Bicyclist Killed by Logging Truck

[coriander]

Jane Higdon dies
On Wednesday, May 31, Dr. Jane Higdon (47) died while riding with three other cyclists South of Eugene, Oregon, USA on Territorial Road. The group of four experienced riders were riding single file when a logging truck pulled alongside them so close that one rider crashed into the ditch. Higdon was hit by the rear wheels of the trailer. The State Police are still investigating the accident.

A celebration of life was held at the McDonald theatre in Eugene on Thursday, June 7, and close to 1000 people attended. Higdon, who was a researcher and author at the Linus Pauling Institute in Corvallis, Oregon, finished seven Ironman competitions, including the one in Hawaii twice.

First Edition Cycling News for June 9, 2006
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2006/jun06/jun10news

[brokenrobot]

Almost certainly an intentional killing. Loggers througout the States, but particularly in Oregon and the Carolinas, seem to conflate bicyclists with the environmentalists who fight against logging in those areas; as a result, it's not uncommon for logging trucks to be used aggressively against cyclists.

EDIT: My initial reaction was perhaps more heated than was reasonable, as responses have shown. I'm preserving the above as originally written for the sake of thread continuity, but for the record: I have no evidence whatsoever that this particular driver purposely used his truck as a weapon; it's very possible that he had no negative intent whatsoever.

[Dusk]

Brokenrobot – You might be right….but there is a chance the driver was just not qualified to be driving. Thank our licensing programs and how easy it is to get and keep a drivers license. The guy might be driving cause he couldn’t qualify at McDonalds.

[CommuterRun]

I think it's more likely that the driver was just incompetent. I haven't seen it to be true that log truck drivers are out to get cyclists. In fact quit the opposite is true. It's been my experience that drivers of vehicles that require a CDL tend to be among the most professional of drivers.

Either way, hopefully this driver and incident are investigated and charged as appropriate.

[mechBgon]

I've also found the Northwest's professional truckers to be excellent drivers who take pains to give me LOTS of space on the highway. I think they're concerned about sucking me into the following traffic with their wake, not just a collision.

:( for the cyclist and her friends & family.

[Dogbait]

Comments #2 and #4 in response to the BTA web log article are from a cyclist who was there when it happened.

BTA Blog (http://www.bta4bikes.org/btablog/2006/06/01/in-memoriam-jane-higdon/)

Dogbait

[John E]

1) What can we do defensively, as bicyclists?
Group rides are problematic. If we ride single file without any significant gaps, it takes a motorist a long time to pass the entire string. A motorist may have an easier time passing a bunch of cyclists riding, say, 3 abreast and taking the entire lane, since the passing motorist can treat the cyclists as a single "blob," much like a slow-moving truck. Alternatively, ride in single-file pairs, leaving generous gaps between groups. This facilitates passing one pair at a time, instead of the entire column. Instead of riding in tight formations, we can apply an appropriate modification of the motorist's standard 2-second rule in setting our following distance behind the cyclist ahead. (OK, this admittedly conflicts with tightening up our formation to shorten the passing distance required, which is why I suggested breaking into singles or pairs.)

2) What can we do as citizens?
We can lobby for stricter accountability for all motorists, and for higher standards for obtaining and retaining a driver's license.

3) What can we do as human beings?
Offer our condolences to the families of the victims.

[Bikepacker67]

Check out this typical cager response (http://www.registerguard.com/news/2006/06/09/ed.col.edwards.0609.p1.php?section=opinion):


Narrow road not built for bicyclists
By Pat Edwards
Published: Friday, June 9, 2006

All of us in the Lorane area are grieving for the family and friends of Jane Higdon and for the driver of the log truck that struck her. It's a tragedy for everyone.

Even though I don't know any of the people involved, it affected my family deeply. Our 18-year-old grandson was one of the first ones on the horrific scene, and the accident took place on a section of Territorial Road bordering our leased acreage.

Local residents have feared for many years that something like this would happen. The section of Territorial Road between Gillespie Corners and the top of Stoney Point is narrow and winding. There are absolutely no shoulders on the road - the fog lines are painted on the very edges of the pavement, which drops off directly into ditches on both sides of the road. The state road has few areas where even a single car can safely pass.

No one who lives in the area would even consider walking, riding a horse or a bicycle on this stretch of road because it is so dangerous. At least a walker or a horseback rider would be able to move over into the ditch if a car or truck approached, but there is nowhere to go for a bicyclist. Even when bicyclists are riding single file on the edge of the road, a car must go into the other lane to get around them, and most ride close enough together that a car must pass all at once, making it even more dangerous.

I have gotten to know and respect many bicycle riders from my 15 years working at the University of Oregon. So, I have nothing against bicyclists and under most circumstances I am most willing to share a road with them. Even on Territorial, I try to be respectful and try not to force my way around them, and when I do find it necessary to pass them, I give plenty of clearance.

But it is a tense, scary situation, even in the best of circumstances, knowing that if a bicyclist falls or doesn't see me approach, I could easily be in the same position that the truck driver found himself in.

I understand how our area appeals to bicycle riders and those who want to enjoy our beautiful scenery. But on weekdays and evenings especially, there are many log trucks, farm trucks hauling trailers of hay and livestock and commercial vehicles, not to mention cars traveling the road.

On weekends, there are buses and limos taking visitors to our popular wineries. For them to crawl along at 20 miles per hour behind small groups of bicyclists for miles before they can pass is asking a great deal from our human impatience. The people traveling those roads have jobs to get to, appointments to keep, schedules to maintain and everyday life to live. We don't always have the luxury of taking slow, relaxing country drives unless we plan ahead for them.

Every time I read a newspaper article on the wonderful bike routes to be found in our area, I shudder. So do my neighbors. They mention the gorgeous scenery and the pastoral peacefulness of a ride out toward Lorane, but none of them mention the very real dangers involved.

So, please don't point fingers at a truck driver who is already carrying a burden far heavier than most of us could stand. It could have happened to any of us. Bicyclists who ride these roads must bear some of the responsibility for the danger that we all face with their presence on roads that were not built for their use.

I don't know what the solution is. The only possible one I can think of is for the state to release some of its kicker money to make these roads wider and safer with bicycle lanes. Otherwise, we are all going to be in jeopardy.

[sentinel4675]

brokenrobot, where do you come off claiming this was intentional? You sound ridiculous with such a claim. If you have proof it was intentional, come forward otherwise quit making such stupid claims.

[thekorn]

My own personal experience in the northwest: automobile drivers in seattle are generally aware and courteous. I have far more problems with metro buses and semi trucks passing within inches of me, even when there is ample room in the next lane.
And as for log truck drivers: they probably don't see cyclists very often, but a lot of them are nuts. They drive loaded trucks on those tiny roads faster than I would drive in a rally car. I am wary whenever I drive or ride logging roads where there is active logging going on. I'm sure the accident was not intentional, but obviously more care needs to be taken when passing cyclists.

[Chris516]

While I understand the reasoning:) behind riding close to the side of the road to avoid traffic, the death of this cyclist is, the specific reason why, I 'take the lane':mad: because, I am not going to allow some idiot run me off the road, even accidentally:mad: . I use a combination of roads and, bike paths;) to get where I am going.(I don't drive)

I also wear a Bell helmet, reflective jacket and, biking gloves. Additionally, I have front and rear lights.

[Daily Commute]

While I understand the reasoning:) behind riding close to the side of the road to avoid traffic, the death of this cyclist is, the specific reason why, I 'take the lane':mad: because, I am not going to allow some idiot run me off the road, even accidentally:mad: . I use a combination of roads and, bike paths;) to get where I am going.(I don't drive)

I also wear a Bell helmet, reflective jacket and, biking gloves. Additionally, I have front and rear lights.
If a couple cars pass too close, it tells me I need to be farther left. It sounds like that might be even more needed on this road. Even if a truck cuts you off, that gives you a lot more escape room.

I agree that there is no evidence that the driver intentionally hurt the cyclist. We shouldn't call someone a murderer unless there is some evidence of that. It looks like the driver just didn't leave enough space when passing. That still should be his fault. He still deserves a criminal conviction for something. But he ain't a murderer.

John E. also had good ideas for group rides--Leave enough gaps so that drivers can pass one small group at a time.


On weekends, there are buses and limos taking visitors to our popular wineries. For them to crawl along at 20 miles per hour behind small groups of bicyclists for miles before they can pass is asking a great deal from our human impatience. The people traveling those roads have jobs to get to, appointments to keep, schedules to maintain and everyday life to live. We don't always have the luxury of taking slow, relaxing country drives unless we plan ahead for them.
I love the part that I emphasized. Yeah, we know that traffic is often slow in the road, and that's a problem when we don't plan for it. City people have known for years that you have to leave early enough to deal with traffic. If Pat Edwards isn't organized enough to leave on time, that's not the cyclist's fault.

Driving and riding in traffic does "ask[] a great deal from our human impatience." If Pat Edwards of Lorane, Oregon can't deal with that, she's not qualified to hold a drivers license.

[brokenrobot]

brokenrobot, where do you come off claiming this was intentional? You sound ridiculous with such a claim. If you have proof it was intentional, come forward otherwise quit making such stupid claims.


I don't know that this particular event was intentional (though I would not be surprised if the truck driver was purposely trying to intimidate the cyclists, even if he didn't intend to kill anyone). However, I've had many, many interactions with logging trucks and several conversations with the drivers of logging trucks (who didn't know I was a cyclist) and I stand by my statement that many loggers conflate bicyclists with environmentalists and believe they are their "enemies" - and that the drivers of logging trucks are often purposely aggressive as a result. Again, that's only my experience and your mileage may vary - but you come off as a moron, and you should either counter with a valid argument or go away, rather than making unfounded personal attacks.

EDIT: I've just read the BTA posts and story, and indeed it sounds like this driver passed much closer and faster than was necessary, effectively running the cyclists off the road and killing one. Might not have been on purpose, but was almsot certainly avoidable.

[sentinel4675]

"Almost certainly an intentional killing" Sound pretty certain to me. I don't think it sounds moronic at all for me to ask your for proof that this was intentional as you said. Where is your proof that logging truck drivers intentionally want to hurt bikers? There is no need for me to counter with anything since you are the one making claims this was intentional. Some on this board seem to think everyone in a car or truck is out to get them.

[brokenrobot]

"Almost certainly an intentional killing" Sound pretty certain to me. I don't think it sounds moronic at all for me to ask your for proof that this was intentional as you said. Where is your proof that logging truck drivers intentionally want to hurt bikers? There is no need for me to counter with anything since you are the one making claims this was intentional. Some on this board seem to think everyone in a car or truck is out to get them.

I'm done with you. I stand by the validity of my personal experience; if yours is different, that's just super and I'm very happy for you.

That said, the wording of my first post may well have been too strong - perhaps he only meant to scare. How about "almost certainly intentional aggressive driving" instead?

[SirMike1983]

My encounters with log trucks in New England was that they tended to be overloaded and to drive too fast. That combination is dangerous. Some of those same trucks also have bad brakes or mechanical problems. They are quite dangerous.

[oilfreeandhappy]

"I don't know what the solution is. The only possible one I can think of is for the state to release some of its kicker money to make these roads wider and safer with bicycle lanes. Otherwise, we are all going to be in jeopardy."

I hope the state takes notice, and adds some bike lanes to these country roads. I've visited the Pac. Northwest, and agree that many of these logging trucks drive way too fast and wrecklessly.

[donnamb]

I've never been on my bike down where Jane Higdon was killed, but I've driven a car there and other similar areas in Oregon. I have been alarmed at how fast some of the log trucks move on those narrow, winding roads, always well over the speed limit. What I've noticed is that while most truck drivers, logging and otherwise, are professionals and obviously well trained, there is a small but always present minority of poorly trained daredevils who are driving fully loaded log trucks down those roads like the furies were chasing them. Some of them are using meth and others are just too interested in adrenaline rushes to be driving. I understand they are notoriously hard to steer and many professional drivers tend to avoid that kind of work. It's not surprising that good truck drivers who can find work driving other loads do, and so we end up with not so skilled drivers careening down narrow roads a breath and a chance away from killing themselves and/or others.

I have also been hearing rumors and such that whatever led to Jane Higdon's death was intentional and deliberate, but I have no idea if they are true or not. Like most of the West, there is a lot of social conflict in Oregon between rural residents who don't want their way of life to change, and urban residents who are proponents of environmental preservation and all that goes with that. Although not all recreational cyclists are "environmentalists", they all get lumped into that category by people who know nothing about them. I could see this death happening deliberately. Don't underestimate how nasty this can get. I could also see these rumors as being generated by the paranoid conspiracy theorists on the environmentalist side of the issues. They may believe it even though it may not be true, and no one will be able to convince them otherwise.

If you want to follow this as it progresses through the investigation and possible courts, keep an eye on the Eugene Register-Guard's website. That's the biggest newspaper near where Jane Higdon's death occured. The sadness of another cyclist's death aside, I'll be interested to see if they overtly bring the environmental movement into this matter and in what way.

[mechBgon]

If I intended to kill a cyclist using a logging truck, I wouldn't fool around with passing at arm's length from them and hoping for a chain-reaction situation. Just run them over directly, and get it over with. So how about if we hold off on the premeditated-murder libel, unless someone is ready to back it up with proof.

[nm+]

I just got done with WA-20 (North Cascades Hwy) a few days ago and am still in logging conditions. The logging truck drivers I've met off the bike have been nice, even when knowing I'm a biker. I even get waves when they're driving.
But they still tend to cut way too close. They're cowboys and it pisses me off. I don't thionk they pass too close more often than any car, but its far more noticable and dangerious. Its also more noticable because every other group of truck drivers are awesome. Lots of space and they will use thier tons of steel to protect you.b They also radio ahead so other trucks are aware of you. I think they hav e some sympathy for slow vehicles that car drivers pass dangeriously :P
Note that in these parts most drivers watch out for logging trucks, they aree known as bad drivers. I think they need to crack down, but logging trucks get away with it because they drive in rural low volume areas with few patrols.

[sentinel4675]

broken,
I guess it must have been too much for me to ask you for proof this was intentional. BS spewings of such stuff is what causes problems. Whatever your personal experience is has nothing to do with this incident. I wasn't discounting what you may have experienced, just pointing out that you haven't back anything you've said with proof. Also, how do you know "perhaps he only meant to scare. "

[Daily Commute]

It sounds like cyclists need to take the lane on this road. If cars and trucks already have to pull into the oncoming traffic lane to pass, there's additional inconvenience to them in going completely into the oncoming lane. But the cyclist will be left with more escape room if the drivers cut it too close.

[cs1]

I don't know that this particular event was intentional (though I would not be surprised if the truck driver was purposely trying to intimidate the cyclists, even if he didn't intend to kill anyone). However, I've had many, many interactions with logging trucks and several conversations with the drivers of logging trucks (who didn't know I was a cyclist) and I stand by my statement that many loggers conflate bicyclists with environmentalists and believe they are their "enemies" - and that the drivers of logging trucks are often purposely aggressive as a result. Again, that's only my experience and your mileage may vary - but you come off as a moron, and you should either counter with a valid argument or go away, rather than making unfounded personal attacks.

EDIT: I've just read the BTA posts and story, and indeed it sounds like this driver passed much closer and faster than was necessary, effectively running the cyclists off the road and killing one. Might not have been on purpose, but was almsot certainly avoidable.

Read the entire account before you shoot off your mouth. One of the riders in the group crashed. She went left of center to avoid the downed rider. She unfortunatley chose between crashing into a downed rider or going into oncoming trafic. Obviously, she made a tragic decision.

You cannot possibly say a cyclist who makes a sudden lane change into oncoming traffic, and gets hit, was murdered. The truck driver was not cited for the accident. No eye witness said it was intentional.
Your remarks are totally out of line and slanderous.

Read this http://www.cyberlibel.com/libel.html You and everyone else that are making these totally outrageous statements can be sued.

Tim

[sentinel4675]

Thank you cs1

[Tskuller]

Would these cyclist had been any safer taking the entire lane in this tragic situation?
I myself do not feel that they would of, If this driver really was hell bent on scaring or hurting these cyclist it would have been much easier to wreck havic had they been more to the center of the lane.

If we are riding in a remote area and we come across aggresive drivers no matter where we are in the lane we are vulnarable.

[brokenrobot]

Read the entire account before you shoot off your mouth. One of the riders in the group crashed. She went left of center to avoid the downed rider. She unfortunatley chose between crashing into a downed rider or going into oncoming trafic. Obviously, she made a tragic decision.

You cannot possibly say a cyclist who makes a sudden lane change into oncoming traffic, and gets hit, was murdered. The truck driver was not cited for the accident. No eye witness said it was intentional.
Your remarks are totally out of line and slanderous.

Read this http://www.cyberlibel.com/libel.html You and everyone else that are making these totally outrageous statements can be sued.

Tim

Rad the entire account yourself. According to the people who were there, one of the riders crashed BECAUSE OF THE TRUCK prior to the last cyclist in line being struck.

Again, I'm not saying this WAS intentional - I'm saying it's been my experience that many loggers are purposely aggressive toward cyclists and that I wouldn't be surprised if this one was, too. And that, my friend, ain't libel. Whether it was intentional or not, the only first-person reports we have indicate that the truck driver came much, much too close, effectively running the lead cyclist off the road and thus causing the chain of events that resulted in death.

At any rate, cs1, you're a person whose opinion I respect based on past post history (though we disagree on certain political issues, including concealed carry); if you're as irked as you seem, I've got to consider whether I've been over the line. So from here out I'm going to resist comment here unless new facts come to light.

EDIT: I've added a brief addendum to my initial post, indicating that my initial response may have been more heated than the evidence warrants; hopefully, we can get back to the other issues at hand. No matter how you look at it, this was a tragic occurance, and I think we can all agree on that much at least!

[Daily Commute]

Read the entire account before you shoot off your mouth. One of the riders in the group crashed. She went left of center to avoid the downed rider. She unfortunatley chose between crashing into a downed rider or going into oncoming trafic. Obviously, she made a tragic decision.

You cannot possibly say a cyclist who makes a sudden lane change into oncoming traffic, and gets hit, was murdered. The truck driver was not cited for the accident. No eye witness said it was intentional.
Your remarks are totally out of line and slanderous.

Read this http://www.cyberlibel.com/libel.html You and everyone else that are making these totally outrageous statements can be sued.

Tim
The article did not say that the rider went into oncoming traffic. She was hit by the right side of the truck that was passing her.

I think brokenrobot was wrong to effectively accuse the driver of murder (I give him credit for qualifying his argument in his last post), but you also have some of your facts wrong.


Would these cyclist had been any safer taking the entire lane in this tragic situation?
I myself do not feel that they would of, If this driver really was hell bent on scaring or hurting these cyclist it would have been much easier to wreck havic had they been more to the center of the lane.

If we are riding in a remote area and we come across aggresive drivers no matter where we are in the lane we are vulnarable.
But if you are on the left side of the lane, you have 8' or so of maneuvering space to work with. If you start 6" from the shoulder, you've got nowhere to go but in the ditch.

[Bikepacker67]

The bottom line is that the flucker passed too close, and too fast.
I hope to God he's charged with vehicular homicide.

Witness says deadly crash was avoidable (http://barometer.orst.edu/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/06/06/448519630abc1)

[merlinextraligh]

Almost certainly an intentional killing.

This really is grossly irresponsible. you sound like an idiot, and do nothing to advance your cause. I'd be careful before you accuse people of murder.

[KnhoJ]

I think it's a matter of logging drivers driving like madmen. As a kid, I used to go with my dad to gather up firewood from what logging left behind. We always had to be on guard for logging trucks, they would tear down the mountain at 50-70 mph on one lane roads. Usually, they'd call ahead on the cb, and we'd dive into the ditch and wait.

Now, in response to liability and increased public presence in the mountains, they sometimes take greater safety precautions. Namely, a pickup scout barrelling down the mountain in advance. If you're ever around logging operations, and see a logging-related pickup shoot past, and the driver honks, waves, or makes any other brief attempt at communication, assume the worst and get off the road. If you see a log truck, run for your life. (no matter if you're walking or biking or driving) They're going way too fast to give up a few inches. They still call ahead on the cb sometimes, so that could be a useful safety device in these areas.

[toejam]

Check out this typical cager response (http://www.registerguard.com/news/2006/06/09/ed.col.edwards.0609.p1.php?section=opinion):

I have gotten to know and respect many bicycle riders from my 15 years working at the University of Oregon. So, I have nothing against bicyclists and under most circumstances I am most willing to share a road with them.

How nice, Pat Edwards, is under most circumstances, willing to share the road. Most circumstances? I thought it was the law.

[PhattTyre]

I did the Wolf Creek loop and rode that stretch of Lorane today. I was expecting flowers or something, but didn't notice anything. It's hit the bike community pretty hard. I don't know exactly where it happened, just that it was between Hamm and the Gillespie Corners. That was my second time through there and it was a lot narrower than I remembered it. There were plenty of bends that make it hard to pass or share a plane. The two feet left of the white line is really rough, which only makes things worse. It's a convient stretch of road for a lot of the rides around here. It really needs to be wider with all the traffic it gets, bikes, winery patrons, Sunday drivers, etc. Most of the roads south of Eugene have a pretty good shoulder or very low traffic. That stretch is probably the worst around and riding it today irked me a bit.

[Feldman]

In my experience, logging truck drivers treat cyclists one hell of a lot better than they treat other motorists! Their haste makes a good argument for regulating the pay structure of drivers who haul heavy loads on narrow roads--they should be salaried, paid lavishly, and productivity and efficiency be damned.
Incentive pay for productivity is a simply horrible idea in a transportation job. The Portland area just had it's second major freeway fatal accident within a calendar year resulting from a speeding big-rig driver
encountering suddenly slowing traffic and not being able to slow or stop in time.

[crtreedude]

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Usually - these truckers are paid by the mile. This encourages going as fast as you can to make the most money. If they get stuck behind you - you are costing them money. Not justifying, just explaining.

So, they are trying to make a living - and they are trying to make as much as they can by running as many loads as they can.

The problem of course is that they aren't the only people on the road. I am not sure the answer - but it helps to know the root cause - which is how they are compensated in my opinion.

[Daily Commute]

There was a series of letters on the subject in yesterday's local paper (http://www.registerguard.com/news/2006/06/12/ed.letters.bike.0612.p1.php).

One fact that may cast some responsibility on the cyclist is that she fell trying to avoid a cyclist crashing in front of her. The truck was passing too close and deserves some blame. But if the cyclist had left an assured clear distance between her and the cyclist in front of her, she very well might be alive today.

[outashape]

When I have driven in curvy, tight mountain roads, I found it difficult to stay in my lane going downhill even with the car in second gear and riding the brakes. It would be scary to meet a cyclist. I will cycle on low-volume narrow mountain roads. But I listen, and can hear the cars and trucks a ways back. Usually, I can find a place, on the switchbacks or such when I can pull over. My experience with racing and competitive cyclists is that they don't observe common courtesy or road laws. When I was with a racing club, they blew all stop signs, and made cars wait when clumps of 10 or cycled down busy streets. I mostly cycle with a touring club or solo when commuting. We lost two members last year in two separate accidents where drivers crossed their lane and hit the cyclist head on. Although it is the law that we "share the road", it is also my life and I choose common sense. There are traffic accidents everyday, thousands, Why? people do dumb things. The difference between two cars and one car and one bike, is damage or death to the cyclist.