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Witnesses say cyclist hit by car ran light
Witnesses say a cyclist who collided with a car in downtown Austin last night ran a red light.
The 22-year-old cyclist was critically injured in the wreck that happened about 10:15 p.m. at the intersection of Fifth and Nueces streets. He was taken to University Medical Center at Brackenridge.
This makes me nuts. Every time I ride my bike to work, I see cyclists blowing through stoplights. I know it’s tempting to roll on through, but if for nothing other than improving relations between cyclists and motorists, bike riders should stop at every light and every stop sign.
A motorist who hits another car after running a light might not suffer any life-threatening consequences. A cyclist who collides with a car probably won’t be so lucky.
Oddly, the accident occurred just as the City Council was wrapping up a discussion about the city’s proposed new Bicycle Master Plan. Dozens of cyclists showed up for the meeting, voicing their support for improved bicycle infrastructure throughout the city.
I wonder if the cyclist had attended the meeting.
Pay attention, folks.
And keep the injured cyclist in your thoughts.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment Categories: cycling
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By parke
May 22, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this
I think another guy got hit today after he passeed me on the sidewalk. People, if you are not brave enough to ride on the street downtown, you do not have the skills to ride on the sidewalk either!
Also - it’s illegeal to ride your bike on downtown sidewalks.
Also - if you don’t stop and look before crossing the street from the sidewalk, you are a moron and it’s natural selection when you die from getting run over by a car turning right.
By parke
May 22, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this
Then again, I was almost run over by some man in an SUV who was fiddling with his cell phone while slowing down for a red light today. He was paying attention until he started to brake, at which point he dug around in his pocket and started pressing buttons. The guy was almost through the intersection before he realized that pedestrians were screaming at him to stop.
By Chris Lynn
May 22, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this
@Pam: It’s so tragic that this biker was injured. I hope he makes it out ok. The sad thing is, this could have easily been averted. As a cycling commuter, it’s important we remember safety.
@Parke: Although your comments are a little harsh, you’re right: Bicyclists shouldn’t ride on the sidewalk. It’s illegal and it’s not safe for peds. Plus, it makes drivers feel that we shldn’t be in the street when we can ride on the sidewalk.
By Michael Cosper
May 22, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this
Please fellow cyclists, bicycles are not free for all vehicles, save that behavior for the BMX park. Ride in traffic as you would drive a car. I attended the Austin city council meeting and upon leaving I saw three very young and dumb bicycle riders going the wrong way down Guadalupe street with no lights, reflectors, zip…ridiculous behavior and few will feel any sympathy when cyclists are injured doing these behaviors, scares the bejeezus out of motorists too.
By Michael Cosper
May 22, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
Please fellow cyclists, bicycles are not free for all vehicles, save that behavior for the BMX park. Ride in traffic as you would drive a car. I attended the Austin city council meeting and upon leaving I saw three very young and dumb bicycle riders going the wrong way down Guadalupe street with no lights, reflectors, zip…ridiculous behavior and few will feel any sympathy when cyclists are injured doing these behaviors, scares the bejeezus out of motorists too.
By Sharon
May 22, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this
Hello, do people not understand when you ride a bike in the street, you are a vehicle operating on the road? Therefore you must adhere to all traffic laws just as cars do. DUH!!!Whenever I see a biker I will pass miles around them because I have yet to see one that obeys the rules of the road including signalling and stopping at all traffic lights.
By Tristan
May 22, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this
I saw this happen - I was stopped at the red light at Nueces heading east on 5th & glanced up & saw his bike flying North near the crosswalk on the East side of the intersection. Has anyone heard what happened to the biker? He was awake, screaming, and coughing up blood last I saw. I hope he’s ok…!
By Tu Le
May 23, 2009 3:18 AM | Link to this
Hello Pamela, i was wondering if the cyclist is ok? i’m hoping for the best for him because i was right “there” when i saw him get hit. i was on my moped right in front of the red light when he zoomed right past me and got hit by the car. i saw his bike get thrown into the air, and the way his body just seem to wrap around the hood of the car that split second before getting thrown into the air himself, the way the shattered glass rained down from the impact was just… horrifying. i remember watching movies and TV shows and thinking “man, look at those pedestrians! they’re just standing there!!! if i ever saw that, i’d actually DO something rather than tell someone else to do it instead!” but, sadly, i was one of those people who just stood there in complete horror as to what just happened.of course i snapped back and called an ambulance right away. luckily there were other faster thinking pedestrians, and perhaps more brave, than i that were near and ran to his aid.
By Kevin
May 25, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this
Evidently the cyclist has passed. Condolences.