Fatal accidents leave cyclists wondering how bike-friendly Seattle is

SeattleRob said on September 15, 2011 at 12:25 PM

It is always terrible when a tragedy like this happens. I feel for this mans family and friends. We ALL wish the roads would be safer regardless of if you are on a bike, motorcycle, car, truck or bus. BUT we all should have to abide by the rules of the road. Go stand on a street corner for an hour during the am or pm commute. Watch the cyclists and see if they follow the "rules of the road". How many do you see not wearing helmets? How many do you see "running red lights". EVERYDAY I see this scenario: Cyclists comes to a red light, they look both ways, then either ride through the intersection OR they pop up on the sidewalk and then ride through the crosswalk. Are they running a red light or J-walking? Either way, isn't it illegal and should be ticketed? Unsafe? Why do cyclists ride up passed all of the cars waiting at a red light? Shouldn't they as a commuter wait in line? Cyclists cause congestion when they ride passed...then drivers have to cautiously pass them aga

etymologist72 said on September 14, 2011 at 5:44 AM

@tomtom77 I also abhor drunk drivers, texters, and cell phone users (even the ones who do hands free) these are all dangerous drivers. I never claimed drivers to be perfect. However, if you are in downtown Seattle at rush hour there seems to be no rules for bikers. It doesn't appear to me that it's a small faction. many go across the cross walk and then get in the flow of traffic because it is faster, many aren't wearing any kind of helmet or safety gear, they weave around traffic when it is convenient, and use dangerous roads when the are clear alternatives. I wish bike lanes were more prevalent and drivers were better educated as to the rules and regulations of bicyclists -- however, I also wish bicyclists were also better educated, and followed the rules of the road as well. Seriously, when was the last time you saw someone on a bike get a ticket? I see the police on bikes all over Seattle, but have never seen one stop someone else on a bike for not following the rules.

tomtom77 said on September 13, 2011 at 9:45 PM

It’s pretty sad to read all these comments from selfish people for whom the road belongs only to their BIG cars… When I moved to Seattle I was gladly surprised to see so many people biking, even though the city is far from being flat, and it made me feel that at least some Americans are concerned by the environment. But after reading all the reactions following this tragic accident it appears that I was wrong. By the way, for those who criticized so much bikers behaviors on the road, what do you think about the numerous car drivers using their car while being drunk?

shimo said on September 13, 2011 at 6:02 PM

@rite2post, with the exception of drunk driving all those other scenario's you've mentioned of an automobile can get into an accident but has in most cases an outcome of a fender bender. And even if there is a serious accident there is sheet metal between the occupant and the other vehicle which stands a good chance of survival. With a car and bicycle, you will get more pictures like the one you see on top. Equality doesn't always exist when it comes to physics. I myself, have no problem with bicyclist, but when bicyclist do the things mentioned on some of these post and the rider might end up in between the tread of my tires then I get a little annoyed. And by the way rite2post, I never thought these peoples concerns were considered funny!

pamby said on September 13, 2011 at 3:06 PM

I want a Segway.

rite2post said on September 13, 2011 at 10:03 AM

some people on here are just so funny... yeah those cyclist did this those cyclist did that.... when was the last time you saw a drunk driver, when was the last time you witnessed a driver changing lanes without signaling, a car running a red light, a car speeding 20mph over speed limit, drivers on the phone, drivers texting while driving... Don't represent the majority when a few behaves badly.

wilcox5425892257 said on September 13, 2011 at 10:03 AM

I am constantly observing bike riders riding willy nilly though the streets with no regards for traffic lights, signals, etc. They ride diagonal through intersections, against the direction of traffic and on sidewalks. They think that because they have two, more maneuverable wheels, they can go wherever they please. They seem to obey neither traffic or pedestrian laws so when they get smacked by a car I don't feel sorry for them. If you are going to drive your bike and disregard the law, then you deserve the consequences. This story suggets the rider who was killed was the one who struck the car. The one who does the hitting is at fault. If riders would pay attention and follow the traffic laws, they wouldn't get hurt.

etymologist72 said on September 13, 2011 at 9:33 AM

riff-raff says: "It seems rare that pedestrians ever use the sidewalks anymore. Therefore; let's make all existing sidewalks official bike paths with the caveat that the bicyclist must yield to the pedestrian (if a pedestrian is ever encountered)." Um -- I'm a pedestrian far more often than I drive in Seattle. There have been countless numbers of times I've almost been run down by bicyclists on the sidewalk or those running red lights. Just last week, instead of going around me on the sidewalk where there was room, the biker made a point of riding in front of me less than an inch away from me. I also walk with my headphones on and some bikers try to be nice and yell out "on your left" or "on your right" but I can't hear them, and even when I can I just get so paralyzed that I stop walking altogether. Putting them on the sidewalk is not the right answer. Drivers can pay better attention and bikers can be better about following the LAW instead of the free for all that goes on now.

phinneywood said on September 13, 2011 at 9:06 AM

@bellvuetom : As a fellow cyclist, I completely agree with you. I find it terribly frustrating (while both in my car or on my bike) to see other riders breaking so many traffic laws. Obeying traffic laws and always ride defensively, including yeilding to cars when I legally have the right of way, is why I remain unscathed to this day. It would be nice if the cycling community was able to police itself, but that is unrealistic. Its up to the police to come down on cyclists, which I am all for. I am sick of all the reckless boneheads creating this animosity between cyclists and motorists.

musicfreak said on September 13, 2011 at 8:49 AM

Not only do the drivers need to watch out for bicyclists, but the bicyclists need to watch out for the cars. I can't tell you how many times I've seen bikes cut off BUSES downtown while I'm riding a bus to work.

JesseEK said on September 13, 2011 at 8:43 AM

I am so tired of these guys. I truly feel terrrible for the folks that have lost their lives in these accidents but I cannot truly back the bikers at any point. I live in Seattle and I can tell you first hand, these guys NEVER follow the rules of the road. They constantly blow stop signs and red lights, they hop up and down of the curbs and they cut the traffic off whenever they can to move along . This may not have been the case for the bikers that have been hit but I would not rule it out. Dont get me wrong, we have those folks out there that do abide by the laws and for that I am thankful to them. The problem is, the rest of them ruin it for everyone else and unfortunatly the drivers cannot always see them and that is why they get hit. For those of you that ride, abide by the laws, and keep your own eyes peeled, I thank you. For the rest of you that do the exact oposite and complain that you should not have to help out with fixing city streets, I say forget you. Start walki

roperlk said on September 13, 2011 at 8:37 AM

Bicycle have no business riding on the streets with cars. Period. I firmly believe that laws need to be passed that make it illegal to ride a bike in the street. I have always thought it was ridiculous to have cars driving with bikes. It doesn't matter who'se fault it is. The bicyclist will always lose in the end.

bellevuetom said on September 13, 2011 at 8:28 AM

I do ride my bike, but I follow the rules of the road for bikers. Most riders I have encountered, choose when and where they will follow the rules. Some will cross intersections when the light is red. If a car did the same, the person would be given a "running a red light" ticket. Some will take up a lane, and slow down traffic. If a car did the same, the driver would be issued a ticket. Some wear helmets, some dont. Some are more agressive than a person driving a car and act as tho they are "entitled". Follow the rules please.

vffrwm said on September 13, 2011 at 8:24 AM

It's not just bicycles. Washington drivers are some of the worst in the country. Just look every morning at the news and you see accident upon accident. I ride a motorcyle to and from work and I can't even begin to count how many times I've been run off the road or almost hit because these clowns don't use their mirrors and don't signal turns or lane changes. But without enforcement this is what you get.

goingnative1 said on September 13, 2011 at 8:17 AM

There is not enough room for the cars on the street, cars hit each other everyday, but when a car runs over a bike it is just that much worse. Nothing can change reality, when you ride a bike amongst thousands of cars you take a risk. When your luck runs out the bicylist will end up worse than the person in the car, that is reality!!

notsojoenavy6393 said on September 13, 2011 at 7:59 AM

I'm sorry to offend anyone here but it really comes down to this whole self- entitlement thing that bicyclists seem to have going on. Half of them think that they can just follow whatever rules of the road they wish. If you're going to ride your BICYCLE in the street with MOTOR VEHICLES you need to be extra careful and follow all of the rules of the road. The fact is, Seattle has some of the worst drivers in the country. People drive liked crazed idiots, especially in the city. Here's a crazy idea, use a bike trail.

davesea said on September 13, 2011 at 7:08 AM

I had a learner's permit to practice driving, bicyclists do NOT. I went to driver's school, bicyclists do NOT. I took a written test and a driving test to order to obtain a driver's license, bicyclists do NOT. I have insurance in case I have an accident, bicyclists do NOT. I drive on roads, bicyclists ride on roads and the sidewalks. If my only qualification to drive a car was that my mommy / daddy / uncle or family friend had taught me how to drive this country would be in a world of hurt. Time has long since passed when little Billy or Susie could safely ride in the streets. It's time for bicyclist to police themselves or the public will do it for them by passing laws to govern bicyclists. Note: motorcyclist at one time didn't need an endorsement on their driver's license. It's time to license bicyclist & insure their bikes.

southlakeunion said on September 13, 2011 at 7:03 AM

This is a growing problem in Seattle... roadway laws are for all, not just motor vehicles.

stickneyw said on September 13, 2011 at 6:38 AM

As many bikes are in the lanes of traffic, it surprises me there are not more wrecks. When I was raised we were taught not to ride in the street because cars were bigger and could not see us ! Seems like thats still the case. Bikers need to pay close attention as cars are not looking for fast moving bikes , especially not in lanes of traffic!

paulharvey said on September 13, 2011 at 6:23 AM

"We all kinda expected him to ride back from the ER by himself, that's what he'd always done," he said. Hello? Sounds Evil Kneivel here liked to push his luck and it finally caught up to him.

omgrofl said on September 13, 2011 at 6:21 AM

I agree with the comment made that more cyclists are on the road now so we're going to see more reports of accidents. What I don't understand (and see quite often) is, why we're spending so much money on bike lanes when a good number of the bicylists don't use them. They ride on whatever side of the street they want, weave in and out of traffic, run red lights, and sometimes appear to be taunting drivers by driving on the car lanes when there's clearly a bike lane to their right. For example, this weekend I was driving along Dexter Ave. You know, the one with the really great bike lanes? Well, two guys who must of thought they were racing in the Tour d' France, couldn't manage to stay in the bike lanes and held up traffic for blocks. Or how about the guy riding up Spring street on the LEFT side of the street. As you may know, Spring street is very steep (and busy). The guy could barely make it up the hill and kept swerving into traffic as he challenged his strength and manhood.

stonetrails said on September 13, 2011 at 5:50 AM

The bicyclists in Auburn valley are notoriously arrogant road hogs. "S" turns with double yellow lines and these jerks want to take up the entire lane and ride as if they are on a Sunday geriatric stroll in the country of GoSlow. They know they are blocking traffic, they just like being discourteous jerks.

MandyRN said on September 13, 2011 at 5:09 AM

Cyclists are not held accountable here in Seattle. When convenient they follow the traffic signals when not they follow the pedestrian signals. All bicycles should require licensing and the revenue used for bike safety. And stricter cycling laws need to be enacted and enforced. As a driver I'm tired of trying to "guess" what a cyclist might do and as a pedestrian I am no longer moving out of the way.

riff_raff said on September 13, 2011 at 4:55 AM

This accident was the bicyclist fault, not the automobile driver. Further, if all bicyclist's would stay on the sidewalks and just yield to pedestrian's, then everyone would be a lot safer. It seems rare that pedestrians ever use the sidewalks anymore. Therefore; let's make all existing sidewalks official bike paths with the caveat that the bicyclist must yield to the pedestrian (if a pedestrian is ever encountered). The bicyclist would use the right-hand sidewalk adjacent to the flow of traffic, so there would not be any head-on bicycle accidents with other bikes. Simple, make it law!!!

freedomfrank said on September 13, 2011 at 4:49 AM

skibumtim said all than needs saying. Hope Mayor Schwinn doesn't use this as a way to spend more money on bikes. You wanna ride a bike you take a risk of getting hit by a car. Quit whining

mrsss said on September 13, 2011 at 2:14 AM

CYCLISTS ARE THE PROBLEM!!! They run red lights, ride wreckless, and generally show no concern for safety. I've witnessed these morons cut off cars, and hit pedestrians.They wear dark clothes, have no lights on their bikes. How about giving fines to these idiots who cause the accidents or does that make too much sense.

taylorb1 said on September 13, 2011 at 12:40 AM

Within the last week I have seen five or six cyclists run stop signs. Driving home on Westlake one very late night, I came close to hitting a bicyclist who was wearing dark clothes and had no lights on his bike...no helmet either. All of us...motor vechicles, bikes, and pedestrians...need to obey the laws all the time, and drive, ride and walk while watching out for the other guy.

jackwong said on September 13, 2011 at 12:29 AM

There is much more to be done by the Mayor to make it safer for bikers. We need ordinances to punish the drivers more for hitting bicyclists than any other infraction. This will also help bicyclist win the civil trials afterwards, thus ruining the driver financially, and taking him off the road forever, or at least 7 years.

shimo said on September 12, 2011 at 10:57 PM

To the family sorry for your lost. With that being said this gives us the oppotunity to sound off about the coexistence of cars and bicycles. As I've read the comments below and I tend to agree with most of this communities concerns. For the most part I have no problems with cyclist, but I do remember those that has the look of a smug, "look out for me because it the law" type cyclist. Yes, those that run stop signs, run stop lights, slowing down traffic on a 2 lane road and of course the bicyclist that feel his oaks by trying to speed up and cut in front of you in order to take a left turn. By all means this is not saying how Mr. Wong rode his bike, but this was just my experience with some cyclist. It has been said that drivers has a hard time seeing motorcyclist let along bicyclist. Now, with that also being said, what make some of these bicyclist think we can see them any better. Hell of a price for trying to promote a green community.

skibumtim said on September 12, 2011 at 10:34 PM

Cars hit cars all the time. They hit motorcycles. They even hit pedestrians. Should it be a surprised if someone on a bike actually gets hit by one? Numbers-wise, we have a pretty good record. Nothing to fix here, it is what it is. These are individual circumstances and are not problematic of a trend. All we can do is share the road the best we can and try to look out for each other and especially ourselves.

Rusty123 said on September 12, 2011 at 9:06 PM

Let's find resolutions and not blame. Lets also not think that bikes should be cars etc. (stupid) let's simply find ways to make bike lanes on the opposite side of the sidewalks from the car lanes. Would cause 1) Less use of fuel. 2) Exercise would increase. 3) Lower cost of Health Care 4) Safer place for strollers and Joggers and bikes to get to and from work. 5) Less deaths. Make it just as WIDE as a car Lane (or 2) and if you must, yes, OK TAX the Biker's and Joggers and Strollers (whatever gets it started and gets it done).. ASAP. - Don't you think? Putting the bikes riding along side the cars and expecting them to act like cars and obey all vehicle laws is not only Stupid, Scary and Unsafe. It's also not cost effective for ALL and not to mention NOT USER FRIENDLY (DEATH)~ Well DUH!!!! Let's not state the obvious over and over again and again. Please!!!

gohawks035820457 said on September 12, 2011 at 9:05 PM

Bikers don't follow the rules of the road anyway. Follow the rules and this might not happen. A biker getting hit is like a watching a squirrel get hit. After you see it or keep hearing about it you're like muh. Guess what you're not Lance Armstrong!!! Get over yourselves.

chuckstr76 said on September 12, 2011 at 8:14 PM

Bike 0, car 1, Ride like your a car and obey the laws of the road and this wont happen. But it wont happen, sorry to say.

ginas said on September 12, 2011 at 7:49 PM

my condolences to his loved ones. i'm very sad about the loss of life but slightly confused on how this is being twisted into an issue that autos don't yield to bicyclists when the wording is 'he plowed into a car' and not 'a car plowed into him'. while there are a lot of people who bicycle within the laws of the road, my best guess (at least in my area) is that there would be less accidents if more cyclists followed the laws and had the respect for the damage a moving auto can do to a cycle. i ride a motorcycle and my mentality is 'they are all out to get me', may sound paranoid but keeps me alert and alive.

ptempt said on September 12, 2011 at 7:36 PM

It's always sad when someone gets hurt and I am sorry to see this was a horrible accident. Some of the problems I see are stated below, bicyclists, at least a handful, do tend to not obey the rules of the road and then something like this happens affecting everyone, including the driver and families of those involved. I've almost hit several people blowing through traffic, and it's scarey. Drivers need to be extra careful and cyclists need to obey rules. No one owns the road. Those cyclists who do not obey rules should be sited. They should require license plates (There's an idea to bring in some revenue Seattle!). Sound dumb? Well since cameras pick up when a car drives through a red light, why shouldn't a cyclist get a present from the local law enforcement? My sincere condolences to the family of the cyclist. This happens too often and needs to be addressed. Paul

followthelaw said on September 12, 2011 at 7:01 PM

the people on bikes need to follow the rules of the road. i'm sick and tired of watching them blow stop signs and run red lights. they need to be ticketed as if they were in a car.

scarecrow93 said on September 12, 2011 at 6:45 PM

Tax bicycles and make them get an endorsement like motorcycles. Additional revenue for the state/county and safer roads. Problem solved.

skok_cush said on September 12, 2011 at 6:32 PM

".. . .Leaves People wondering How Dumb are Cyclists?". . . . . . . Fixed. . . . . .its like Car vs Train. . . car wants to play chicken with a train, party on. . . . .some cyclists have that Entitlement mentality of "Im here too bad for you". . .as the grill of a car gets tattooed on them. . . . . . . . ."Silly Cycler, Roads are for cars."

DaizyChain said on September 12, 2011 at 6:31 PM

All of the "friendly Seattlites" blaming the victim are just awful. Putting your convenience ahead of the life of another person is despicable, small, and self-absorbed. I'm not a flashy spandex bike racing cyclist, but I ride my bike as a commuter. I obey the laws, one of which states a bike can be either on the road or on the sidewalk, Apparently, we're not welcome on either, based on the comments posted here, so we deserve what we get when we're injured or killed, right? I agree, some cyclists are jerks...to cars, to pedestrians, to other cyclists. But those kinds of people are jerks regardless of road laws or the kinds of vehicles they use for transportation. Most of us are just trying to get to work and are sick of all the near misses by people driving one to a car, talking on their cell phones, and hurling swear words, spit, and other miscellaneous fluids out of their cars as they go by. Get off your high horses, seriously.

dale500007497751 said on September 12, 2011 at 6:28 PM

If YOU GUYS/GALS would not try to OWN all the roads/streets you ride on, maybe these terrible accidents would not happen.. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to swerve, slam on brakes when one of YOU runs the red light/stop sign... I am really sad that these things happen, but it usually takes 2 to tango......

browndog said on September 12, 2011 at 6:26 PM

I wish it was safe for people to ride there bikes on the road with cars, but it's not. Therefore they shouldn't.

juliajae said on September 12, 2011 at 6:09 PM

Yet another in agreement. Roads are for cars just as bike paths are for bikes and sidewalks are for pedestrians.

pengi7 said on September 12, 2011 at 5:50 PM

ditto what Sony_PSN903 and saneinseattle said...

Sony_PSN903 said on September 12, 2011 at 5:44 PM

Bicycles don't belong on main roads. Period. End of story.

benjitek said on September 12, 2011 at 5:34 PM

The article states, "the city has spent a lot of money to make more room for cyclists..." Really? Where? I've seen tons of lanes made more narrow for autos by painting on a new lane for bikes, but I haven't seen any roads made wider to accommodate cyclists. The lanes were designed at their original widths for a reason, removing a 3rd of their size doesn't make for a cyclist safe haven.

Sir_Real said on September 12, 2011 at 5:31 PM

The question should be instead, How car-friendly are Seattle bicyclists? Critical Mass pulling some dude out of his car bring back memories?

dirtmaster said on September 12, 2011 at 5:23 PM

Isn't it time we require the bycicles to have the same safety devices as motorcycles? Maybe we should crack down on people that ride bikes illegally also, how many times have you seen someone riding a motorcycle in and out of traffic and through crosswalks? I bet not as often as you see bikes doing it. If we have to share the road with bikes they should at least act just like a car. And if they can't go close to the speed limit then they shouldn't be allowed on the road. They are just a hazard to everyone.

pamby said on September 12, 2011 at 5:18 PM

Vehicles watch for bikes - bikes watch for vehicles. And no one run a red light or stop sign. NO ONE.

hewhoo said on September 12, 2011 at 5:15 PM

The deceased 'plowed into' a car and has had 'past run-ins with cars'. How can 'those bugs be worked out'? Bicycle safety requires at least some minimal level of responsibility for the people riding the bicycles.