Another Ghost Bicycle in Tucson
Thread started by
Creative Thing at 03.11.09 - 10:19 pm
I was visiting Tucson two weeks ago and really enjoyed the cycling community they have going there.
A guy I did a few rides with while I was there just emailed me the news that a rider has just been hit by a pick-up truck and died.
I'm posting this here because it affects us all.
They'll be installing another Ghost Bike in Tucson soon.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/crime/283854
reply
The link above is no good.
Here's the story:
Off-duty officer killed while cycling Tuesday identified
By Alexis Huicochea
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 03.11.2009
The off-duty officer killed while bike riding Tuesday has been identified as 26-year-old Allen D. Johnson.
Johnson was hired by the Tucson Police Department in September 2005 and was last assigned as a patrol officer in the Downtown division.
He was riding east on Old Spanish Trail near Camino Loma Alta when he was struck from behind by a full-sized red Dodge pickup truck, said Deputy Dawn Barkman, a Pima County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman..
The driver of the truck remained at the scene and called 911, but when deputies arrived, Johnson was already dead.
No citations have been issued as the investigation is ongoing.
“This is a tragic loss to the Department,” said Sgt. Mark Robinson, a Tucson Police Department spokesman. “All traffic fatalities affect us in one way or another, but when someone we know and work with is involved, it cuts deeper.”
Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at 573-4242 or ahuicochea@azstarnet.com.
Creative Thing03.11.09 - 10:25 pm
reply
I like the idea of casting the bike in a block of concrete. As opposed to using a chain and lock.
Very few drivers get charged with any penalty when they kill a rider on the road. Would be interesting to see if this one is different.
My condolences to the loved ones.
User103.11.09 - 11:36 pm
reply
I've heard that most fatal or severe injury bike-car wrecks are just like this.
The biker is run down from behind when the vehicle drifts out of it's lane because the driver was distracted.
Most often the biker never knew what hit 'em. If they survive they wake up in the hospital.
This is one reason I always ride against traffic.
Especially here in LA on the big boulevards.
Actually, if I have to ride on a big car-clogged boulevard I stick with the sidewalk and go against traffic.
petemoss03.12.09 - 1:44 pm
reply
Another idea is to have a rearview mirror.
This is especially helpful when threading the mouth of a freeway onramp, for example.
petemoss03.12.09 - 1:45 pm
reply
"This is one reason I always ride against traffic."
Which increases your risk of getting hit because drivers never look to the right. I walk to work every day, I walk FAST, and I continually have to watch for cars not seeing me and rolling through right turns at stop signs and driveways.
If you're going less than walking speed then by all means ride against traffic. But then shouldn't you just be walking?
toweliesbong03.12.09 - 2:06 pm
reply
Riding with traffic is always much safer.
The mirror is good too. I don't leave home without it.
Creative Thing03.12.09 - 2:09 pm
reply
riding against traffic is not a good idea! in addition to above, you see more cars, since you'll be going down their line of traffic, and they'll have less time to react. i've almost hit SO many bikers (on my bike in the street) going the wrong way, esp on sidewalks.
@ C.T. - is there anything we could see in Tuscon other than BICAS? we'll be there LATE Sunday or EARLY monday. BICAS is closed on Monday! :(
SKIDMARCUS03.12.09 - 2:17 pm
reply
i find myself walking on the streets, and never using the sidewalk, as if i am a bicycle.
_iJunes03.12.09 - 2:23 pm
reply
@Marcus:
There is a Tuesday night ride.
Meet at 8:00 pm at the flag pole on UofA campus.
Not sure whats happening Sunday night/Monday.
Check out Hotel Congress. The have a concert venue and a cool bar, "Taps".
Also, just cruise 4th Avenue. Lots to look at, including a good book store, "Antigone", and a co-op grocery, where you can buy honey in bulk (bring your own bottle).
Go by Bicas anyway. Their back yard is worth checking out.
Creative Thing03.12.09 - 2:32 pm
reply
"This is one reason I always ride against traffic.
Especially here in LA on the big boulevards.
Actually, if I have to ride on a big car-clogged boulevard I stick with the sidewalk and go against traffic."
You realize those are fighting words around here, right?
Riding on sidewalk and against traffic are two of the most dangerous things you can do. If you're so averse to big streets find some smaller streets to go through. Good routes are your best friend.
And statistically speaking getting hit from behind is the rarest type of accident.
cabhauler03.12.09 - 3:34 pm
reply
hey if i ever go down on a bike, and i get immortalized via ghostbike, can you guys paint black stripes on it for me?
Candy Cane04.22.09 - 7:43 pm
reply
Up date on the Tucson brother's ghost bike here:
http://www.tucsonbikelawyer.com/allen-johnson-ghost-bike-installed/
I hope we never have to do one of these for one of our M.R. members.
Creative Thing04.22.09 - 8:54 pm
reply
-->
Ridazz Roulette!
