Fit City

By Loren

June 30, 2011 10:33 AM | Link to this

The information in this article is INCORRECT!! Get your facts straight before you publish. Shame on you!!!

By Pat

June 30, 2011 11:30 AM | Link to this

Note to cyclists who frequent MoPac between 360 and Barton Springs Rd: If you are going to ignore the rules and run red lights at will, then get off the roadway and take the sidewalk instead. You can’t have it both ways. This is Exhibit A in the Reasons Why Drivers Don’t Yield For Cyclists.

By savanna a.

June 30, 2011 12:28 PM | Link to this

pam, i am not sure as to where you received your information, but it is absolutely incorrect. the same incorrect information has been published on kxan’s website and i am therefor led to believe that you read that information and took your assumptions farther than those of kxan. the statesman’s blotter has at least fixed mr skelton’s age. your accusations are extremely inappropriate and i consider this an absolute disgrace. i ask that you and the rest of the “reporters” out there get the facts straight before you jump to conclusions and drag families through the mud. i see this as a great example of fear mongering and sensationalistic reporting. the cause of this accident (specifically turning in front of the motorcycle), age of mr skelton, and vehicle model are all incorrect in this article. this incident involved a death…shame on you for your false reporting. i am speechless, savanna a.

By Pam LeBlanc

June 30, 2011 12:52 PM | Link to this

Savanna, the info came from the blotter, which came from a police report provided to us. The two corrections made today were the age of the motorcyclist - he was 65 - and the make of the motorcycle. It was a Honda not a Harley Davidson as first reported. I’m unsure what false accusation I have made. I’m trying to encourage cyclists (and I am a daily bicycle commuter) to drive predictably so we don’t surprise motorists. And, of course, motorists and motorcyclists need to pay attention as well.

By Rob

June 30, 2011 1:31 PM | Link to this

Guys, the media relies on information given to them by the authorities. If they can’t rely on that, then they can’t very well report. Given the facts they were given, it is enough for it to be an appropriate cautionary example. The few comments on this article seem to indicate the real problem - people on either “side” of the issue being so personally invested that they need absolute victory.

Motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, all screw up, because they’re all people. What “side” they’re on just depends on the vehicle they happen to be operating at the time, though I’ll say cycling and running should make cyclists and runners more cautious drivers, and vice versa. The point is, everyone needs to be more careful, and more compassionate. Ms. LeBlanc has consistently championed that point.

Take a breath, please.

By savanna a.

June 30, 2011 2:40 PM | Link to this

i usually appreciate pam’s articles, but too many liberties were taken with this one. implying that the cyclist was riding unpredictably-“If you needed proof of the importance of riding a bicycle in a predictable manner, pay attention.” - which in fact is false, was highly inappropriate and has only exacerbated the grief and distress that has fallen upon this cyclist. i can understand the angle that pam was trying to take and her message is a good one, just poor placement in my opinion. i am trying to breathe…i really am.

By Giuseppe

July 1, 2011 1:23 PM | Link to this

The police report stated the cyclist was at fault due to the way he was maneuvering. I am sure it is hard for said cyclist to deal with, but just because someone regrets their actions or is grief stricken it doesn’t mean others can’t learn from their mistakes or that those mistakes are not newsworthy.

By Michael

July 1, 2011 3:11 PM | Link to this

Just goes to show, bicylces have no place on the road. I’ve had numerous near collisions with bicyclist because they assume they own the roads. If they want to be treated like cars, act like cars, get taxed like cars.

By LL

July 1, 2011 3:12 PM | Link to this

the facts are right… the bicyclist caused a death. an incorrect age and make of the motorcycle doesn’t mean the whole story is null. plus this is not a news site so people who read this need to go to the right authority to verify facts. this seems to be a blog which allows insertion of the author’s own ideas into the article. sorry that peoples feeling get hurt but don’t take it out on the messenger. shame on ya’ll for taken it out on PAM. ya’ll should contact the person who caused the whole thing and get the ‘exact details’

By Pam LeBlanc

July 1, 2011 3:43 PM | Link to this

Michael, Cyclists do pay the property taxes that are used to build city roads. A portion of gas taxes are used to construct federal highways, but most cyclists don’t pedal on the interstate. Interesting idea, though. Imagine the incentive if bicyclists didn’t have to pay taxes! Pam