Bicyclist Killed In Collision In Dana Point

[awiner]

http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_164121810.html

(CBS) DANA POINT, Calif. A bicyclist was killed Wednesday (6/13/07) in a collision with a vehicle in Dana Point, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The biker died at the scene of the accident, which occurred shortly after 5 a.m. near the connector road from southbound Pacific Coast Highway to the southbound Sam Diego (5) Freeway, according to CHP Officer Denise Quesada.

The connector road was closed for about two hours while an investigation was conducted, Quesada said.




These stories are becomming way too common. Be careful out there.

[BCIpam]

Although no death is excusable, there is a difference between a "bicyclist" and someone who is riding a bike say to go to work etc. I hate it when the news media does not make that clear. It makes it appear to the public "bicyclists" ie, people who ride bicycles for sport and fitness, are careless and crazy and deserve to be hit.

For those of you who do travel either at night or in the early morning, when people aren't looking for or aware of cyclist, please take every precaution - lights, vest, reflectors everywhere and watch for traffic, especailly that goino onto and coming off freeways. High speed vehicles are no match for a cyclist. I occasionally ride in the evening, when the light gets low but I tend to frequent bike trails or off road paths in order to avoid car traffic. Motorist have a hard enough time as it is seeing someone during broad daylight (I was almost hit last night as a woman decided to amke a sudden right turn in front of me - I'm sure she had no clue I was there).

Please be careful.

[mkadam68]

I too draw a distinction between a cyclist (regular, knowledgeable, etc...) and just any other person riding a bike. I see way too many people w/o helmets or lights/reflectors at night riding the wrong way, etc...

However, any death on bike is regrettable.

[vertical bob]

I also grieve for the bike rider and I don't know that intersection ,but PCH and a freeway doesn't seem like a place I would be on a bike at 5am. We are ultimately responsible for our own safety out there. The choices that we make when and where we ride are our own to make. Use good judgement. " Good judgement comes as a result of experience, which comes as a result of poor judgement" Teddy Roosevelt.

[Jeronimo_]

Although no death is excusable, there is a difference between a "bicyclist" and someone who is riding a bike say to go to work etc.

If they are on a bicycle, they are a bicyclist. If they are in a vehicle, they are a motorist. Just because I'm not Mario Andretti, it doesn not mean I am not a motorist when I drive. When I commute to work in business casual attire on my beach cruiser bicycle, it does not make me any less of a bicyclist.

[BigSean]

Although no death is excusable, there is a difference between a "bicyclist" and someone who is riding a bike say to go to work etc. I hate it when the news media does not make that clear. It makes it appear to the public "bicyclists" ie, people who ride bicycles for sport and fitness, are careless and crazy and deserve to be hit.

For those of you who do travel either at night or in the early morning, when people aren't looking for or aware of cyclist, please take every precaution - lights, vest, reflectors everywhere and watch for traffic, especailly that goino onto and coming off freeways. High speed vehicles are no match for a cyclist. I occasionally ride in the evening, when the light gets low but I tend to frequent bike trails or off road paths in order to avoid car traffic. Motorist have a hard enough time as it is seeing someone during broad daylight (I was almost hit last night as a woman decided to amke a sudden right turn in front of me - I'm sure she had no clue I was there).

Please be careful.


By definition a bicyclist is someone that rides a bike. In this case the article said little at all except location and time.


My condolences to the family.

[wagathon]

I heard this on the radio about 6 a.m. this morning . . . a traffic report that mentioned Camino Las Ramblas and PCH. I would like to know exactly where this happened.

There is an area there with drivers getting on and off I-5 that spill over and onto Camino Las Ramblas, right in the area where a biker might have a tricky time either getting over to the right--across freeway off-feed traffic--to get to a surface street that connects with PCH going South, or trying to avoid being hit by others while just trying to go North on PCH as off-feed traffic is merging from the right and cars on the road may be trying to get off to go south. And, there are some houses being built off that street on the East side of I-5 and older homes further up the street with, perhaps some kids going to school or . . . perhaps the train station in San Clemente, etc., etc.

This has turned into a dangerous area for bikers, the most recent death occurring on PCH in that area just last year, a little more south along the coast between Dana Pt. and San Clemente. Even at that time in the morning, it could have been a drunk driver. Hard to believe but they seem to be drawn to that area--loosers on wheels with bikers and sometimes pedestrians getting it in the neck. It was less than a year prior to the last biker death that two women joggers were run down in this same area--I believe in the morning by a drunk driver. I think cars are just getting bigger and bigger and drivers are just getting more and worse, rude and drunk.

Be careful: it's murder out there!

[LCI_Brian]

Although no death is excusable, there is a difference between a "bicyclist" and someone who is riding a bike say to go to work etc. I hate it when the news media does not make that clear. It makes it appear to the public "bicyclists" ie, people who ride bicycles for sport and fitness, are careless and crazy and deserve to be hit.
Although I ride a bike to work and could take offense to what she wrote - I know what Pam means, even if it comes off in a very un-PC way. Most of these fatalities you read in the papers are those who can't afford a car, so they ride a bike - often times with no lights at night, the wrong way on the road, etc. That gives the rest of us who don't do those kinds of things a bad name.

[Placid Casual]

Although no death is excusable, there is a difference between a "bicyclist" and someone who is riding a bike say to go to work etc.

Yeah, because it's not like they're riding bicycles or anything

[BCIpam]

Sorry all but I am probably the most un-PC person you will ever meet. I tell it like it is. I meant no offense to the decedent's family. Like I said all deaths are a tragedy no matter how they happen.

I was casing no aspersions as to the rider, my comment was actually about the media who makes it sounds like like fancy smanzy kit covered tour de france winner is out riding his bicycle at 5 am, in darkness, in a bad traffic area (yes I'm embellishing). I no doubt (as it happens all the time I'm the first to admit) will be proven wrong but I suspect this is just some poor guy, without a car, trying to make it to work on time. The motorist may have been at fault or maybe not. The point is as "bicyclist" we have a duty to make sure 1) motorist are aware of us and 2) the public is not out to get us because we come off as arrogant and elitist.

I pray the family of the bicycle rider gets through this. As someone who is still wheeling from her own death in the family, I know how hard this can be.

[Grumpy Pig]

Although no death is excusable, there is a difference between a "bicyclist" and someone who is riding a bike say to go to work etc. I hate it when the news media does not make that clear. It makes it appear to the public "bicyclists" ie, people who ride bicycles for sport and fitness, are careless and crazy and deserve to be hit.
That is the stupidest thing I have ever read. If someone is on a bicycle, they are a bicyclist.

Regardless, someone died. My condolences to the family.

[BCIpam]

Yeah, because it's not like they're riding bicycles or anything

See above I defined "bicyclist" (it is in quotes) to me as someone who rides for sport and fitness. Someone who rides a bike to work or uses a bike because they don't have a car is "bike commuter" . Brian I know is sometimes a "bicyclist" and sometimes a "bike commuter". Both actions require a bicycle but the purpose is different.

My point was obviously lost in that I was commented on the newspaper article not the person that lost his life.

And I trust not one of you has ever made fun of some "goofy goober" fred on a old, beat up comfort bike since everyone is equally a "bicyclist". Not saying you do... but many people i know do and will make the distinction. "Bicyclists" can be a fairly elitist group of folks.

[Placid Casual]

Sorry all but I am probably the most un-PC person you will ever meet. I tell it like it is.

You mean, you tell it like you think it is. And in this case, what you think it is happens to be jawdroppingly stupid and wrong.

[BCIpam]

Thank you placid for sharing your thoughts... and telling it like you think as well. BTW what is it you all think I said that was so wrong? I am baffled by the anger and dissent. BTW I looked up where Fremont is - it's in East Bay/San Francisco area.

Anyway here is the article form the OC Register in case anyone cares:

DANA POINT – A bicyclist was killed in a traffic collision with a truck early this morning, authorities said.

The accident occurred at 5:07 a.m. on the Pacific Coast Highway on-ramp to the southbound I-5 freeway, California Highway Patrol officer Denise Quesada said.

The on-ramp to the freeway was closed for nearly two hours and was not opened until 7:37 a.m.

The bicyclist, a 37-year-old male from Fremont, died at the scene.

According to a CHP collision report, the victim was riding a Murray bicycle on the right shoulder of the road and was crossing the on-ramp.

The driver of the red 1986 Mazda truck, Jose Ortega, was approaching the on-ramp at about 55 mph and drifted toward the right shoulder, hitting the bike rider with the front end of the truck.

The rider then hit the front windshield of the truck and the roof. He landed on the right shoulder of the road.

The name of the bicyclist is being withheld pending notification of his family.

Traffic flowed normally where the Pacific Coast Highway, the I-5 and Camino Las Ramblas meet, with the exception of the temporarily closed onramp.

Signs at both ends of the road identify that stretch as being off-limits to both pedestrians and bicyclists.

[DaveSANYYZ]

The article is short and lacks info, so I don't see any media bias/finger-pointing there. To me it is completely neutral; maybe I'm just slow.

Regardless, like Frank said, someone died. It doesn't matter if he/she is a commuter, or a pro on a training ride.

EDIT: Hmm, I see your point after reading the full article; but still, I don't think there's a need to differentiate.

[Dizzy]

http://www.citysportstx.com/article/?Guid=1855869f-f1d9-47b4-913e-a77032f4e18a

Dana point and more specifically that intresection is not very bike friendly. Many of the roads are narrow and cars are traveling at too great of a speed. I lived there for 7 years.

It saddens me that the City of Dana Point couldn't have made that stretch of road more bike friendly. They have know it was a problem for sometime.

My condolences.

[BigSean]

See above I defined "bicyclist" (it is in quotes) to me as someone who rides for sport and fitness. Someone who rides a bike to work or uses a bike because they don't have a car is "bike commuter" . Brian I know is sometimes a "bicyclist" and sometimes a "bike commuter". Both actions require a bicycle but the purpose is different.

My point was obviously lost in that I was commented on the newspaper article not the person that lost his life.

And I trust not one of you has ever made fun of some "goofy goober" fred on a old, beat up comfort bike since everyone is equally a "bicyclist". Not saying you do... but many people i know do and will make the distinction. "Bicyclists" can be a fairly elitist group of folks.


Personally, I dont care what people ride, so long as they ride a bike is what I care about. The more riders the better. Last year to now, we have lost 7+ acomplished riders, many racers. Its not a bias, many "cyclists" are killed every year. Most of the time it is due to a driver not paying attention, or in some cases being drunk. The point, rarely is it the cyclist swerving out in front of a car no matter who they are or what they ride. Drivers need to be more aware. Just sit on a residential street and see how many drivers are actually doing 25mph or less, or how many are talking on the phone.

[BigSean]

Thank you placid for sharing your thoughts... and telling it like you think as well. BTW what is it you all think I said that was so wrong? I am baffled by the anger and dissent. BTW I looked up where Fremont is - it's in East Bay/San Francisco area.

Anyway here is the article form the OC Register in case anyone cares:


The driver of the red 1986 Mazda truck, Jose Ortega, was approaching the on-ramp at about 55 mph and drifted toward the right shoulder, hitting the bike rider with the front end of the truck.

Signs at both ends of the road identify that stretch as being off-limits to both pedestrians and bicyclists.


See this article actually tells me that the driver was not paying attention since he drifted toward the right shoulder, meaning he must not have been paying attention.:( Unfortunately this happens alot. I was nearly hit yesterday as a driver drifted into the bike lane as she passed me.:mad:

[ggallin]

bcipam is a "true roadie"

[1955]

I think cars are just getting bigger and bigger
Be careful: it's murder out there!


You must not have been around in the 60's and early 70's...think Bonneville.

But I do agree that it is murder out there.

[BCIpam]

If only you all knew me... but "sigh" doesn't matter.

Listen I am an advocate of cycling and am far from an elitist or "true roadie" in fact I am a mountain biker that likes to do road as well. I regularly participate in "newbie" rides with BCI (my road club) and lead beginner and slow paced MTB rides for the Irvine Ranch. I don't understand why I am defending myself - if you all want to attack me OK fine. But you all missed my point.

BTW I know Brian is a real advocate for cycling and safety issue and hope all of you are as well. When you out and lead your rides, you are very conscious about not running lights, stop signs, or travelling on dangerous roads. You make sure, as well, that others are safe and are riding safely.

I know people ride bikes for all sorts of reasons but I put myself out there as an advocate of cycling. I want cities to build more bike friendly roads and trails. I want people to get into cycling and enjoy the sport as much as I. I would love to see more people, people with cars, start riding to work instead. Gasoline is really going to worth it's weigt in gold someday if we continue to remain dependent on it.

Anyway again, my comment was intended to address how the newspaper article first stated the event. People hate us bicyclists. They do think us elitist and trust me I have ridden with alot of clubs in OC and can tell you each group has its crazy, out of control groups. Each week riding with BCI I get upset because the whole train of riders, leaving Deefield Park, refused to stop for motorists who have the right of way. How rude of us!!! BTW I always stop. I'm am referred to as the "Stop Sign Nazi". Oh well. Can't always be loved by everyone.

And if I recall and Brian maybe you can confirm, we had several tragic deaths last year but the motorist were not at fault. The riders were careless. Sad but true.

Anyway I'll let you all diss on me some more. All I care about is that we all stay safe and that people don't get a bad taste in their mouths when we all try to get out and ride.

[Placid Casual]

BTW what is it you all think I said that was so wrong? [/B]

That people who ride bicycles for reasons other than fitness and sport are not "bicyclists." You are quite simply wrong. It is an astoundingly silly thing to say.

I am baffled by the anger and dissent

For my part, I am a bit puzzled by the amount of work some people are willing to put into categorizing bicycle riders so as to dismiss those who use their bicycles as something other than expensive toys. "Bicyclists" versus non-bicyclists, "true roadies" versus...erm, the other kind...

[VanceMac]

That people who ride bicycles for reasons other than fitness and sport are not "bicyclists." You are quite simply wrong. It is an astoundingly silly thing to say.

For my part, I am a bit puzzled by the amount of work some people are willing to put into categorizing bicycle riders so as to dismiss those who use their bicycles as something other than expensive toys. "Bicyclists" versus non-bicyclists, "true roadies" versus...erm, the other kind...

And I am puzzled by the amount of work some people are willing to put into creating straw men just to be argumentative. Yes, a bicyclist is a bicyclist. But that does not mean that it is never of value to create more specific categories.

If the discussion is how to accomodate bicyclists on a MUP or beach path, then the kind of biking I do is not really relevant. If the discussion is how to fund a new BMX park, then again, I am not the kind of bicyclist that they are really concerned with. It is not placing any kind of value judgement on one kind of cycling or anohter simply by the act of categorizing.

The "true roadie" thing was exaggerated way beyond its context, and everyone has made their point. Do we really need to keep revisiting it?

[Jeronimo_]

The "true roadie" thing was exaggerated way beyond its context, and everyone has made their point. Do we really need to keep revisiting it?

Some people just don't know when to stop eating foot.

[Scootcore]

this is turning into the kind of pointless back and forth that drove me out of "advocacy and safety". does it suck what happened? of course. does it matter one way or the other if the person was a "cyclist" or just some dude riding a bike? hell no, it coulda been the busboy from dennys or lance armstrong, equally important in the cosmic sense of things. does it sound like both people were in the wrong? yes it does(begin the flinging of bile and name calling....). unfortunatley a person lost their life in the ensuing accident. does it make us all bozos for doing what we do? no. does it make all motorists potential murderers? NO! it was na accident, pure and simple.

keep yer eyes peeled and ipods off guys. its a dangerous world.

[vertical bob]

this is turning into the kind of pointless back and forth that drove me out of "advocacy and safety". does it suck what happened? of course. does it matter one way or the other if the person was a "cyclist" or just some dude riding a bike? hell no, it coulda been the busboy from dennys or lance armstrong, equally important in the cosmic sense of things. does it sound like both people were in the wrong? yes it does(begin the flinging of bile and name calling....). unfortunatley a person lost their life in the ensuing accident. does it make us all bozos for doing what we do? no. does it make all motorists potential murderers? NO! it was na accident, pure and simple.

keep yer eyes peeled and ipods off guys. its a dangerous world.right on

[Nachoman]

We need to keep in mind that our common enemy are the cagers, not the freds and not the guys who commute to work each day by bike.

[mateo44]

Do we have to have an enemy?

[Scootcore]

doesnt everyone? i blame al queda...

[Placid Casual]

If the discussion is how to accomodate bicyclists on a MUP or beach path, then the kind of biking I do is not really relevant. If the discussion is how to fund a new BMX park, then again, I am not the kind of bicyclist that they are really concerned with. It is not placing any kind of value judgement on one kind of cycling or anohter simply by the act of categorizing.

We are not having the kind of discussion where distinguishing between recreational cyclists and commuters is the slightest bit useful. It is of no earthly consequence whether the cyclist killed in Dana Point was riding to work or riding for fun or riding to get his blood pressure down.

[cyclezealot]

I hate to open these threads. My friends and I have ridden in the area of this intersection boucoup times. It's a tricky intersection. Another ride in silence.?

[LUCAS]

We are not having the kind of discussion where distinguishing between recreational cyclists and commuters is the slightest bit useful. It is of no earthly consequence whether the cyclist killed in Dana Point was riding to work or riding for fun or riding to get his blood pressure down.

+1

Regards,

[LCI_Brian]

FYI, this tragedy in question is in a different location that the other ones that made the news on PCH in Dana Point last year.