, but made some strange remarks in a quieter voice (I was within earshot), “Yeah, if murderer means crusher of dreams, you back-peddling son of a bitch.” And so forth.
How come that kind of thing never makes the evening news? Ah, but that’s okay. I don’t think we should give the gathering too much credence. Most of the messages of condolence stuck to the spot mentioned, in one form or another, how this death was a just another demonstration of Toronto’s anti-bike streets. There was also plenty of promotion for United Messengers‘ Bloor bike lanes campaign. Guess they figured, if that bandwagon’s coming, might as well hang off the back:
So if the purpose of the gathering was to remind us about bike safety, I’d say absolutely! We could probably start by educating some of the bikers, huh?
I did an impromptu tally of helmets on cyclists for about six walking city blocks (major intersections). I counted only cyclists who were riding and on the road. Out of a total of 263 bikers, only about 45% were wearing helmets. I would like to do a follow-up study on how many also have earphones stuck in/on their ears. And coast through intersections on reds without a peek to either side.
I wouldn’t go so far as to totally let drivers off the hook either, but their infractions haven’t been as audacious as some of the stunts I’ve seen bikers pull. The only attempt at an explanation I’ve heard so far is, “We’re more vulnerable.” Umm … is that it? That’s why you don’t have to obey the rules of the road? Because you’re more vulnerable? Okay. Yeah.
from Flickr user Martinho
ghost bike for Darcy Allan Sheppard
Bloor Street, near Avenue Road
Toronto, Canada
Dec. 15, 2009
Darcy Allan Sheppard Tribute. From one messenger to another.
Toronto, Canada
On August 31 2009 my friend Darcy Allan “Al” Sheppard was murdered by the former Ontario Attorney General and Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Michael Bryant. The incident started when Bryant struck Allan with his vehicle and drove away. Allan caught up to Bryant at a red light and appeared to be demanding an explination for Bryants actions. Bryant then ran Allan over and dragged him over 100 meters to his death, and left him in the street to die. Witnesses said that the motorist repeatedly mounted the sidewalk and drove near lampposts in what seemed to be an attempt to brush off the man hanging onto the side. The attempt was all too successful.
Allan fathered two children in Ontario and two children in Alberta. He has many friends and family that will not forget.
I made this video to show Al in his element, having fun with friends. The first 3 clips are from various messenger races he had attended. He once told me that all he wanted to do was beat me at one. Im sorry that you will never get the chance now Al. You had what it took. R.I.P.
An extended version will be available for viewing soon at http://biketree.ca/
Donations are accepted at http://www.tobma.com via Paypal, or you can visit any TD Canada Trust location to donate in person, please reference Darcy Allan Sheppard and/or provide account number 06906676860.
Your contribution will go directly toward the costs of arrangements and to support his children. If you feel as helpless as so many do with this situation there is something you can do to ease the burden these terrible events have placed on our comrade’s family.
ghost bike installation for Darcy Allan Sheppard
Bloor Street, near Avenue Road
Toronto, Canada
