Yet Another PCH Fatality...Hit and Run Driver Not Cited

Discussion in 'Rider Down' started by DM Rides, Jun 18, 2014.

  1. Formu1fan

    Formu1fan Slow Down, Slower Up

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    It could be, but it could also be the connotation is brings. It further separates cyclists and drivers, and tells the drivers that cyclists don't belong on the road.
     
  2. wheeler

    wheeler Member

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    That and I believe the space.......
     
  3. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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    I don't think that separation is an viable option in this case. I don't have a grand solution, but do think daytime running lights for bikes is a step in the right direction. I've thought about using my night lights as daytime strobes if I ever have to ride on the road. I also bought a REALLY bright NEON green jacket with reflectors with a built in red flasher.

    There is a case where the road is big enough to be shared and where are lot of vehicle bicycle accidents are caused by the driver not seeing/expecting the cyclist.

    Found this on the web.

    [​IMG]
     
  4. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej Well-Known Member

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    I run my tail light during the day when I am on the road.
     
  5. Chopper

    Chopper The Ancient One

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    Sorry, I keep saying this but some small (6 inch) rumble strips would go a long way in letting distracted drivers know that they are drifting into the bike lane or shoulder. Not the big bone jarring holes but just some small noise makers.
    it seems like such an obvious life saving solution. What am I missing.
     
  6. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors Climbing > desending

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    Why would you want to ride on that road? There's no shoulder at all.
     
  7. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej Well-Known Member

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    Sometimes there is no other option to get from Point A to Point B.
     
  8. Winger

    Winger Member

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    Over 400 people showed up to the service for John Colvin today. It was an incredible tribute to such a special man.
     
  9. Sweetpea

    Sweetpea Member

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    I completely agree with you Chopper. And that would get the texters' attention too.

    I ride with a Dinotte rear light on during the day. It's easily visible at least a quarter of a mile away. It bothers some of the riders behind me during the day and all of the riders behind me at night. So, in addition to being a safety feature, it's also my excuse when I get dropped.
     
  10. bconneraz

    bconneraz Member

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    I'm another user of the Dinotte tail light during the day; I won't ride without it. Spendy, yes, but you're worth it. :)
     
  11. Aztlan

    Aztlan Member

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    My condolences to his family.

    I ordered the Fly6 a few weeks ago, it has a strobing rear light and camera.
    To record those hit and run drivers, that I hope will never hit me.

    http://www.fly6.com
     
  12. suicidesam

    suicidesam New Member

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    :d
     

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  13. jae2460

    jae2460 Active Member

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    I've been noticing a lot of roadies out at dusk lately with no lights. I feel weird without daytime running lights anymore on my car and didn't think about it until I did some night riding (MTB) and used lights. Lights should be on bikes all the time like cars, but especially at dusk or early morning hours, low light conditions. Bright / reflective clothing is good too.
     
  14. socal_eric

    socal_eric New Member

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    If I'm riding out on the road I almost prefer to ride in early evening after dark with a giant reflector strapped to my CamelBak, bright jersey and shorts, bright taillight, and using my helmet light to keep the lane and area around me lit up and look backwards often with it to get the attention of cars approaching in the distance. I haven't researched statistics as to what time is the most dangerous time to ride and it wouldn't surprise me if dusk/dawn and evening has more incidents but I'd rather ride at night and have things that grab attention then blending in during the day when someone texting or distracted might not notice you until they're up on you.

    I still run a tail light in the day when riding on or crossing road areas but sad news like this thread makes me want to upgrade to something like one of the really bright DiNotte or similar taillights. Anything reasonable you can do to reduce getting hit is worth it. I'm not worried so much about me as I am something happening and friends and family having to deal with it.
     
  15. kioti

    kioti Active Member

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    My condolences to family and friends, and thank you to those of you offering safety tips to fellow riders.
     
  16. db.mx

    db.mx Member

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    I received an email today from a mutual friend about a Memorial Ride for John. The info is below:

    Memorial Ride for
    John Greg Colvin and Debra Healy Deem
    July 20, 2014, 8:00 AM

    On the morning of Sunday, July 20th we will take a short bike ride in the memory of John Colvin and Debra Deem.
    John was killed in June on a training ride in preparation for what would have been his first Ironman Triathlon later this summer. John was struck by a car on Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, California and succumbed to his injuries the same evening.
    Debra was killed last August on her daily ride from home to Corona del Mar.
    All are welcome to attend. We will meet at Heisler Park, 375 Cliff Dr. (Myrtle, off PCH) in Laguna Beach. Meet at 8:00 AM. A short invocation will be given in memory of Debra and John at 8:15.
    Following the invocation we will ride north on Pacific Coast Highway toward Newport Coast Drive, retracing both Debra and John’s last ride. We will continue past the site of his death at Emberald Bay and turn off PCH at the site of Debra's collision, and climb that hill for them.
    John would have likely finished each hill repeat at Pelican Hill Road, so we will call that the official “end” of the memorial ride. However, we hope everyone will continue on, completing a wonderful ride of your own, keeping John and Debra in your hearts.
    Please bring your own Black Arm Band-- cut an old pair of black socks into bands to harvest 2 pair.
    The families of John and Debra both wish that the ride serve to elevate the profile of cyclists in the eyes and minds of drivers, too many of whom are not aware of the our rights on the road, do not expect to see us on the road, and pass too closely when we ride to the right. With this in mind please stay visible: “take the lane” on Pacific Coast Highway through Laguna Beach, especially on the part of the road where John was killed. Ideally, do so solo or paired up side-by-side. If you can, please leave a gap of 15-20 seconds between riders or pairs of riders.
    We do not anticipate stopping at the place of John’s death; with no bike lane and a narrow shoulder, there is just no safe place for any size group to stop. Instead, you may request a single flower at the start of the ride to drop along the road – at that location or anywhere you choose.
    John’s family has asked that donations in his honor be made to the Orange County Bicycle Coalition ocbike.org via the “DONATE” tab (right hand side of the home page), or by sending a check to “O.C.B.C.” at 405 E. Wilson Avenue, Orange CA 92867-4832.
    For riders driving to the start, there is likely to be plenty of available street parking in downtown Laguna Beach or at Heisler Park.
    Another option is to park at the Newport Coast Community Center (6401 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Newport Coast, CA 92657), at the top of Newport Coast Drive up hill from the official ride will end, and bike down to the start from there.
     
  17. Dead eye dad

    Dead eye dad New Member

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    Also Tuesday Night July the 15th at 5:30 in front of Laguna Beach City Hall there will be a peaceful demonstration prior to the city Council meeting. Promoting safety for non motorists. Please spread the word on the memorial IRde for John and Debra!
    John was a very good friend of mine, a fantastic guy and a very strong and dedicated rider. We need to do what we can to get to elevate motorists awareness of cyclists and pedestrians and help stop the carnage.
     
  18. EJ_92606

    EJ_92606 New Member

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    So does anyone know if the kid was prosecuted?
     
  19. Winger

    Winger Member

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    I haven't read or heard anything yet.

    I search almost every day for an update. It has been almost 2 months now.
     
  20. Winger

    Winger Member

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