Pacific Northwest - Sadness in the City

http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_060907_news_bicyclist_killed.312c1732.html

Tim was a great advocate of outdoor riding and a familure face in IDC. Portland Velo group lost one of its own this weekend.
Velocity

She was passing a group of cyclists in a no-passing zone, when they were signaling, causing one of them to die, and yet still nothing more than a slap on the wrist...not even...just a couple tickets. wtf. I realize that accidents happen, but her breaking one rule of the road caused another human to die. She needs to be held accountable for her actions.

I've known Tim all my life. He worked with my dad.

I am just getting into cycling. Its becoming harder for me to keep going on it when stuff like this happens. Like Jakey said nothing more then a slap on the wrist for killing a man. She needs to go to jail or someting.



Heather

She was passing a group of cyclists in a no-passing zone, when they were signaling, causing one of them to die, and yet still nothing more than a slap on the wrist...not even...just a couple tickets. wtf. I realize that accidents happen, but her breaking one rule of the road caused another human to die. She needs to be held accountable for her actions.

She was cited for 'Driving While Suspended', too. Yet, she was driving a new car (2008 Dodge Avenger).

She didn't break just one rule, she'd already broken enough to get her driver's license suspended, and she still managed to either purchase a new vehicle, or some 'friend' allowed her to drive theirs.

Even a civil suit will not keep this woman from driving again. It will cost her money, but not her life.

Was Mr. O'Donnell a member of Bike Forums?

East Hill

Not saying the above is wrong, but hoping that it is, regarding the consequences for the driver. I hope she has to pay dearly, and not just monetary! It is always sad and scary when these things happen, we need to keep trying to make drivers more aware of us. I am so sorry!!

No he was not a member here to the best of my knowledge. But here is a link to the Portland Velo site
http://www.portlandvelo.net/
V

No he was not a member here to the best of my knowledge. But here is a link to the Portland Velo site
http://www.portlandvelo.net/
V

Thank you. I always wonder when I see reports of cyclists killed if they are members here. Sometimes prolific members stop posting...and one never knows.

East Hill

We have a chance to affect the way the law deals with this sort of tragedy in the future but we must act now... before Saturday, June 16th. Oregonians who have not yet written their state senator to urge passage of the "Vulnerable Roadway User Bill" (HR 3314-A) Should do so today.

A quote from the BTA Blog (http://www.bta4bikes.org/btablog/2007/06/06/latest-on-vulnerable-users-bill-hb3314-a/):

"All BTA members, particularly those outside the Portland-metro area, are encouraged to email their Senators and ask for their vote on HB 3314-A."

The vote will be close. Don't assume that you have no clout if you live outside the Portland area... Remember, the "Bicycle Bill" started in 1971 in Central Point with one person who decided to act.

One vote could make the difference. Do what you can to convince your senator to be that one vote.

http://www.leg.state.or.us/writelegsltr/

We have a chance to affect the way the law deals with this sort of tragedy in the future but we must act now... before Saturday, June 16th. Oregonians who have not yet written their state senator to urge passage of the "Vulnerable Roadway User Bill" (HR 3314-A) Should do so today.

A quote from the BTA Blog (http://www.bta4bikes.org/btablog/2007/06/06/latest-on-vulnerable-users-bill-hb3314-a/):

"All BTA members, particularly those outside the Portland-metro area, are encouraged to email their Senators and ask for their vote on HB 3314-A."

The vote will be close. Don't assume that you have no clout if you live outside the Portland area... Remember, the "Bicycle Bill" started in 1971 in Central Point with one person who decided to act.

One vote could make the difference. Do what you can to convince your senator to be that one vote.

http://www.leg.state.or.us/writelegsltr/

Here are the senetors and Rep. names

Sen. Rod Monroe (DEM)
Rep. Mike Schaufler (DEM)

I would also encourage Oregonian BF members to also have your family write your representatives.

riversiderider

Marry Tims wife for 49 years writes this letter. Please read. Please act on it.

Velocity

What a poignant, wonderful letter. altho it is too late for me to affect the vote, i am still contacting my senator here in eastern oregon and letting my and other like-thinking folks thoughts known. We do know that all the laws passed will not keep all of the irresponsible people off the road, but maybe it will keep more of them off the road. My prayers to her and her family.

As an update, the senate bill passed. Now it goes to the Gov who will sign it. Its a big improvement over the current law...but I still don't think it is stiff enough.

Thanks for the update.

Sometimes money is not enough (like this time) but it is a step in the right dirrection.
V

More jail time needed I'd say...but it's a step forward.

http://www.forestgrovenewstimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=118539132490529700

http://www.forestgrovenewstimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=118539132490529700

Same thing happened with my dad. He was rear ended by a truck driver that had received a DUII in WA but it hadn't caught up to his OR license. I wish the penalties for careless driving that results in someone's death (doesn't really matter if they are "vulnerable" or not) were higher. I understand not wanting to convict these people of manslaughter, but I do think they should get at least some time behind bars.