Meiers, Steve On Thu, 08 Feb 2007 06:37:07 -0800, Steve Meiers said: > A cyclist was hit from behind by a motorist on Femrite Dr near the Interstate on Tuesday night and killed . According to a Sheriff's Department spokesperson speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the crash. There is not much to say about this particular tragedy but it is good excuse to review some night time riding practices. Hopefully this is a review for most of you.... snip >
Not sure what you meant by "There is not much to say about this particular tragedy". By using this as a teachable moment for bicyclists and not for motor vehicle drivers, it seems you are saying plenty. There is plenty that could be similarly used from this tragedy to instruct and remind motor vehicle drivers, and the DOT really ought consider doing so. Not only was speed and alcohol involved, but the driver's failure to stop and report the crash, and give aid to the injured bicyclist, might have been instrumental in the man eventually dying. Add to this the teachable fact that the Wisconsin DOT's "Motorist Handbook" advises drivers of motor vehicles to be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead with your headlights: "Your headlights will let you see about 400 feet ahead. You should drive at a speed that allows you to stop within this distance". Page 41 of: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/docs/e-handbook.pdf WHENEVER THERE IS A LOT OF ACTIVITY ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT SOMEONE WILL CROSS OR ENTER THE ROAD. THEREFORE, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO LOOK TO THE SIDES WHEN YOU ARE NEAR SHOPPING CENTERS AND PARKING LOTS, CONSTRUCTION AREAS, BUSY SIDEWALKS AND PLAYGROUNDS, AND SCHOOL YARDS. (pg. 32) USE YOUR HIGH BEAMS WHENEVER THERE ARE NO ONCOMING VEHICLES. HIGH BEAMS LET YOU SEE TWICE AS FAR AS LOW BEAMS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO USE HIGH BEAMS ON UNFAMILIAR ROADS, IN CONSTRUCTION AREAS, OR WHERE THERE MAY BE PEOPLE ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. (pg. 33) Adjusting to road conditions: "There are various road conditions where, to be safe, you need to slow down"... overpasses and other types of bridges can have icy spots ..." (pg. 37) TO BE A GOOD DRIVER, YOU MUST KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND YOUR VEHICLE. YOU MUST LOOK AHEAD, TO THE SIDES AND BEHIND THE VEHICLE. SCANNING HELPS YOU SEE PROBLEMS AHEAD, VEHICLES AND PEOPLE THAT MAY BE IN THE ROAD BY THE TIME YOU REACH THEM, SIGNS WARNING OF PROBLEMS AHEAD AND SIGNS GIVING YOU DIRECTIONS. (pg. 29) ------------------------------------------ Bicyclist Struck, Killed In Blooming Grove Speed, Alcohol May Be Factors The Capital Times :: METRO :: B1 Thursday, February 8, 2007 Katrin Madayag Special to The Capital Times A Madison man known for his generosity and vivacity died after an SUV struck him from behind while he was bicycling Tuesday night in Blooming Grove. According to a Dane County sheriff's report, a sheriff's deputy responded to a call at around 7:40 p.m. that an injured bicyclist was lying in Femrite Drive in the town of Blooming Grove. The bicyclist, 52-year-old Dale Connors, was heading east on Femrite Drive when he was struck from behind. Later that evening, Susan Gorton, 44, of Cottage Grove, contacted police to report that she had hit something with her 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe. After further investigation, it was determined that Gorton was the driver involved in the crash. In his obituary, Connors' family wrote that he had led a life that "was characterized by the successful fulfillment of his desire to live life on his own terms." The son of doctors, Connors grew up in the city and attended Madison schools. After graduating from Madison Area Technical College, he went to work at Oscar Mayer. Connors was transported to University of Wisconsin Hospital with critical injuries, and died later from those injuries. A memorial service for family and friends will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the house of Susan Connors, his sister. Speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the crash, but the Dane County Sheriff's Office is still investigating. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident should call the Dane County tip line at 284- 6900. http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php? ref=/tct/2007/02/08/0702080324.php Mike Neuman _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://www.danenet.org/mailman/listinfo/bikies
