Chicagoist: Bicyclist Struck, Killed on North Side

Spook

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:59:58 -0600

Just got this from "Spook Fellow Traveler" The Protect Vulnerable Users Bill (H.B. 4861), sponsored by Rep. Luis Arroyo, proposes that motorists who kill or injure a vulnerable user would receive: * A minimum fine of $12,500 * Up to one year in jail * Possible revocation or suspension of their driver's license Current penalties include neither jail time nor significant monetary fines. These vulnerable users are often children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities, who have nothing to protect them in a crash. More than 160 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed in Illinois last year. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, in partnership with the League of Illinois Bicyclists, is working with legislators to support the Vulnerable Users Bill and other critical pieces of legislation. "These bills encourage people who want safe, healthy and active transportation options by protecting vulnerable users and strengthening disincentives for careless driving," said Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. Mayor Richard Daley and the Chicago Department of Transportation also took a step to protect bicyclists with the 2008 Bicycle Safety Ordinance introduced this month. The ordinance would improve safety for bicyclists by: * Requiring a minimum of three feet of clearance while passing bicyclists * Prohibiting a motorist from opening a door into moving traffic, reducing the danger of "dooring" * Raising the fines for vehicles parked in bike lanes or marked shared lanes * Requiring motorists to yield to oncoming bicyclists when turning left, which prevents a "left hook" crash * Prohibiting motorists from turning right in front of a bicyclist, which prevents a "right hook" crash * Requiring motorists to exercise due care for bicyclists in addition to pedestrians Violation of the ordinance would result in a minimum fine of $150. When a violation leads to a bicycle crash, the minimum fine would be $500.

fed up

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:25:33 -0600

The poor bastard did something stupid and paid with his life, nothing more nothing less. You cant say its all bike riders are reckless or all car drivers are jerks. im sure we have all done stupid things (except Navin he's a saint) None of the silly shit is worth dying for though.

matilda

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:15:40 -0600

Christ, you guys are sooo sensitive.

Bronto

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:11:03 -0600

Matilda, are you an asshole in real life too, or just on the internet?

lidofido

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:35:48 -0600

Vermin - just a small nitpick. Alleycats aren't they name of the group, that's the name of the type of race. It's a take off of the legally sanctioned version road races, where the riders are classified into Categories 1-5 and Pro; you tell people what race you're in by saying something like, "I'm in the Cat 5 race," or "I'm in the Cat 1-2 race." An "alleycat" is therefore a play on the terminology. They've also been around forever, longer than most people reading Chicagoist have been alive. The races themselves are not inherently illegal, as that's like saying the race to the end of the block is illegal. It's the actions taken DURING certain races by SOME of the participants that are illegal, as there are plenty of participants who would never run a light or dart across four lanes of traffic because they felt like it. I'm not saying they're safe or even a good thing - just trying to clear up the facts.

Vermin

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:49:35 -0600

Lifted from SCC... Make that a 6,000 pound SUV, a Chevy Suburban. A Hispanic driver with valid IL license, valid insurance from a top company, a job, a family and he blew a .000 BAC voluntarily and was not charged with anything. The deceased bike rider was box one, at fault. These riders are part of an underground sort of group that stages rides/races through the streets and purposefully disobeys all traffic laws and signals. From what I learned they are part of a group known as "alleycats" and the ride is the "Tour da Chicago" which is an illegal bike ride held in the city at various times and locations. They were observed by several beat cars riding like complete maniacs SE on Lincoln Ave from Lawrence Ave to the accident scene at Lincoln/Irving. They stopped for NO redlights and NO stop signs and bulled their way into the intersection at Lincoln/Irving against the red light and then ...WHAM!! The Suburban had the green light and right-of-way and swerved to avoid hitting several more bikes. He only struck one which was miraculous.

leavitt

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:03:23 -0600

Mocking a suggestion for a mourning period. Way to go. I think it's clear who lives in an alternate reality.

clarenceweatherspoon

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:13:03 -0600

Matilda- Leavitt's right. I've been lurking here for a while and your posts are consistently bitter/hateful/angry. You make Chicagoist a worse place every time you post. Don't bother responding, I've added a script that blocks your "comments".

matilda

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:49:54 -0600

Leavitt: Get over yourself. I offered thoughts to the biker's friends and family, and called the accident unfortunate. I, among many, then debated issues brought up by the accident, and mocked the suggestion from a single person that we should adhere to a mourning period. If that makes me a horrible person, then I envy the Seasame Street world in which you live. You are a horrible poster, as you can't seem to relay or respond to in an accurate manner the posts that came before yours. For the love of god, all I am saying is bikers must obey the laws, despite the presence of all those evil drivers. All I am saying is this incident serves as a reminder to obey traffic laws and don't ride recklessly. Is that so fucking hard to understand?

FriendOfMattsFamily

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:48:42 -0600

Just for the record the bicyclist's name is Matthew Manger-Lynch. It was incorrect in earlier news accounts.

Joe Blow

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:48:25 -0600

How about: MOST cyclists treat cars as if they shouldn't share the same road. As if the cars are a nuisance and the bikes should have the supreme right. Cyclists have to understand their place in the grand scheme of vehicles, and flaunting/pressing their luck against motor vehicles is one of the stupidest things I can think of. Understand that bikes are a 2nd-class vehicle to automobiles -- just in terms of sheer force, if you're too thick to understand otherwise -- and follow traffic laws like everybody else. Problem solved.

leavitt

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:11:39 -0600

Matilda, congratulations on being a horrible person. I'm not a fan of alley cat races at all because it is the norm for the participants to disregard traffic rules, and running a red at that intersection is almost mind-blowingly reckless. That said, your tone implying that he got what he deserved and your statement that people are being too sensitive about this man's death is beyond callous. I, too, did not know this man, but I do know that I was on my bike that same day and traveled on many a busy street. Cars and buses regularly treat cyclists as if they have no right to the road - running cyclists off to the side or honking at them to get out of their way when they have the exact same right to be on the road as the driver. Many cars treat cyclists with complete disregard, the only difference is that they don't get killed when they ignore a cyclist's right to the road. My heart goes out to his family, the driver who was made into a killer at what may have been no fault of his own, anyone who witnessed Matt's death and anyone who knew him. Just because this is the Internets doesn't mean it's ok to be a dick.

Spook

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:36:04 -0600

"Second City Cop just got into the mix with their own post about this incident. Good times! Yea I'll bet. I think Ward Up steals Chicagoist posts and tosses them to the Second City Cops like Raw read meat.

Navin

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:04:51 -0600

But actually the guys that run it are the meanest looking but nicest guys Oh yeah, that's been my experience too.

matilda

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:50:43 -0600

Navin says, "...just like scores of drivers are also at fault in this city daily (yet no outcry or condemnation)." Uh, OK. Have you missed numerous blog posts in the past, including at least one or two from me, that say drivers need to obey the rules? Have you missed the numerous letters to the editor over the years in Chicago papers about bad driving? Where on earth are you getting your information from? I don't think you are a serious, observant Internet personality, Navin. If this makes you feel any better: All of us, whether driver, bikers or walkers, need to obey traffic rules.

Vermin

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:49:11 -0600

Second City Cop just got into the mix with their own post about this incident. Good times!

Spook

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:47:15 -0600

Navin, that's why I call it "Gang Banger Video"!!!! Now put on your creative cap to hear the clever jingle! But actually the guys that run it are the meanest looking but nicest guys, And they're well-behaved dog friendly and of course that's where I rent The Wire!

sparky

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:46:14 -0600

Navin, as a pedestrian, I hate the way people drive in this city, and will scream at drivers that are reckless, lazy, or disregard basic traffic laws. If this was an issue of the driver at fault, I would be condemning the driver, not the biker. I am an equal-opportunity outcrier. Cars in this city get pulled over for speeding, driving under the influence, making illegal turns, running reds, etc. Have you ever seen a biker pulled over for the same acts? I certainly have not. For example, I can walk through Critical Mass and see dozens of people visibly drunk, biking with their cans of PBR. Just because drivers don't follow the rules, does that make it right for bikers (or pedestrians) not to? RE: unusual show of restraint regarding the grandmother who was killed. You don't get it, do you? I (and others) complain about reckless bikers (drivers, pedestrians) that do not follow the rules, not all bikers. Don't you get it?

matilda

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:23:12 -0600

"...and following the rules doesn't ensure your safety." True enough, but following the rules likely increases your chances for a safe crossing, doesn't it? In general, I've yet to see an argument for bikers breaking traffic laws that rises beyond "Well, I'm too lazy to stop" or "it's just easier to blow through that uncrowded stop sign." Have I missed better arguments? Please tell me if I have.

Navin

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:19:09 -0600

I think your comment was just a wordier version of "I know you are, but what I am?", You say that and then end with this: If you want to trade insults, have fun. Just come up with something witty and fresh so I don't get bored. OK, I'll play. Geez you're one of those people who breaks out: "I'll Play" and "Thanks for playing"...cheers to ya Matilda....boogie on reggae woman............. Oh and Spook, I've got a Hi-fi card too. They've got every macho action flick known to man and occasionally a few movies worth renting. The testosterone in that place...whew. For the record: Yes the bike rider was at fault just like scores of drivers are also at fault in this city daily (yet no outcry or condemnation). Most of the comments as usual aren't about *that* though they're about pillorying *all* bike riders as *reckless*. I have to give y'all credit though you managed to not post endless comments on the recklessness of bikers in Chicago in that post about the grandmother who was run over taking her bike off the CTA bus rack. I was impressed at the unusual show of restraint.

pantagrapher

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:14:19 -0600

For those arguing that the intersections aren't confusing if people using them would simply follow the rules, the point is that people don't follow the rules. I can legally walk across the street with an abundance of caution and still be caught off-guard by a northbound car making a soft right w/no turn signal from Lincoln onto Damen. When bike, foot, bus and car traffic is coming from six different directions, it can be tough to know which direction the next idiot is going to come from. And you just never know when you can avoid one idiot only to be smoked by another coming from a different direction. The fact is, things move pretty fast at that confluence and following the rules doesn't ensure your safety.

sparky

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:12:58 -0600

@Spook: The bike community (even the reckless bikers) continue to do a lot of good in our city, not just protecting the environment, but also making cars "less cool" and bikes "cooler”. I have to disagree. The bike community (and pedestrians, people that take public transit) do a lot of good in this city, by making cars less cool and protecting the environment. The reckless bikers and pedestrians (and I emphasize the bikers because they have a more formed "community", unlike a pedestrian "community") hurt this city, because they make the good bikers--the ones that follow rules--look bad to the entire city. If everyone was just a little more careful, and follow rules of the road, less senseless deaths would occur. I like people that bike and walk and take public transit. I don't like reckless bikers and walkers.

spookhatespuppies

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:03:31 -0600

@Rev. Slappy: +1 @meagan: I think the last thing to go through that cyclist's mind was his handlebars. Too soon?

matilda

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:57:17 -0600

Spook: I can't speak to the DUI aspect, but since a fatal accident was involved, I assume the police took steps to confirm alcohol was not a factor. That is generally the case. As for your other questions, the accident unit (not sure of its formal name) was out measuring the skid marks, etc for a while yesterday, as would generally be expected. I find it telling that you seem to tilt automatically toward the biker in this instance. I may be wrong about your bias, but the facts so far put the biker at fault. I hope bikers can somehow help to make cars less cool, as you want. We need to move away from our dependence on cars for various reasons. But I think putting more pressure on reckless bikers to obey traffic laws--a job that the more careful bikers, as well as police and other citizens, must engage in--would help to make bikers look more cool and responsible. That is, if one can be both cool and responsible.

ReverendSlappy

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:53:27 -0600

Wow. I didn't think this topic would have such legs to it... It's so open-and-shut. But, seeing as it's going down that path, we might as well get this over with. Just edit the following to fit your views and post it back: Yesterday a (driver/bicyclist/pedestrian/goat herder) was killed in an accident with a (car/bike/Segway/lightning bolt). Since I find it too (intellectually challenging/boring/rhetorically disadvantageous) to deal with the specifics of the incident, I will instead take this opportunity to (rant/whine/bitch/moan) about (drivers/bicyclists/those Segway geeks and their dorky fanny-packs/Athenian Weather Gods) in general and how (disrespectful/irresponsible/self-involved/reckless with their divine lightning-striking ability) they are. I base my vehemently-held position on behavior that I've seen (once/several times/every time I'm given a day pass to leave the Facility), and therefore can not be convinced that I am wrong. So in closing, you can either see it my way or (blow me/suck a dick/go fuck yourself). Thank you.

Spook

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:42:35 -0600

As we live in (especially the Midwest) a pro car culture, did the driver have to take a sobriety test? Do we know if he was or wasn’t speeding in his citizen big man tank? The bike community (even the reckless bikers) continue to do a lot of good in our city, not just protecting the environment, but also making cars "less cool" and bikes "cooler”. For that I raise my glass to them as I raise my glass to Matthew Mager! I live in Logan Square were our drivers are in a constant battle to beat Navin’s Humboldt Park drivers as the most barbaric deadly drivers in the city. In fact we constantly get to witness gang bangers engaged in a new sport called “road feuding” where they ram their leathal beaters in to the windows of stores and people. Such as the case of my favorite neighborhood video store Hi- Fi Video on Armitage and Kedzie. It’s quite common to see cars( of drunk drivers as well) plunged into store windows all the time. I wish Logan Square could be home to all reckless bikers, skate boarders and scooter rides and you people who point your fingers at “reckless bikers” can have all of our car drivers.

matilda

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:36:50 -0600

Navin: OK, I'll play. Tell me what an unrelated rant against drivers in a neighborhood far from the accident scene has to do with how often, and whether, bikers should fully comply with traffic laws. I think your comment was just a wordier version of "I know you are, but what I am?", but perhaps I missed your subtle brilliance. It is Monday, after all. If you want to trade insults, have fun. Just come up with something witty and fresh so I don't get bored. I paid a lot of money to belong to this site, after all, I want to get my full value.

sparky

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:32:40 -0600

Meagan, my heart and thoughts go out to everyone involved. I think everyone has respect for the person that died. Do you see real disrespect for the deceased here? This is not an obituary website, this is a website about the issues going on in Chicago. Not to be cold here, but I am sure there are other venues to remember this person that died. If you do not think it's appropriate now, when is it appropriate to discuss the issues? Do you think it was inappropriate to discuss the NIU issues: gun control, etc. right away? Can we discuss it tomorrow? When can we have some dialogue?

matilda

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:29:41 -0600

Meagan: Lighten up. First, I did not know this biker, so while I feel bad in a general way, is is nothing more or less than, say, a kid was shoot by gangbangers. Second, it is always appropriate to dicusss the context behind a death, whether it is traffic laws or drug dealing or whatever. Third, by debating this issue, we are treating the subject and the unfortunate death with the respect it deserves--not silent mourning from strangers on the Internet, but rather discussion (tired or not) about how to avoid other such deaths. Finally, the biker did not pass away. He died. Let's say what we mean without softening the thought. If you are reallly "appalled" by this, I would suggest you are perhaps a bit sensitive for this site.

Navin

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:27:09 -0600

Sorry, you make stupid comments, and you are fair game. And that was an amazingly stupid comment. Insightul as always: Matilda,Scalding Coffee Queen of teh Internets.

meagan

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:20:40 -0600

i am appalled that a thread about death and bereavement is being used to belittle cyclists and motorists alike. have some respect, all of you. a dialouge does need to be opened about cylists' rights and responsibilities on the road, but not in the context of remembering someone who passed away just 24 hours ago.

matilda

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:56:17 -0600

Navin: Sorry, you make stupid comments, and you are fair game. And that was an amazingly stupid comment. Slaphappy: I hope you are right about your caution. Many an accident is caused by people who thought the conditions permitted them to break the law. If you are unfortunate enough to get into an accident from running stop signs, I hope you do not complain when your insurance rates are increased and you face a fine from the cops and perhaps civil action from the other party or parties. I've seen this happen too many times to count.

sparky

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:55:46 -0600

Uh, Slaphappy. If a car did the same thing, running a red when he was 100% sure he wouldn't get hit, it would be considered reckless. Why are you any different? Because you are a bike? If the car was at fault, there would be no question that people on this site would be ranting about bikers' rights, cars at fault, etc. I have been a pedestrian at that intersection. I was walking at that corner not soon after the accident was cleared. If everyone followed their traffic signal, there wouldn't be any problems. Why anyone would run a red at that intersection is beyond me. This is the fault of the cyclist. Period. No "if the car was more careful to see that everyone cleared the street, this wouldn't have happened." No "well that interection is confusing." Obey the signals. It's horrible. I feel bad for the cyclist's family and the driver of that car, but cyclists, pedestrians and cars need to follow the traffic laws. Biker+Car=biker hurt or dead. Pedestrian+Car=pedestrian hurt or dead. When will people stop risking their own lives to save a few seconds? And, no, I do not own a car. I walk or take public transit everywhere. If a pedestrian ran across the street on a red and got hit, it would be the pedestrian's fault. Why are bikers considered special?

doctortay

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:47:50 -0600

Yeah... Laura, I don't mean to be flippant, but going through a 6-way intersection goes like this: Stop at red light, proceed at green after you've made sure that there is no oncoming traffic. I don't get what's so hard about it? Yes, they can be daunting - but these intersections work fine when you obey signals, use caution, and common sense. I was apprehensive about the whole matter of cycling yesterday, until I found out it was part of a race. If you obey traffic signals, wear a helmet, and use common sense, you should be fine.

Laura Oppenheimer

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:45:54 -0600

Right - I know that bikes are vehicles. But, for example, you frequently see bikes cut over part of the intersection a la pedestrians. Once you add in buses, bike messengers zipping around, and pedestrians, I find that the six-cornered intersections are less than clear. I probably should have worded my original comment differently; I think that for many (both those on cars and bikes) it isn't as easy as knowing that bikes are vehicles and should follow the rules accordingly.

Navin

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:44:01 -0600

Navin, I congratulate you. Matilda, Get off my tip. Seriously...

Slaphappy

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:43:48 -0600

did anybody else see the head of whatever bicyclist federation on the news last night? he's not helping the bikers' cause.... I saw it too and it pissed me off. Reverend Slappy is exactly right (nice name, heh) -- he had the opportunity to make a point that recklessness will indeed get you killed. Then again, as someone who's been woefully taken out of context on the local news in the past, they tend to be footloose and fancy free with the editing. And one last point -- disobeying traffic laws does not always equate to recklessness. If I'm on my bike at a red light, and I am 200% sure that I won't get hit by a car (i.e. there's absolutely no one coming), then yes, I will run the red light. Doesn't happen often, but I do it sometimes. That does not mean I'm being reckless. Running a red light at a six-way interesection during heavy traffic is reckless, and it got this guy killed. I say this not to excuse my behavior or anyone else's, but merely to point out that disobedience != recklessness.

Joe Blow

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:40:37 -0600

It's not hard to know who has the right of way: Cyclists are on vehicles. Are you confused when you drive through the intersections? If so, maybe that's also some of the problem..

matilda

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:39:43 -0600

Laura: It's actaully pretty easy. You watch the lights, and you watch the cars. You can fall back to right-of-way regulations available from the state secretary of state office as well. Also, arm signals from bikers probably would not hurt--I see some bikers doing this, and it goes a long way to clearing up confusion. I think self-education, and not more regulation, is probably the most efficient way to handle this.

Laura Oppenheimer

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:33:02 -0600

What a sad story, regardless of who was at fault. I do agree with many of the commentors who called for some sort of change or guide to these 6 cornered intersections. As a frequent cyclist on Damen, I constantly find myself wondering who has the right of way and how cyclists are supposed to navigate the corners.

matilda

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:16:30 -0600

Navin, I congratulate you. You took an story that, from all accounts so far, is about the reckless and illegal actions of a single biker (who was unfortunate to pay for this mistake with his life) and turned it into another rant against evil drivers. That's amazing. Oh, and before you assume, I do not drive, nor do I like the driving culture in Chicago. My thoughts to the biker's family and friends, as well as to the driver.

doctortay

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:13:41 -0600

Incredibly tragic and equally unnecessary. I was driving home eastbound on Irving Park Rd. on Sunday afternoon around 3 PM, and I noticed the red tinged sand in the middle of Irving/Lincoln/Damen and slowed down as I passed, realizing that something terrible had happened there earlier in the day. My worst fears were confirmed when I read a brief article about the tragedy on chicagotribune.com. I am an avid cyclist (recreational/commuter), and live less than a block from this intersection. I made my way back out to the intersection on foot, and there was something incredibly sad about watching cars drive over a spot where someone's life had ended earlier that day. I find it more tragic that this happened as a result of an unsanctioned race that leaves its participants vulnerable to traffic. I'm so sorry about the loss, but if motorists had the right of way on Irving Park, traffic signals should have been obeyed, and this tragedy could have been avoided. Long ago, I stopped participating in Critical Mass rides due to the lack of responsibility that some cyclists in the group displayed for others by creating or entering into dangerous situations. It is a well known fact that when groups are involved, responsibility is diffused, and people tend to follow the pack, assuming that those at the lead are acting responsibly and are concerned about the well being and safety of others. Additionally, there is a false sense of security when there are 40+ cyclists involved. There is nothing inherently wrong with the traffic system at the aforementioned intersection. If a car had blown a red and the motorist was struck and killed - no one would be talking about flaws in the system. A cyclist blowing a light at a busy intersection is no less responsible for their actions than a motorist. However, the difference in this situation was that it was part of a race, part of a group activity where responsibility is diffused amongst the group, and risk-taking is part of the game. Unfortunately someone died as a result of this diffusion of responsibility and the competitive spirit. Is winning a ragged orange jersey really worth one life? The organizers and the participants of the race need to think long and hard about the atmosphere created by this race and the dangers it poses to its participants and innocent bystandars. I send my deepest regrets and condolences to the family and friends of Matthew Mager.

Navin

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:09:34 -0600

Apparently none of the masses of reckless cyclists that posters would have you believe are plaguing perfect drivers in this city reside in Humboldt Park. You all should move here and then you can complain about fucking insane drivers who: run lights, speed, talk on the cell, pass on the right (in the parking lane), pull up in the right turn lane and then speed in front of everyone straight through the intersection, drive in the bike lane and so on. As somebody who's actually been driving all winter I can say we don't live in the same city.

Joe Blow

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:59:29 -0600

It wouldn't be as big of a thing if everyone didn't see a large majority of bikers blowing through most intersections on a regular basis. You know the drill: you're sitting in a car / standing on the corner at a red light, up comes a bicyclist cutting through everybody...and there they go, weaving through whatever traffic doesn't happen to be moving at that time. Even if it's traffic waiting to turn, holding for pedestrians, whatever. And that's a majority of the time. I ride my bike through the city quite a bit, and walk all the time, and have never had a problem riding along with the flow of traffic, or watching every direction to make sure all of the cars are going to stop like they should. But I see it *all the time* where people on bikes feel like they can fashion their own path. And, not only does it cause animosity, it completely disrupts the regular flow of traffic for everyone. It's not a surprise that not everyone can spot cyclists ignoring traffic like they usually tend to do..

ReverendSlappy

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:57:23 -0600

Jimbo: I agree. From a "fault" perspective, this is no different than a car running a red light and getting t-boned... I don't see a larger issue here either. The bicycler made a tragic mistake, and that's really all there is to it (as sad as it is that the consequences were as horrible as they were). And yeah, I saw the bicyclist federation guy on the news last night and thought the same thing... He kind of had a point about how drivers should take extra care in ensuring the intersection is empty before proceeding; that's a good suggestion for everybody, irrespective of whether or not bicyclists are involved. But that doesn't change who was at fault in this particular case, and I don't think it's helpful to his organization's overall cause to pivot and kind of point at the driver... The driver didn't screw up. The bicyclist did, and I think it'd have been to his organization's benefit to use it as an opportunity to point out that everyone on the streets has a responsibility to ensure each other's safety -- bicyclists included.

jimbo

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:41:01 -0600

>>Rather than cast blame, I think we should realize that this is a huge indicator of the inherent problems in our traffic systems. Whenever I see a ghost bike on the side of the road, it makes me think that there's got to be a way that we can avoid these kinds of events. ya, like obeying the traffic laws. there is nothing inherently wrong with that intersection or the traffic systems in general. i know, it's a strange concept to many of the people on here - but there wouldn't have been an accident or death if the biker would have obeyed the red light. this was an easily avoidable accident; i don't understand the need to make this into a macro issue. did anybody else see the head of whatever bicyclist federation on the news last night? he's not helping the bikers' cause....

Tower18

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:46:17 -0600

That intersection does seem to be particularly bad, along with Lincoln/Ashland/Belmont. As a biker myself, it can be hard to get completely through that intersection on a green.

rascaltwitch

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:32:24 -0600

My thoughts go out to the family of Matt, the people who had to witness the accident and the driver who must feel absolutely horrible. Rather than cast blame, I think we should realize that this is a huge indicator of the inherent problems in our traffic systems. Whenever I see a ghost bike on the side of the road, it makes me think that there's got to be a way that we can avoid these kinds of events. Be safe everyone.

Spook

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:11:12 -0600

I just think people that Bike Winter are great citizens. And no I don't bike winter. Ride in Heaven Matt

pantagrapher

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:17:38 -0600

I happened upon the scene Sunday morning and saw the guy laying motionless in the street. At least twenty of his friends and fellow riders were gathered nearby. Very sobering and sad. That intersection is bad for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians alike. Even by six-corner standards, it's one of the worst. Maybe now would be a good time to start a constructive conversation about how to make those intersections safer for everyone. Clearly, running a red light on a bike is incredibly dangerous, but that intersection is still an accident waiting to happen.

simplecreature

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:20:27 -0600

This was part of a race? Jeez. What a silly thing to die for. Tower18, don't be a douche with that "Correction:" shit. I just imagine comic book store guy from the Simpson. My point was that these things are sadly part of the trade-off of having shared roads. I'm not going to call the guy retarded or stupid, he's dead and some poor bastard has to live with having killed him. That's enough scorn, don't ya think?

Vermin

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:54:15 -0600

Ryan Boudreau's death in August was also sadly due to negligence on his part. From the wire: "Boudreau was riding the bicycle west on 18th Street in the eastbound lanes and made a left turn to go south on Clark Street when he went into the northbound curb lane and collided with a northbound truck, according to Police News Affairs Officer David Banks. The truck had a green light, Banks said." So he's going against traffic, twice. Despite the allure of working as a bike messenger it has to be one of the most dangerous jobs out there. And the pay doesn't equal the risk taken on the part of the rider.

Tower18

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:39:15 -0600

"This is just what happens on shared roads. Sad." Correction: This is what happens on shared roads when stupid careless people (cars or bikers) run red lights. Yes, I bike. But I don't proceed through fucking Lincoln/Damen/Irving Park on a red. That's just retarded. RIP.

matty

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:53:44 -0600

I think all "6 corner" intersections in chicago need to have underpasses to help traffic and dedicated bike lanes. Those things are antiquated. Also RIP biker.

Vermin

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:43:16 -0600

Yep, both the Trib & the eyewitness accounts on the forum "ChiFG" put the cyclist at fault by going against the red light. And yes, it was a bike race.

thirdshiftdave

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:14:35 -0600

JayDeeMv2, the article says the car had a green and the bike disregarded traffic signals. Were you going to enlighten us on how that's inaccurate in some way or just be a pissy douche?

JayDeeMv2

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:44:02 -0600

First of all,I love how(without having all the facts)they immediately put the blame on the cyclist.Way to go you fucking assholes!Just adding to the stereotype that all cyclists are irresponsible.Get all the facts before you start speculating who's fault it was. Second of all,yes,it was part of a race.

lidofido

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:02:23 -0600

@simplecreature The Tour Da Chicago is an annual alleycat stage race.

simplecreature

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:50:48 -0600

The Trib story comments suggest this ride may have been part of a race called "Tour Da Chicago". Anyone know anything about that?

Vermin

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:27:29 -0600

I cannot imagine the pain felt by the cyclist's family & friends tonight. And also in my thought is the grief that the driver is feeling. I would be a mess if I had a part in someone's death.

simplecreature

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:23:48 -0600

That's a really crap intersection for bikes and cars alike. Even for a 6 corner intersection it's a dicey one. I feel for the cyclist, but also for the motorist. Maybe before this turns into "Cars Rule, Bikes Drool!" round 543 everyone could just realize that neither of those people were acting out of animosity. This isn't a case of a cyclist being stalked and harmed, or a case of a motorist not acting safely. This is just what happens on shared roads. Sad.

lidofido

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:54:56 -0600

I drive, but I'm a HUGE bicyclist - I use a bike to get to work and I race both road and mountain bikes. I've even done alleycats (which is what apparently this was). But even though I'm a huge supporter, the cyclist WAS stupid. Every time you break a basic a basic rule of the road, you're taking a chance. Some laws are ridiculous and some aren't - this falls into the "non-ridiculous / non-trivial" section. As much as I dislike angry drivers who don't respect riders, this doesn't seem to be the case in this situation (though since it's not exactly clear at this point, everything is to be taken with some salt). I feel just as bad for the driver as the family of the cyclist. Sad all around. What's even worse is drivers will point to this as further evidence that cyclists flaunt laws when it's convenient, and use it to generalize to every other cyclist out there. Ugh.

Vermin

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:51:53 -0600

That could be a "Fark" headline!

spookhatespuppies

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:19:07 -0600

Shitstorm of "Stupid Bicyclists" posts in 3... 2... 1...