Teen Cyclist Killed in Wyoming, MI

[deputyjones]

Here is the story from the Grand Rapids Press. It never mentions whether the teen had any safety equipment when he was hit after dark, but leads with the quote "Just tell the kids to stay off the roads" from the grieving mother.

I stop kids his age all the time in the late evening for doing this. I guess I will have to start driving them home and giving lectures to their parents instead of the kids.

Family grieves for son killed while riding bike
Monday, April 23, 2007
By Nardy Baeza Bickel
The Grand Rapids Press

WYOMING -- Wendy Lorentz wiped away tears and held her husband Joe's hand for support as they stood outside their home Sunday afternoon with a somber message.

"Just tell the kids to stay off the roads," said Lorentz, hoping to keep children from riding their bikes in the street.

The Lorentzes mourned their son, Joseph "Joey" Lorentz, 13, who was killed at 9:29 Saturday night as he rode his bike across a busy intersection in Wyoming.
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Joey had just dropped off a cousin at her home on the northwest corner of Clyde Park Avenue and Ariebill Street SW and was riding his bike back home across the southwest corner of the intersection when a car hit him.

Police said Joey entered the path of a southbound car driven by an 18-year-old female driver. She swerved to avoid Lorentz but struck him. He died at the scene.

"I heard the brakes, the screeching, and I was outside immediately," said his aunt Dodie Brigham, 34.

She opened the door to see her nephew lying on the busy street near her front yard.

She called her sister and brother-in-law, who were at work.

"He's always so careful," said Brigham, who struggled to speak as she fought back tears.

On Sunday, she hosted friends and family members who congregated around a homemade flower memorial.

[recursive]

I'm amazed that there is a newspaper story about a bike collision that doesn't mention helmets.

[foehn]

I'm amazed that there is a newspaper story about a bike collision that doesn't mention helmets.


Yeah, like all the car collision articles that always mention if the people were NOT buckled in. They never tell you how many died from injuries caused by the seatbelts them selves, especially when buckled (often used incorrectly. . . )

[Helmet Head]

Here is the story from the Grand Rapids Press. It never mentions whether the teen had any safety equipment when he was hit after dark, but leads with the quote "Just tell the kids to stay off the roads" from the grieving mother.

I stop kids his age all the time in the late evening for doing this. I guess I will have to start driving them home and giving lectures to their parents instead of the kids.
I agree.

Of course, if I had posted speculation like this implying the victim might have been able to avoid this by using lights and reflectors I'd be lambasted for disrespectfully speculating about a tragedy and blaming the victim, all to promote my own agenda of encouraging cyclists to use lights and reflectors at night.

[pj7]

Wow, that's aweful. Wyoming, MI is where Velocity (as in Velocity Wheels) is located. I've even driven on that very street.

HH, I don't see any speculation in DJs comment though, just a comment from a concerned cyclist who just happens to also be a police officer. I see nothing he said that mentions lights, reflectors, etc.
But I do see in the story posted that the young lady that hit the boy did notice him. I can't help but wonder what circumstances lead to her not being able to react quickly enough.

Sad, just sad... as always.

[donnamb]

:(

You're right, DJ, it's the parents you need to convince.

[N_C]

Yeah, like all the car collision articles that always mention if the people were NOT buckled in. They never tell you how many died from injuries caused by the seatbelts them selves, especially when buckled (often used incorrectly. . . )

Aside from maybe strapping one leg in, instead of across the lap or putting part of the belt that goes across your shoulder behind you how the hell do you use a seat belt incorrectly? There is really only one way you can use one.

[slowandsteady]

Aside from maybe strapping one leg in, instead of across the lap or putting part of the belt that goes across your shoulder behind you how the hell do you use a seat belt incorrectly? There is really only one way you can use one.


Short people or children have been known to take the shoulder strap and tuck it behind them. Being short myself, I can tell you that in some cars the shoulder belt cuts across my neck. That can't be good in an accident. I don't really have any options to adjust the belt in most cars. Fortunately, in my own cars it isn't an issue because the belt is height adjustable.

Also, lap belts need to be placed on the hips and NOT on the waist. It is the difference between being okay and having a broken back.

And finally, people who are tired might recline the seat back so far that the seat belt is worthless. They slip out from under the belt during an accident.