DVC45
07-30-07, 10:47 PM
Cyclist dies in riding accident
Donny Kloster head of local sports group
By Mike Baird
Originally published 12:00 a.m., July 29, 2007
Updated 04:34 a.m., July 29, 2007
Longtime bicyclist Donny Kloster, 63, who rode from Anchorage, Alaska, to Corpus Christi in 1995, died about 8 a.m. Saturday in a roadway accident.
Police reports show he ran a stop sign on the Up River Road access road at the Rand Morgan Road intersection and hit a moving pickup.
"The bicycle left about six feet of skid marks after churning more than 30 mph down a steep hill before slamming into the front of a 1999 Ford F-150 northbound on Rand Morgan," said Lt. Tommy Nichols, with Corpus Christi Police Department.
Kloster was thrown onto the hood, hit the windshield and fell into the opposite traffic lane, Nichols said. He died before police arrived, and the medical examiner was called to the scene, Nichols said.
Caller-Times file Donny Kloster rides in 2005 on the Cole Park bike path.
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Kloster was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. It, his gloves and shoes were dislodged from the impact, and his bicycle was impaled sideways into the grille of the truck, Nichols said.
"The truck didn't leave any skid marks," Nichols said. "And the driver said (Kloster) came out of nowhere."
The driver, a local workman on his way to his job, was not injured, Nichols said. "He was just very shaken up," he said.
Kloster, a Flour Bluff resident and oil industry inspector, has been the longtime president of South Texas Area Runners Riders and Swimmers, an organization with about 250 members that promotes races, workouts and social activities for multi-sport athletes.
"It think everybody's numb and devastated," said Gretchen Arnold, communications officer for the group. "Everybody loved Donny for his kindness and sweet nature, but he was the one who preached the most about safety while riding. It's been very upsetting."
The group has planned a memorial bike ride today at 7:30 a.m. at Lamar Park Shopping Center. Members ride from that site each weekend, but organizers will pass out flowers for riders to wear in backpacks while they travel to the site where Kloster died, Arnold said.
It's not the first time some of the members have rallied around Kloster. In 2003, Brantley White, a Corpus Christi attorney, and Wade Spenst, owner of Platypus Fitness and Aerobics, offered a reward for tips leading to the arrest of a young man who threw a traffic cone at Kloster's bike while he was on his way to the Beach to Bay starting line to escort runners. It caused Kloster to fall and break several ribs.
Kloster also mediated in April when some of the original organizers and club volunteers with Conquer the Coast bicycle ride tussled with the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce over the organization of the ride around the bay.
Kloster's family was notified of his death Saturday and was traveling to Corpus Christi from Kerrville Saturday afternoon.
To ensure safety at the memorial the group has requested police barricade the site by 8 a.m. Friends who don't want to ride are welcome to come for the memorial ceremony between then and 8:30 a.m. Arnold said.
"We're going to briefly stop where Donny took his last breath doing what he loved best," Arnold said. "We'll leave some flowers and pray for our dear friend and then go on."
Contact Mike Baird at 886-3774 or bairdm@caller.com
ArticleComments
Posted by pack007tx on July 29, 2007 at 8:09 a.m.
Donny was an amazing person who died doing what he loved most.
Posted by triciahornbeck on July 29, 2007 at 8:41 a.m.
Donny was one of the most caring and inspirational individuals I have ever met. His passion for riding and his warm smile never ceased to amaze me. His kindness and encouragement were blessings he shared with everyone. His sense of humor was incredible. His hysterical emails were always a bright spot in my day.
I will miss you, "Pappa Bear"........
Tricia Hornbeck
Houston, TX
Posted by marlana2002 on July 29, 2007 at 9:10 a.m.
May this amazing man rest in peace.
Posted by marcna97 on July 29, 2007 at 10:18 a.m.
I LIVE IN MATHIS AND IN THE MORNINGS WHEN I DRIVE TO WORK, I WOULD SEE A GROUP OF BIKE RIDERS ON THE ACCESS ROAD RIDING THEIR BIKES, AND I ALWAYS HONK AT THEM AND MY MESSAGE IS TO WISH THEM WELL AND TO BE SAFE,. IF YOU READ THIS OR IF THE FAMILY READS THIS, MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES AND GOD BLESS YOU!!!
Posted by leaddad on July 29, 2007 at 12:29 p.m.
..This was a tragic accident, but you see these people all dressed up on their fancy bikes break traffic laws every day!! they expect drivers to treat them with respect on the road but they cycle in their "packs" and get in everybody's way. maybe ccpd should start enforcing the traffic laws for everybody on the road.
Posted by rcarmstrong on July 29, 2007 at 1:49 p.m.
Donny was truly a great guy who will be sorely missed. I know him from the Easter Hill Country in Kerrville several years ago plus the Island Du in Corpus and Conquer the Coast among many other events and rides. A real gentleman and a fierce competitor.
Posted by louise_shirley2000 on July 29, 2007 at 1:52 p.m.
I was very sad to read this tragic story. My deepest condolences to the family. May god rest his soul. I feel sorry too for the worker on the way to work who was driving his truck. Why these terrible things happen, we just don't know. Hopefully this will make someone else be more careful. I have always been concerned for cyclists on the roads and highways.
Posted by vivian_r on July 29, 2007 at 2:31 p.m.
leaddad I completely agree with you, I cannot count the times cyclists both alone and in packs have peddled out into my lane of traffic expecting me to avoid them as well as the cars that are around me. I have had several close calls the police should ticket them as well, after all the rules of the road apply to all.
Posted by miketomiashley on July 29, 2007 at 2:55 p.m.
This isn't really the time to start blaming cyclists for traffic violations. I think Mr. Kloster paid the ultimate price for his mistake and leave it at that. Also, as a driver, you're are suppose to look both ways before you go through an intersection. I think there's enough blame to go around for everyone on the roadway. I just can't believe the cyclists are brave enough to get on our roads knowing that we have the worst drivers in the country on them!
Posted by pack007tx on July 29, 2007 at 2:55 p.m.
leaddad - as a family member of Donny, I take offense to you turning this tragedy into a way for you to voice your opinion concerning traffic laws and cyclists. I just don't think your comments were appropriate right now.
Posted by doug3634 on July 29, 2007 at 3:11 p.m.
From some past comments: Quote: "cyclists both alone and in packs have peddled out into MY lane of traffic..." Folks, the lane of traffic belongs to the bike rider as much as it belongs to you as drivers of motor vehicles.
Posted by amy31267 on July 29, 2007 at 4:04 p.m.
SRY BOUT THE MAN WHO PASSED AWAY I RIDE MY BIKE JUST A SHORT DISTANCE AND ALSO I WEAR A HELMET WHEN I FIRS T GOT MY BIKE MY SISTER TOLD ME I BETTER GET A HELMET BUT I KNEW THAT ONE DAY I JUST WENT AROUND THE BLOCK WITHOUT WEARING IT I FELT NAKED AND UNSAFE LIKE RIDDING IN A CAR NOW ITS THE LAW YOU HAVE TO BE BELTED IN.LIKE SOMEONE SAID "GOOD FOR YOU" TALKING BOUT ME THAT I WAS WEARING A HELMET
Posted by kdelack on July 29, 2007 at 6 p.m.
leaddad and vivian_r. please take a moment to mourn a fellow human being before lashing out with your opinion-to which you are certainly entitled. however also, take a moment to read your Texas Drivers Handbook chapter 13 5c,: there are unsafe conditions in the roadway such as fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, potholes or debris. our "fancy bikes" do not ride well on debris, we get flat tires or debris causes our bikes to slide and crash. it is most safe for us to ride from 3-4 feet from the curb, putting us directly into the traffic lane - where we are allowed if the above conditions pertain. as you may well know our city does not, or cannot keep our streets swept clean, we encounter glass, gravel and other litter that makes our sport hazardous. please consider, the next time you encounter a cyclist or pack of cyclists, just how many seconds it takes from your day to allow them to safely share your road usage. we do not expect motorists to accommodate us, simply to safely share the road with us, believe me we are all deeply grateful when a motorist treats us with respect and allows us a small 3-4 foot of road space and passes at a reasonable speed, after all we-like everyone else just want to arrive home safely to our families.
Posted by natasofthedeepestpitofhell on July 29, 2007 at 6:11 p.m.
leadlad, I agree...sorry about the accident all but the rules of the road apply to cyclists as well as motorized traffic.
I rode with the local Saturday morning group but for the most part, no one stopped for traffic signals or stop signs...
packoo7tx...I'm sorry for your loss but the truth is, if he had followed traffic laws, you would not have lost a family member and he would be riding next weekend.
Yes, tragedy sucks...especially when it doesn't have to happen...that's what tragedy is.
My condolences to you and your family.
Natas
Posted by p_kniss on July 29, 2007 at 6:37 p.m.
The comments left by leaddad and vivian_r left me deeply saddened. They are prime examples of exactly the kind of ignorance that perpetuate the poor reputation that Corpus already has. No wonder cyclists in this area feel the need to ride in packs -- the feeling of safety in numbers.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), TxDot, TX DPS and the Texas Legislature, have all recognized that "cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities as the operators of other vehicles." See generally, the Texas Transportation Code.
Instead of asking that CCPD ticket bike riders for being in "your" lane, perhaps cyclists in Corpus will start writing down the license plates of irresponsible drivers like you two.
While I pray that neither of you are ever in an accident or lose a loved one like the Klosters have, if/when it does happen, hopefully no one will spout ignorance and hate on a public website the way you two have.
The fact that I felt compelled to post this in the middle of an otherwise beautiful thread about a great man that was taken from us way too soon is probably the saddest thing about this entire story.
Posted by geministar1989 on July 29, 2007 at 7:35 p.m.
Something happend to me yesterday morning i was on my way to work i traveled this road for 2 years and something happened to a good person i didnt know of. These people do this because its what they love to do. Its like a football player or a basketball player its a sport Its hard for them to find a place for them to ride on its hard for me because i was there i was the one in the truck i understand it was an accident and GODBLESS these people they poured there hearts out to me this morning. People i dont even know and it felt like i knew them forever they made me stronger and helped me in what im going through they were like angels. I just felt that i had to be there for the memorial to get closure but i will never forget you all.To the three women that were there with me when it happend thank you. You guys really helped me thru this.You know who you are stay strong and safe. I dont know what to say whatever donny would say when you go out riding. love you all
Ramon Trevino
Posted by marlana2002 on July 30, 2007 at 6:29 a.m.
I really wish we had more bike lanes like the one on Ennis Joslin.
Cycling is a physical and mental activity that I think more people could enjoy if we had safer areas to ride.
However, I have to agree with the family member of Mr. Kloster--this is not the place to voice opinion about "packs of cyclists".
My sympathies are with the family and many friends of Mr. Kloster.
And to the above poster--my heart goes out to you. I cannot imagine what you are feeling, but I hope God holds you close and helps you to heal over this horrible accident.
Posted by edec70 on July 30, 2007 at 8:10 a.m.
I think leaddad and vivian_r are fat couch potatoes.
Posted by strs4s on July 30, 2007 at 9:38 a.m.
I live near Austin, cyclists take their life in their own hands here with our winding blind corners. The loss of a good person is trajic no matter who was at fault. I do not ride a bike, I drive a truck and I see more people in cars run lights and stop signs than I do cyclists. My sympathies are with all families involved in this trajic accident
Posted by rubadubematt on July 30, 2007 at 10:26 a.m.
I live in Austin and the first thing you notice about Corpus Christi is the lack of bike lanes. Austin took steps to create a network of bike routes with specially make bike lanes. The city should be promoting alternative forms of transportation.
Posted by trina3457 on July 30, 2007 at 11:09 a.m.
Terrible tragedy and I'm so sorry. I did not know Donny, but he sounds like a person that did a lot of positive things for cycling and the community.
Posted by louie_8201 on July 30, 2007 at 11:36 a.m.
rules are rules; laws are laws; make a mistake and you may have to suffer the consequences; condolenscences to the cyclist family.
Posted by wyguyjim on July 30, 2007 at 11:53 a.m.
The group that Donny was the heart and soul of, this “pack”, raised money for sufferers of MS, helped construct houses for people to build dreams in, and gave bicycles as Christmas gifts to children whose family’s could not afford such luxuries. When a local DJ was struck by a car on his bicycle last year, this group raised money to help him pay his medical bills. Donny helped make these things happen through his dedication and commitment to a group of people who respected and admired him not only as a cyclist but also as a person. He will be missed by those whose lives he touched, and by the world he helped to make a better place.
My heart goes out to Mr. Trevino. Thank you for being at the roadside memorial on Sunday. Your grief is shared by all of us.
Jim Holub
Corpus Christi
Posted by causemouse on July 30, 2007 at 12:24 p.m.
As a motorist AND a cyclist with the local groups, I am deeply saddened that some of the posters would use this memorial article to badmouth either cyclists or motorists. The truth is, as with all things, there are people in both groups that need to responsibly share the road. Mr. Trevino, my heart goes out to you and I hope you can move past this tragedy. Thank you for being at the memorial.
Posted by halfjacket1234 on July 30, 2007 at 12:42 p.m.
I am completely shocked as what this turned into. Also, as a motorist and cyclist, I am not nieve to the fact there are many types of people on the road. Cyclist, Runners, Motorist, individuals, groups. Are we that self centered to say we cant share. At no time did our cycling group complain or make blame towards any motorist at any given time for the fatal accident on Saturday morning. I hope those individuals are happy they proved how mis-informed they are. From talking to everyone Sunday morning, we are making our changes to make cycling safer for us, please nieve motorist, make changes to make us safer too. Mr. Trevino, our prayers are with you and your family to make life as normal as possible again. Thank you for being there Sunday.
Donny, your an inspiration!
Anthony Mulheron
Corpus Christi, TX
Posted by marcosalaniz on July 30, 2007 at 12:47 p.m.
We will all miss Donny when we go on are group rides. Donny was truly the safest rider you may have ever met. It was a tragic accident that happened that morning. It was an accident that we may not know all the details about. Evidence showed that Donny did try to stop but we may never know why this accident happened that morning. There are many factors that need to happen to come to a safe stop, like proper brakes, good roadways with out loose gravel and enough time to come to a complete stop. We all know the rules of the rode (louie_8201 and leaddad) I work for the Corpus Christi Fire Department and a local bicycles shop and I make more accidents involving automobiles than I do bicyclist and that is why you see cameras at major intersections throughout our city. Please Be Kind To Cyclist. When you see people out on their bicycles you maybe seeing your local doctors, lawyers, police, construction worker, house wife’s, teachers, radio DJ's, and firefighters. Thank you Donny for all you have done for cyclist and Corpus Christi.
Posted by marlana2002 on July 30, 2007 at 4:14 p.m.
Maybe the CC Cyclists can rally for some new bike lanes in Donny's name. What a tribute that would be.
Posted by tomandlesliehooper on July 30, 2007 at 4:29 p.m.
It saddens me to see a truly respected man's death has become a "finger pointing" debate. I'm personally not a cyclist, only on the stationary bike in the gym, but I do believe motorist break the traffic laws daily. So let's all remember Mr. Kloster has a family that is in mourning.
As for the cyclist I see riding in the Annaville area every weekend...keep riding in Mr. Kloster memory.
To the Kloster family our heart felt prayers go out to you.
God Bless
Posted by causedog on July 30, 2007 at 4:30 p.m.
Dear Mr. Trevino,
When I heard about Donny I did not know who was driving the truck he collided with, but wi;thin seconds I realized that driver must have felt terrible. I now know that it was you, and my heart goes out to you. Thank you for being among us (cyclist) when we needed you. You have been a comfort to me.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
No, I don't know Mr. Kloster personally, but knowing his accomplishments now and what he did to promote cycling makes me more sad. His passing is indeed a great loss. May he rest in peace.
Note: I'm not posting this to instill fear to anyone, but as a reminder to watch out and be careful when you're ridding out there. Safe ride to everyone.
Hers a link if you wish to add a comment to the article. http://caller.com/news/2007/jul/29/bicycle/?commentprinter=1/
Donny Kloster head of local sports group
By Mike Baird
Originally published 12:00 a.m., July 29, 2007
Updated 04:34 a.m., July 29, 2007
Longtime bicyclist Donny Kloster, 63, who rode from Anchorage, Alaska, to Corpus Christi in 1995, died about 8 a.m. Saturday in a roadway accident.
Police reports show he ran a stop sign on the Up River Road access road at the Rand Morgan Road intersection and hit a moving pickup.
"The bicycle left about six feet of skid marks after churning more than 30 mph down a steep hill before slamming into the front of a 1999 Ford F-150 northbound on Rand Morgan," said Lt. Tommy Nichols, with Corpus Christi Police Department.
Kloster was thrown onto the hood, hit the windshield and fell into the opposite traffic lane, Nichols said. He died before police arrived, and the medical examiner was called to the scene, Nichols said.
Caller-Times file Donny Kloster rides in 2005 on the Cole Park bike path.
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Kloster was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. It, his gloves and shoes were dislodged from the impact, and his bicycle was impaled sideways into the grille of the truck, Nichols said.
"The truck didn't leave any skid marks," Nichols said. "And the driver said (Kloster) came out of nowhere."
The driver, a local workman on his way to his job, was not injured, Nichols said. "He was just very shaken up," he said.
Kloster, a Flour Bluff resident and oil industry inspector, has been the longtime president of South Texas Area Runners Riders and Swimmers, an organization with about 250 members that promotes races, workouts and social activities for multi-sport athletes.
"It think everybody's numb and devastated," said Gretchen Arnold, communications officer for the group. "Everybody loved Donny for his kindness and sweet nature, but he was the one who preached the most about safety while riding. It's been very upsetting."
The group has planned a memorial bike ride today at 7:30 a.m. at Lamar Park Shopping Center. Members ride from that site each weekend, but organizers will pass out flowers for riders to wear in backpacks while they travel to the site where Kloster died, Arnold said.
It's not the first time some of the members have rallied around Kloster. In 2003, Brantley White, a Corpus Christi attorney, and Wade Spenst, owner of Platypus Fitness and Aerobics, offered a reward for tips leading to the arrest of a young man who threw a traffic cone at Kloster's bike while he was on his way to the Beach to Bay starting line to escort runners. It caused Kloster to fall and break several ribs.
Kloster also mediated in April when some of the original organizers and club volunteers with Conquer the Coast bicycle ride tussled with the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce over the organization of the ride around the bay.
Kloster's family was notified of his death Saturday and was traveling to Corpus Christi from Kerrville Saturday afternoon.
To ensure safety at the memorial the group has requested police barricade the site by 8 a.m. Friends who don't want to ride are welcome to come for the memorial ceremony between then and 8:30 a.m. Arnold said.
"We're going to briefly stop where Donny took his last breath doing what he loved best," Arnold said. "We'll leave some flowers and pray for our dear friend and then go on."
Contact Mike Baird at 886-3774 or bairdm@caller.com
ArticleComments
Posted by pack007tx on July 29, 2007 at 8:09 a.m.
Donny was an amazing person who died doing what he loved most.
Posted by triciahornbeck on July 29, 2007 at 8:41 a.m.
Donny was one of the most caring and inspirational individuals I have ever met. His passion for riding and his warm smile never ceased to amaze me. His kindness and encouragement were blessings he shared with everyone. His sense of humor was incredible. His hysterical emails were always a bright spot in my day.
I will miss you, "Pappa Bear"........
Tricia Hornbeck
Houston, TX
Posted by marlana2002 on July 29, 2007 at 9:10 a.m.
May this amazing man rest in peace.
Posted by marcna97 on July 29, 2007 at 10:18 a.m.
I LIVE IN MATHIS AND IN THE MORNINGS WHEN I DRIVE TO WORK, I WOULD SEE A GROUP OF BIKE RIDERS ON THE ACCESS ROAD RIDING THEIR BIKES, AND I ALWAYS HONK AT THEM AND MY MESSAGE IS TO WISH THEM WELL AND TO BE SAFE,. IF YOU READ THIS OR IF THE FAMILY READS THIS, MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES AND GOD BLESS YOU!!!
Posted by leaddad on July 29, 2007 at 12:29 p.m.
..This was a tragic accident, but you see these people all dressed up on their fancy bikes break traffic laws every day!! they expect drivers to treat them with respect on the road but they cycle in their "packs" and get in everybody's way. maybe ccpd should start enforcing the traffic laws for everybody on the road.
Posted by rcarmstrong on July 29, 2007 at 1:49 p.m.
Donny was truly a great guy who will be sorely missed. I know him from the Easter Hill Country in Kerrville several years ago plus the Island Du in Corpus and Conquer the Coast among many other events and rides. A real gentleman and a fierce competitor.
Posted by louise_shirley2000 on July 29, 2007 at 1:52 p.m.
I was very sad to read this tragic story. My deepest condolences to the family. May god rest his soul. I feel sorry too for the worker on the way to work who was driving his truck. Why these terrible things happen, we just don't know. Hopefully this will make someone else be more careful. I have always been concerned for cyclists on the roads and highways.
Posted by vivian_r on July 29, 2007 at 2:31 p.m.
leaddad I completely agree with you, I cannot count the times cyclists both alone and in packs have peddled out into my lane of traffic expecting me to avoid them as well as the cars that are around me. I have had several close calls the police should ticket them as well, after all the rules of the road apply to all.
Posted by miketomiashley on July 29, 2007 at 2:55 p.m.
This isn't really the time to start blaming cyclists for traffic violations. I think Mr. Kloster paid the ultimate price for his mistake and leave it at that. Also, as a driver, you're are suppose to look both ways before you go through an intersection. I think there's enough blame to go around for everyone on the roadway. I just can't believe the cyclists are brave enough to get on our roads knowing that we have the worst drivers in the country on them!
Posted by pack007tx on July 29, 2007 at 2:55 p.m.
leaddad - as a family member of Donny, I take offense to you turning this tragedy into a way for you to voice your opinion concerning traffic laws and cyclists. I just don't think your comments were appropriate right now.
Posted by doug3634 on July 29, 2007 at 3:11 p.m.
From some past comments: Quote: "cyclists both alone and in packs have peddled out into MY lane of traffic..." Folks, the lane of traffic belongs to the bike rider as much as it belongs to you as drivers of motor vehicles.
Posted by amy31267 on July 29, 2007 at 4:04 p.m.
SRY BOUT THE MAN WHO PASSED AWAY I RIDE MY BIKE JUST A SHORT DISTANCE AND ALSO I WEAR A HELMET WHEN I FIRS T GOT MY BIKE MY SISTER TOLD ME I BETTER GET A HELMET BUT I KNEW THAT ONE DAY I JUST WENT AROUND THE BLOCK WITHOUT WEARING IT I FELT NAKED AND UNSAFE LIKE RIDDING IN A CAR NOW ITS THE LAW YOU HAVE TO BE BELTED IN.LIKE SOMEONE SAID "GOOD FOR YOU" TALKING BOUT ME THAT I WAS WEARING A HELMET
Posted by kdelack on July 29, 2007 at 6 p.m.
leaddad and vivian_r. please take a moment to mourn a fellow human being before lashing out with your opinion-to which you are certainly entitled. however also, take a moment to read your Texas Drivers Handbook chapter 13 5c,: there are unsafe conditions in the roadway such as fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, potholes or debris. our "fancy bikes" do not ride well on debris, we get flat tires or debris causes our bikes to slide and crash. it is most safe for us to ride from 3-4 feet from the curb, putting us directly into the traffic lane - where we are allowed if the above conditions pertain. as you may well know our city does not, or cannot keep our streets swept clean, we encounter glass, gravel and other litter that makes our sport hazardous. please consider, the next time you encounter a cyclist or pack of cyclists, just how many seconds it takes from your day to allow them to safely share your road usage. we do not expect motorists to accommodate us, simply to safely share the road with us, believe me we are all deeply grateful when a motorist treats us with respect and allows us a small 3-4 foot of road space and passes at a reasonable speed, after all we-like everyone else just want to arrive home safely to our families.
Posted by natasofthedeepestpitofhell on July 29, 2007 at 6:11 p.m.
leadlad, I agree...sorry about the accident all but the rules of the road apply to cyclists as well as motorized traffic.
I rode with the local Saturday morning group but for the most part, no one stopped for traffic signals or stop signs...
packoo7tx...I'm sorry for your loss but the truth is, if he had followed traffic laws, you would not have lost a family member and he would be riding next weekend.
Yes, tragedy sucks...especially when it doesn't have to happen...that's what tragedy is.
My condolences to you and your family.
Natas
Posted by p_kniss on July 29, 2007 at 6:37 p.m.
The comments left by leaddad and vivian_r left me deeply saddened. They are prime examples of exactly the kind of ignorance that perpetuate the poor reputation that Corpus already has. No wonder cyclists in this area feel the need to ride in packs -- the feeling of safety in numbers.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), TxDot, TX DPS and the Texas Legislature, have all recognized that "cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities as the operators of other vehicles." See generally, the Texas Transportation Code.
Instead of asking that CCPD ticket bike riders for being in "your" lane, perhaps cyclists in Corpus will start writing down the license plates of irresponsible drivers like you two.
While I pray that neither of you are ever in an accident or lose a loved one like the Klosters have, if/when it does happen, hopefully no one will spout ignorance and hate on a public website the way you two have.
The fact that I felt compelled to post this in the middle of an otherwise beautiful thread about a great man that was taken from us way too soon is probably the saddest thing about this entire story.
Posted by geministar1989 on July 29, 2007 at 7:35 p.m.
Something happend to me yesterday morning i was on my way to work i traveled this road for 2 years and something happened to a good person i didnt know of. These people do this because its what they love to do. Its like a football player or a basketball player its a sport Its hard for them to find a place for them to ride on its hard for me because i was there i was the one in the truck i understand it was an accident and GODBLESS these people they poured there hearts out to me this morning. People i dont even know and it felt like i knew them forever they made me stronger and helped me in what im going through they were like angels. I just felt that i had to be there for the memorial to get closure but i will never forget you all.To the three women that were there with me when it happend thank you. You guys really helped me thru this.You know who you are stay strong and safe. I dont know what to say whatever donny would say when you go out riding. love you all
Ramon Trevino
Posted by marlana2002 on July 30, 2007 at 6:29 a.m.
I really wish we had more bike lanes like the one on Ennis Joslin.
Cycling is a physical and mental activity that I think more people could enjoy if we had safer areas to ride.
However, I have to agree with the family member of Mr. Kloster--this is not the place to voice opinion about "packs of cyclists".
My sympathies are with the family and many friends of Mr. Kloster.
And to the above poster--my heart goes out to you. I cannot imagine what you are feeling, but I hope God holds you close and helps you to heal over this horrible accident.
Posted by edec70 on July 30, 2007 at 8:10 a.m.
I think leaddad and vivian_r are fat couch potatoes.
Posted by strs4s on July 30, 2007 at 9:38 a.m.
I live near Austin, cyclists take their life in their own hands here with our winding blind corners. The loss of a good person is trajic no matter who was at fault. I do not ride a bike, I drive a truck and I see more people in cars run lights and stop signs than I do cyclists. My sympathies are with all families involved in this trajic accident
Posted by rubadubematt on July 30, 2007 at 10:26 a.m.
I live in Austin and the first thing you notice about Corpus Christi is the lack of bike lanes. Austin took steps to create a network of bike routes with specially make bike lanes. The city should be promoting alternative forms of transportation.
Posted by trina3457 on July 30, 2007 at 11:09 a.m.
Terrible tragedy and I'm so sorry. I did not know Donny, but he sounds like a person that did a lot of positive things for cycling and the community.
Posted by louie_8201 on July 30, 2007 at 11:36 a.m.
rules are rules; laws are laws; make a mistake and you may have to suffer the consequences; condolenscences to the cyclist family.
Posted by wyguyjim on July 30, 2007 at 11:53 a.m.
The group that Donny was the heart and soul of, this “pack”, raised money for sufferers of MS, helped construct houses for people to build dreams in, and gave bicycles as Christmas gifts to children whose family’s could not afford such luxuries. When a local DJ was struck by a car on his bicycle last year, this group raised money to help him pay his medical bills. Donny helped make these things happen through his dedication and commitment to a group of people who respected and admired him not only as a cyclist but also as a person. He will be missed by those whose lives he touched, and by the world he helped to make a better place.
My heart goes out to Mr. Trevino. Thank you for being at the roadside memorial on Sunday. Your grief is shared by all of us.
Jim Holub
Corpus Christi
Posted by causemouse on July 30, 2007 at 12:24 p.m.
As a motorist AND a cyclist with the local groups, I am deeply saddened that some of the posters would use this memorial article to badmouth either cyclists or motorists. The truth is, as with all things, there are people in both groups that need to responsibly share the road. Mr. Trevino, my heart goes out to you and I hope you can move past this tragedy. Thank you for being at the memorial.
Posted by halfjacket1234 on July 30, 2007 at 12:42 p.m.
I am completely shocked as what this turned into. Also, as a motorist and cyclist, I am not nieve to the fact there are many types of people on the road. Cyclist, Runners, Motorist, individuals, groups. Are we that self centered to say we cant share. At no time did our cycling group complain or make blame towards any motorist at any given time for the fatal accident on Saturday morning. I hope those individuals are happy they proved how mis-informed they are. From talking to everyone Sunday morning, we are making our changes to make cycling safer for us, please nieve motorist, make changes to make us safer too. Mr. Trevino, our prayers are with you and your family to make life as normal as possible again. Thank you for being there Sunday.
Donny, your an inspiration!
Anthony Mulheron
Corpus Christi, TX
Posted by marcosalaniz on July 30, 2007 at 12:47 p.m.
We will all miss Donny when we go on are group rides. Donny was truly the safest rider you may have ever met. It was a tragic accident that happened that morning. It was an accident that we may not know all the details about. Evidence showed that Donny did try to stop but we may never know why this accident happened that morning. There are many factors that need to happen to come to a safe stop, like proper brakes, good roadways with out loose gravel and enough time to come to a complete stop. We all know the rules of the rode (louie_8201 and leaddad) I work for the Corpus Christi Fire Department and a local bicycles shop and I make more accidents involving automobiles than I do bicyclist and that is why you see cameras at major intersections throughout our city. Please Be Kind To Cyclist. When you see people out on their bicycles you maybe seeing your local doctors, lawyers, police, construction worker, house wife’s, teachers, radio DJ's, and firefighters. Thank you Donny for all you have done for cyclist and Corpus Christi.
Posted by marlana2002 on July 30, 2007 at 4:14 p.m.
Maybe the CC Cyclists can rally for some new bike lanes in Donny's name. What a tribute that would be.
Posted by tomandlesliehooper on July 30, 2007 at 4:29 p.m.
It saddens me to see a truly respected man's death has become a "finger pointing" debate. I'm personally not a cyclist, only on the stationary bike in the gym, but I do believe motorist break the traffic laws daily. So let's all remember Mr. Kloster has a family that is in mourning.
As for the cyclist I see riding in the Annaville area every weekend...keep riding in Mr. Kloster memory.
To the Kloster family our heart felt prayers go out to you.
God Bless
Posted by causedog on July 30, 2007 at 4:30 p.m.
Dear Mr. Trevino,
When I heard about Donny I did not know who was driving the truck he collided with, but wi;thin seconds I realized that driver must have felt terrible. I now know that it was you, and my heart goes out to you. Thank you for being among us (cyclist) when we needed you. You have been a comfort to me.
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No, I don't know Mr. Kloster personally, but knowing his accomplishments now and what he did to promote cycling makes me more sad. His passing is indeed a great loss. May he rest in peace.
Note: I'm not posting this to instill fear to anyone, but as a reminder to watch out and be careful when you're ridding out there. Safe ride to everyone.
Hers a link if you wish to add a comment to the article. http://caller.com/news/2007/jul/29/bicycle/?commentprinter=1/