This Stinks!

[Hooter]

A group of bicyclist riding in Kalamazoo Mi. Yesterday were struck by a pickup from behind. Last reports were 5 killed and 4 others serious to critical. No details on the driver of the pickup other than there had been previous reports of irratic driving. Driver tried to flee but was caught by LEO. The scene was a mess and still is. Condolences to the group! I can't wait to hear what the condition of the driver was at the time of the accident?

[Wizzard]

yep,, I hope that guy never sees the light of day

[FLAVALK]

Indeed sucks....

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/06/08/at-least-five-bicyclists-dead-four-more-injured-in-hit-and-run-crash.html

[dreamaker]

I ride my bicycle daily, and the etiquette is to ride in the direction of the traffic. But myself I ride against the traffic because of smart phones, texting and just people too relaxed and distracted in vehicles. That has save my butt several times, another trend I have noticed here in Mich. is that people are getting their windows blacked out, (Not tinted but blacked out) and it is hard to tell their intentions on a bicycle or a motorcycle.

[Jess from VA]

Put him under the jail.

With the number involved, it's either murder or negligent homicide.

The fleeing and running on foot shows plenty of guilty knowledge.

[Hooter]

A friend of mine is a LEO there and said it was probably the single most worst scene he has been on in his 25 years on the job. He said the driver didn't just hit the bicyclist he completely ran over them. Then he bailed but didn't get too far.

[cookiedough]

That guy deserves life in prison, NO less, without parole.

Just in Madison WI area heard recently a pickup truck repeatedly rammed the car in front of him for NO good reason.  He sped off but was caught.  Why would someone go insane like that for no good reason on a bicyclist, cycle, or another vehicle, or pedestrian NOT knowing them or what they did which was nothing to piss them off.

I got upset this morning when an idiot girl driver pulled in front of me within 1 foot of my front bumper NOT looking and I blarred my pickup truck horn for 30 seconds afterwards straight to see if she heard that and flipped her off as well.  That might make her think NEXT time she decides to change lanes without looking in heavy traffic, but NOT going to ram her with my truck.  That is crazy.  One of these days I can see though some big, angry dude getting pissy with me blarring my horn for 20-30 seconds straight and stop his car in front of me and get out and confront me.  Will see what happens I guess??     My luck he would pull out a gun and try to shoot me?  You just never know nowadays??   

[Alpha Dog]

I read this this am in Detroit Free Press Online.  Just absolutely sickening.  One of the best years of my life was in Kalamazoo, but for only one year, part of 79 and 80.  It was then I started running to get back into shape.  These days and for a while now I bicycle a lot, road bike ( Much easier on the knees and see a lot more of the outdoors ) except when the sciatica is acting up like it has for last month.  Have a spinning bike for indoors cold weather.   I am so watchful of cagers while ridding but if one wants to take you out you have no chance.  I hope this SOB roasts in Hell.

[dreamaker]

I would never want to see anyone hurt on a bicycle, or even go to that extreme. I live in southeast Mich. next to Lake St Clair, and in our area we have many bicyclist in the area.  Not defending what that guy did, but in general bicyclist need to be accountable for their actions. Watching the news on TV, a witness stated they were riding in the street and not on the bike path. In this area as in motorcycles, there are bicyclist with difference in opinions about cycling. We have many just ride to get healthy and enjoy the view like myself. Then there is the, best way to get the point across, Tour De France cyclist, dressed for the occasion, looking like the real deal, I thing you get the idea. The thing that bugs me about them is, not their arrogant, snobbish, attitude, but  we have many bike paths provided for us, and they choose to ride in the street, rater than the path quite often. They tend to snob us, so I stay out of their way.  I recall one time on the bike path, which is one lane in each direction, two were riding side by side, and I realized that he was not moving, so I went of the path to avoid head on issue.  As they passed he stated to his friend that he doesn't move for anyone.  Like I said, I don't in anyway defend what that guy did in Kalamazoo, but when some cyclist have an attitude that they have the right to do and ride where they want, that is a recipe for disaster.  Just me opinion and experience.

[Rams]

This is horrible and someone needs to go to jail for a very long time.   Stupid!!!

Having said that, (I know some won't agree.) I am not a fan of bicyclist riding on public roads out in the country.   I know it's legal and most states promote it because it normally brings in tourist dollars.   But, IMHO, it's stupid and shouldn't be allowed.   Where I live in the Blue Grass, this activity is heavily promoted and someone gets killed every big ride.   Can't tell you how many close calls happen on a daily basis.

I know this, I see them out every summer and fall and cringe at the sight of groups, can't wait to get away from them.   They are a traffic and public hazard IMO.     Yeah, I'm apparently in the minority but, I'm used to that.

[Patrick]

Since this thread is leaning in this direction, I too think most cyclists are a hazard.  That relates to their riding in the city and country.
I realize its legal for them to be in most places they are and I'm retired and in no hurry. So I try to accommodate them. But, They should also make accommodations for autos. Its common for them  to not pay attention to what is going on around them and obey traffic laws. There are groups that ride 3 or 4 abreast on country roads, not pay attention to stop signs and pull/turn right in front of you. They believe they are entitled.
You have to watch them every second. I've found there is no sense getting mad or giving a short blip of the horn just to let them know you are there or about to pass, they pay no attention or just give you the middle finger salute.
Not long ago one such rider was weaving back and forth in the full width of the driving lane backing city traffic up for about a mile, he thought it was great fun. I just chalk it up to society changing in general.

[Jess from VA]

I've told the story before, but I watched US park police give a bicycle rider a speeding ticket on Skyline Drive (35mph posted).  I have to admire people who pedal their asses off almost straight up long mountains. Of course the payoff is coasting down the other side.  This guy was coasting (flying) about 60mph down the mountain with a park Police SUV on his tail.  The cop gave him several long minutes to see him and slow down, but he never looked back.  Finally the siren came on.  LMAO on that one.

I always give bicyclists wide berth (often just crossing double yellow (slowly and safely)) and courtesy.  Most bicyclists around here try to return the courtesy. 

[Rams]

I always give bicyclists wide berth (often just crossing double yellow (slowly and safely)) and courtesy.  Most bicyclists around here try to return the courtesy. 

I agree.   The problem is, bumpers and bicycle frames don't go well together and dried blood is hard to remove from grills and asphalt.   Let them pay for bike paths through some kind of licensing fees.   I have to pay road taxes for my vehicles while using public roads, they don't.   

[art]

I agree bicyclist want laws to protect them  but don't want to obey laws somewhat like harley riders thinking they are kings of the road.  I ride a bike but around here where I live I can and do ride on the sidewalk when there are no pedestrians. I'm not a everyday rider and do it just once in awhile. I do look out for them and try very hard to watch for Motorcycle riders . I don't ride a motorcycle anymore but due to years of riding I an cautious around them. God forbid I ever caused a biker to get hurt. To me this event is no worse than the dump truck hitting and killing 9 bikers in Az. a few years back during bike week. I seem to remember that he was on his cell phone. I don't ride anymore because of an accident.