Advocacy & Safety - 58yr old cyclist killed yesterday

This guy did like 5,000 miles a year and was wearing a helmet. Got hit making a left...I know that road, it's like being at the bottom of a Y, coming from the bottom, with the left turn being the left branch of the Y - if the oncoming SUV was going at a high rate of speed, which it probably was, the rider could have easily 'thought' it was clear to make his turn. Be careful out there folks...if you ain't paying close attention, neither a helmet nor years of experience is gonna save you.



NEWBURY -- The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a traffic crash that caused the death of a Cleveland Heights man over the weekend.

Troopers report 58-year-old Miles Coburn was riding his bicycle northbound on SR 44 in Newbury yesterday night when he attempted to make a left turn onto Music Street, crossed the center line, and was struck by a Dodge Durango.

Coburn was lifeflighted to Cleveland Metro Hospital with serious injuries, where he later died. Troopers say he was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The driver of the Durango was not injured

http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=94834&catid=45

Are there any traffic controls at this intersection? Was the cyclist at fault, or are there any other factors to consider? How are the sight lines on each approach?

Tragic.

46 year old in Vista was killed yesterday... hit by SUV. Driver stopped and waited for police.

No other details at this time.

I don't have any details to indicate who was at fault. The news reports tend to say that the cyclist 'hit' the SUV, but don't mean nuthin. The sight lines to southbound traffic when traveling north and wanting to make a left on Music are not bad...but it is coming around a slight curve to the northbound cylist's right. My best guess is that the cyclist was distracted by something and didn't notice the oncoming SUV traveling at prolly 45-50mph. I really don't have enough info to go on though, not much detail forthcoming.

It is sad.

Looks like a nice place to ride (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=SR+44+and+music+street,+Newbury,+ohio&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf8&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title).

I see why you made the "speeding" comment Chip. Looks like you really can't see around the bend on route 44 until the last second.

It is sad.

Looks like a nice place to ride (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=SR+44+and+music+street,+Newbury,+ohio&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf8&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title).

I see why you made the "speeding" comment Chip. Looks like you really can't see around the bend on route 44 until the last second.

Not to mention the fact that drivers here routinely do 5-15mph over the posted speed limit, which is 35 there, I think.

We'll probably never know what happened.
Prayers and condolences to Miles' family and friends.
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/17213533/detail.html

Not to mention the fact that drivers here routinely do 5-15mph over the posted speed limit, which is 35 there, I think.

I'm pretty sure it's 45 there. Sight lines are poor. Probably just a miscalculation.

as all of you 'over 50' forum posters know, you start to lose it bit by bit as you age, so U gotta watch even closer for the jackoffs out there!

lo siento...

:eek:

:(

A left turn... maybe a blind spot caused by a helmet mirror. I mean if the sight lines were good and there isn't a lot of traffic my take a look mirror will put the image of the empty road behind me, over the spot in front and to the left where a vehicle might be. I caught myself doing that over the weekend. Only seems to happen during very light traffic and when I'm tired and I forget to swing my head.

It appears that route 44 has a wide shoulder. It could be possible that the cyclist initiated his left turn from the shoulder and thus had even poorer sightlines around the right hand bend. Obviously, this mistake is exacerbated by a potentially speeding driver.

Lesson: drive within your sightlines. If you can't see what's coming, slow down, maximize your sightlines and/or wait to make your move until you can see (this applies to turning and passing).

A left turn... maybe a blind spot caused by a helmet mirror. I mean if the sight lines were good and there isn't a lot of traffic my take a look mirror will put the image of the empty road behind me, over the spot in front and to the left where a vehicle might be. I caught myself doing that over the weekend. Only seems to happen during very light traffic and when I'm tired and I forget to swing my head.

helmet mirrors don't have blind spots. humans have binocular vision and your right eye sees forward past the mirror at the same time your left eye sees what's in the mirror.

helmet mirrors don't have blind spots. humans have binocular vision and your right eye sees forward past the mirror at the same time your left eye sees what's in the mirror.

Only tangential, and doesn't have anything to do with anything, but I think it's fascinating that each human eye does have a blind spot individually.

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/cuius/idle/percept/blindspot.htm

Forgive me for being so OT. I'm at work and bored out of my mind.

helmet mirrors don't have blind spots. humans have binocular vision and your right eye sees forward past the mirror at the same time your left eye sees what's in the mirror.

Okay, but it doesn't change that when taking a quick glimpse an empty stretch of road from behind will blot out a stretch of road in front.

Not to mention the fact that drivers here routinely do 5-15mph over the posted speed limit, which is 35 there, I think.

There's no street view of the cyclist's approach, but looking at the driver's, there's lots of warning signs about the curve, so I'm not the only one that thinks the sightlines are limited. I can see how a speeding driver might not see someone crossing into Music Street until it was too late.

Talk about striking close to home... My wife told me about this just this morning as I was getting dressed for the ride to my office. She said that somebody she knows at work is Coburn's sister.*

We live just about 8 miles away from the site and I often ride out to route 44 on my weekends, usually a couple of miles north of there. It is a very nice area to ride.

*[edit] I learned at dinner this evening that it's his brother, not sister.

as all of you 'over 50' forum posters know, you start to lose it bit by bit as you age, so U gotta watch even closer for the jackoffs out there!

lo siento...

:eek:

:(

I wonder if some of the 'losing it' might be attributed to complacency? I imagine after years of 'experience' one might tend to get a bit lax in surveillance.

This tendency might also account for some of the seemingly oblivious auto drivers that fail to 'see' perfectly evident members of the traffic pattern - too many hours driving without incident might make them lazy observers.

Take the time to periodically revisit the fundamentals (whatever your strategy for staying upright) so as to keep your skills sharp, people!

Everyone is vulnerable.

Sad but true. You can try to be as safe or smart or protected as you want but one careless driver can end it all.

Give up 10 to 15 seconds to make sure your moves are correct. I know, some times you make your move and someone will come flying around a corner, but too many riders are dying out there. Look twice, then go.

... Google Maps link to vicinity (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=SR+44+and+music+street,+Newbury,+ohio&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf8&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title)

I see why you made the "speeding" comment Chip. Looks like you really can't see around the bend on route 44 until the last second.

Has everybody actually looked at the Street View and also the Street View with Satellite superimposed? Street view appears to be flawed - with regard to the fact that the map indicates Street View extending a little westward on Music Street, but the view itself does not correlate with the map (FYI I am certified in the fabrication of maps and GIS using Arc GIS etc.).

From the cyclist's perspective, he has just ridden due North on a straight piece of road and is going to turn left onto Music Street at the end of his straight ride. There is a small incline (on the road), an embankment (on the right) and a sharp right hand turn obscuring the view of oncoming traffic. NB. A helmet mirror, mounted on the left side of the helmet will do nothing to further obscure oncoming traffic. I also do not think age is an issue, if anything I think as we get older, there is a tendency towards less risk-taking as we become more aware of our own mortality.

Without a doubt (IMO) the oncoming vehicle was driving too fast to safely stop in the corner (and intersection), and the driver is lucky it was not a cement truck that was turning left onto Music Street. I have $100 that says the police did not pull the chip in the air bag that recorded speed in the seconds before impact (this is recorded continuously and over-written even if the bag is not deployed). It should be a matter of routine in accidents that cause severe injury for the police to pull the chip or connect up a device that can read the data. It should also be a significant crime to move a vehicle after an accident that causes serious injury - call it tampering with evidence.

From the driver's perspective it is even possible that the driver was starting to accelerate in the seconds before the impact, since the vehicle is exiting a corner. If the driver was in a hurry and skilled, then they will know that when driving at speed, maximum stability is effected by accelerating out of corners.

WTF will it take to get the police to pull irrefutable and easy to get at evidence from vehicles, especially when there is serious injury?

Edit: Regarding the flaws in Google Street View vs the map - Using Street View to travel SW on Ravenna Rd, you will notice that the Street View vehicle is traveling NE and being followed by a small pickup truck. The last but one Street view shows what looks like a Volvo Station wagon passing in the opposite lane.

The last SW Ravenna Rd Street View gives a photo that shows what looks like a late model Ford Explorer or Excursion passing in the opposite lane. It also shows Music Street with East and West options. This is wrong, Music Street only has a West option. The other side of the intersection, and offset, is Overlook Rd / Lakeside Drive.

Clicking on either the East or West Music Street options does not provide Street views of Music Street.

Sounds to me like this guy screwed up big time. Yes, the cager was likely traveling faster than he should have been, but, that does not change the fact. Cyclists must ride defensively. If you want to make such a left turn either do it early which means traveling against traffic for a few feet or do it late and backtrack a little. If you rely on others driving the posted limit to stay alive, you are not wise. Speeding cages really don't concern me much. All I ask is that they speed in THEIR lane.

Has everybody actually looked at the Street View and also the Street View with Satellite superimposed? Street view appears to be flawed - with regard to the fact that the map indicates Street View extending a little westward on Music Street, but the view itself does not correlate with the map (FYI I am certified in the fabrication of maps and GIS using Arc GIS etc.).

From the cyclist's perspective, he has just ridden due North on a straight piece of road and is going to turn left onto Music Street at the end of his straight ride. There is a small incline (on the road), an embankment (on the right) and a sharp right hand turn obscuring the view of oncoming traffic. NB. A helmet mirror, mounted on the left side of the helmet will do nothing to further obscure oncoming traffic. I also do not think age is an issue, if anything I think as we get older, there is a tendency towards less risk-taking as we become more aware of our own mortality.

Without a doubt (IMO) the oncoming vehicle was driving too fast to safely stop in the corner (and intersection), and the driver is lucky it was not a cement truck that was turning left onto Music Street. I have $100 that says the police did not pull the chip in the air bag that recorded speed in the seconds before impact (this is recorded continuously and over-written even if the bag is not deployed). It should be a matter of routine in accidents that cause severe injury for the police to pull the chip or connect up a device that can read the data. It should also be a significant crime to move a vehicle after an accident that causes serious injury - call it tampering with evidence.

From the driver's perspective it is even possible that the driver was starting to accelerate in the seconds before the impact, since the vehicle is exiting a corner. If the driver was in a hurry and skilled, then they will know that when driving at speed, maximum stability is effected by accelerating out of corners.

WTF will it take to get the police to pull irrefutable and easy to get at evidence from vehicles, especially when there is serious injury?

Edit: Regarding the flaws in Google Street View vs the map - Using Street View to travel SW on Ravenna Rd, you will notice that the Street View vehicle is traveling NE and being followed by a small pickup truck. The last but one Street view shows what looks like a Volvo Station wagon passing in the opposite lane.

The last SW Ravenna Rd Street View gives a photo that shows what looks like a late model Ford Explorer or Excursion passing in the opposite lane. It also shows Music Street with East and West options. This is wrong, Music Street only has a West option. The other side of the intersection, and offset, is Overlook Rd / Lakeside Drive.

Clicking on either the East or West Music Street options does not provide Street views of Music Street.

Your opinion that the driver of the SUV was speeding is unsubstantiated. The accident is under investigation by the Ohio Highway Patrol. What is known is that the SUV had the right of way and the cyclist turned left in front of him when he was struck. Anything beyond that is conjecture. Further, why would you expect the driver of the SUV to stop in the corner? I know it's hard for many of you automobile haters to admit that maybe the cyclist was at fault.

Your opinion that the driver of the SUV was speeding is unsubstantiated. The accident is under investigation by the Ohio Highway Patrol. What is known is that the SUV had the right of way and the cyclist turned left in front of him when he was struck. Anything beyond that is conjecture. Further, why would you expect the driver of the SUV to stop in the corner? I know it's hard for many of you automobile haters to admit that maybe the cyclist was at fault.

shut up, you are making yourself look like an asino

Your opinion that the driver of the SUV was speeding is unsubstantiated.
lol Can you provide a link where it indicates opinions need to be substantiated?


... Further, why would you expect the driver of the SUV to stop in the corner?
If you come careening around a blind corner at speed, and come upon the scene of an accident, are you expected to stop? If you come around any corner and there is a large stationary object in the road - do you stop? Believe it or not, a driver is expected to vary their speed according to the prevailing conditions, visibility being the number one condition! Thick fog, slow down, heavy rain, slow down, crest of a hill, slow down, blind corner, slow down.


I know it's hard for many of you automobile haters to admit that maybe the cyclist was at fault.

I did not provide any conjecture as to fault in the accident. I speculated that the driver was speeding, which in itself does not necessarily cause accidents, with sufficient visibility ahead it should be safe for most knowledgeable drivers to stop before they are involved in a collision or loss of control of the vehicle. YMMV.

I admit there is the possibility that the cyclist is at fault, though my (limited) analysis of the vicinity using Google Earth and Google Street View makes me think it is the driver.

If the cyclist pulled across the path of the car, when the car was already visible, then no doubt about it, it is his own fault. I find that to be an outrageous proposition. However the idea that the car might be speeding, how about that?

I'd appreciate it, if you did not put me in the class "automobile haters", and I will try harder not to put you in the imbecile class.

shut up, you are making yourself look like an asino

I'm sure I don't look anything like you.

I've got no doubt that the SUV was speeding...everybody speeds in NE Ohio - but that don't mean the cyclist didn't screw up. But, since none of us know any facts other than the few that were in the wire stories...fighting over conjecture is kinda pointless, dontchya think?

OH306 seems to be about the only one with a clue here.

Everyone wants to think that the big bad SUV came barreling around that turn at light speed catching the poor cyclist in midturn

Bullcrap.

The only way I buy that arguement is if the cyclist is riding a tricycle. Once you start a left turn, you are through it in a second or two. So, no matter how fast that SUV is going, you should beat him accross.

Face it, this guy had a brain fart. Happens all the time. I know I have them regularly. Just haven't had one cost me my life yet.

OH306 seems to be about the only one with a clue here.

Other than your good self, of course.


Everyone wants to think that the big bad SUV came barreling around that turn at light speed catching the poor cyclist in midturn

Bullcrap.

Face it, this guy had a brain fart. Happens all the time.

You seem pretty certain there.

My feeling is that there was probably a fair amount of screwing up by both parties, but ultimately, it was the cyclist's responsibility to cross safely. Motorists speeding around blind curves wouldn't have made it any easier, obviously, but saying that doesn't imply all blame should go to the driver. Who knows what really happened?

OH306 seems to be about the only one with a clue here.

Everyone wants to think that the big bad SUV came barreling around that turn at light speed catching the poor cyclist in midturn

Bullcrap.

The only way I buy that arguement is if the cyclist is riding a tricycle. Once you start a left turn, you are through it in a second or two. So, no matter how fast that SUV is going, you should beat him accross.

Face it, this guy had a brain fart. Happens all the time. I know I have them regularly. Just haven't had one cost me my life yet.

Face it, we don't know squat. For all we know the guy might have started his left turn in the clear, had a blowout on his front tire, fell off the bike and was trying to get back up and off the road (or perhaps lying in the road) when the other vehicle came barreling down the street, didn't see him till it was too late, hit him, then claimed to the cops that he 'just turned right in front of me'. So, again, quit trying to play accident investigator when we DON'T KNOW ENOUGH FACTS TO SPECULATE....let alone start flaming about it. Geesh.

Has anybody seen any further details released?

lol Can you provide a link where it indicates opinions need to be substantiated?


If you come careening around a blind corner at speed, and come upon the scene of an accident, are you expected to stop? If you come around any corner and there is a large stationary object in the road - do you stop? Believe it or not, a driver is expected to vary their speed according to the prevailing conditions, visibility being the number one condition! Thick fog, slow down, heavy rain, slow down, crest of a hill, slow down, blind corner, slow down.



I did not provide any conjecture as to fault in the accident. I speculated that the driver was speeding, which in itself does not necessarily cause accidents, with sufficient visibility ahead it should be safe for most knowledgeable drivers to stop before they are involved in a collision or loss of control of the vehicle. YMMV.

I admit there is the possibility that the cyclist is at fault, though my (limited) analysis of the vicinity using Google Earth and Google Street View makes me think it is the driver.

If the cyclist pulled across the path of the car, when the car was already visible, then no doubt about it, it is his own fault. I find that to be an outrageous proposition. However the idea that the car might be speeding, how about that?

I'd appreciate it, if you did not put me in the class "automobile haters", and I will try harder not to put you in the imbecile class.

lol Can you provide a link where it indicates opinions need to be substantiated? No, only an imbecile would form unsubstantiated opinions. Aside from your conjecture or speculation, whatever you wish to call it, I took the time to drive to the accident scene which is about 15 miles from my house. I don't normally travel in that area but when I do, I never like that section or road. I intended to take some pictures and post them but there is no good place to pull off and the road is narrow for a state highway. I felt it was too dangerous taking pictures from the side of the road. The speed limit is 40 MPH through that stretch with cautionary 25 MPH (yellow) signs posted. In Ohio the yellow speed limits are not enforced (source: my local police chief). I first traveled south. When rounding the curve to the left you are on top of Music St the moment it comes into view. If a northbound car was turning left on Music you would have time to slow to avoid a collision but possibly not a slow moving bicycle. I didn't see any skid marks but I was concentrating on the visual sight lines, not the pavement. I then traveled in the northbound direction and turned left on Music. Yikes!!!!! Even in a car that is not a comfortable turn. Google doesn't do it service. If the cyclist was to the right when he started his turn he didn't stand a chance. If the cyclist had to slow for traffic to clear before making the turn he didn't stand much of a chance either. This is just a bad intersection and a bad stretch of road for cycling.

I haven't seen any updates yet. I'd be real surprised if that happened.
Here's a few of the posts following the story in the Lake County News Herald. The exchanges between his brother and "Juanita" are extremely heartfelt.

Patrick L Coburn wrote on Aug 17, 2008 11:57 AM:
" Miles Coburn is my brother. First, I would like to thank everyone who has expressed sympathy on behalf of the family. We were told by the police that the intersection has several blind spots. Miles biked thousands of miles and was an extremely safe bicyclest. He would never knowingly put himself or anyone else in danger.

A word about biking in Ohio. Yes, there are bike paths, but they have a lot of people strolling on it with pets and small children. It is an irony that many townships, even if they are unwilling to admit it, the last thing they want on bike paths are bicyclsts. Many townships have dropped the "bike path" designation in favor of "all purpose trails". Ohio is a very unfriendly biking state - the shoulders are small, the roads are poorly maintained, the intersections are geared only for motor vehicles, and what trails do exists, at least in the north of ohio, are short (3 - 5 miles) and are not geared to people wanting to bike any distance.

Once again my thanks and the thanks of my family for all the nice messages. "

Report Abuse

sally wrote on Aug 17, 2008 12:04 PM:
" something should be done for bikes. I read one comment about using bike paths. Well, what if that path doesn't take you to work? More and more people I know are riding their bikes to work, at least a couple time a week, to save on gas. We are going to have to be more aware of bikes and accept they need the roads. "

Report Abuse

Juanita wrote on Aug 17, 2008 3:00 PM:
" My family and I did not see the but were the first on the scene to try to help Mr. Coburn. To Mr Coburns family I want you to know that many people tried to help him and that I talked to him until help arrived. I am sorry for your lost and will continue to keep you in my prayers. "

Report Abuse

Patrick L Coburn wrote on Aug 17, 2008 3:13 PM:
" Juanita, was Miles concious when you were with him? Was he able to talk? "

Report Abuse

Juanita wrote on Aug 17, 2008 3:47 PM:
" He was unable to talk. He stopped breathing at one point and started again. Everytime he started to fade out I yelled at him and he would look at me. Some said he was unconcious but looking into his eyes I know he heard me. I honestly do not think he was in any pain. I wish there was something I could have done to save he but there wasn't anything. I do not know if this will help you or hurt you even more, I pray it does not. "

Report Abuse

Patrick L Coburn wrote on Aug 17, 2008 4:08 PM:
" Thank you Juanita, you did not cause any additional pain, it is a comfort to know how my brother was after the accident. By the time we arrived at Metro he was already in surgery, which he did not survive.

All I can say on behalf of Mile's wife Peggy, their two children, my family, and all of his friends, co-workers at John Carroll and everyone who knew him is that we are extremely grateful that a person as caring as yourself was there to offer comfort. There is a God, and He will touch your life because of this kindness. To everyone else who was there, our extended family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts for the kindness you have shown. "

Report Abuse

Paul Lauritzen wrote on Aug 17, 2008 9:56 PM:
" Juanita, thank you for posting about your effort to help Miles. It is some comfort to know that someone was there with him. I started cycling because of Miles and his good friend, Bob K. Few things have given me as much pleasure over the past ten or so years as cycling. I am just heart broken over Miles's death. Patrick, my thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Miles's family. "

Report Abuse

Rick Mayden wrote on Aug 17, 2008 9:58 PM:
" Patrick
I just found out about Miles and am deeply sorry to hear this news. I worked with Miles and we (and others) were close in our research. He was a fantastic person, great researcher, great advisor and teacher, and a wonderful friend. I don't know what else to say right now. I am still very upset by this news. My sympathies to you, Peggy, his children, and your extended families. He will be thought of often and will be sorely missed. "

Report Abuse

Greg P. wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:10 PM:
" My condolences to the Coburn family and the John Carroll community. What a loss for us all.

As a fellow cyclist, I know that there is a risk, however small, each time I ride on the public roadways. But I ride and will continue to ride because the rewards far outweigh the risks.

I'm dismayed (but not surprised) to see the death of a cyclist used as cover for the anti-cycling crowd to trot out their misinformation about bikes belonging only in the parks. According to the state of Ohio, bikes are specifically permitted on the roads by law.

Finally, just because no charges are filed against a driver in a car/bicycle accident does not mean he/she was not at fault. The cyclist's version of the events is often never heard, as it will not be in this case. Also, anti-cyclist bias is all too common in law enforcement and the justice system (although I'm in no way suggesting that's the case here). "

Report Abuse

Marcos Rivera wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:42 PM:
" I'sorry to hear about the death of MR.COBURN. But also to the driver of the durango I have been in his shoes.
I was involved in similar accident back in Jan 11 2007 and took the live of another human been I know how that feels please if anybody needs to talk contact me.
To the COBURN family I ill have in my thought...... "

Report Abuse

marcos rivera wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:43 PM:
" latinman440@yahoo.com "

Report Abuse

craig b wrote on Aug 18, 2008 12:14 AM:
" My heart goes out to everyone this tragedy has touched. I was on the scene immediately after the accident. I witnessed the amazing compassion of Juanita and all of the bystanders that tried to assist as we waited for help. When help arrived, the compassion and professionalism of our communities saftey officers was truly amazing. The world will be a lesser place without Mr. Coburn, but is blessed to have the people that gathered and assisted in the center of that intersection on Saturday morning. Especially Juanita. "

Report Abuse

Caren wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:28 AM:
" Benjamin your a selfish jerk. What goes around comes around. "

Report Abuse

Rick wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:36 AM:
" As a friend of Pat, my thoughts are with the Coburn family during this difficult time.

Please know that Miles will be remembered and honored by those who care about him, and those of us who care about the rest of you. "

Report Abuse

tmz wrote on Aug 18, 2008 1:45 PM:
" as others have posted, UNREAL and others who aren't aware.

bicycles are vehicles that have just as much right to be on the road as cars. when people make statements such as "It is sad that there are so many parks and bike trails available, but people choose to ride their bikes in the street" it is an insinuation that anyone who exercises his/her legal right to ride a bicycle on a road deserves it if they get hit.

yes the cyclist is responsible for watching the traffic but so are the motorists. so often people don't see cyclists because they aren't paying attention and only watching for other vehicles. motorcycles also have many of the same issues.

for those who suggest that we read the article to 'assign' blame or responsibility, the article is not clear as to the location of the durango. was the driver on music street or 44? miles was a very experienced cyclist, it would be surprising to me that he would have turned in front of an oncoming SUV knowingly.

my thoughts and prays go out to the coburn family! "

Report Abuse

marcos rivera wrote on Aug 18, 2008 8:14 PM:
" there been about 42 accident in the same spot in the last 6 and half years. there been a family of 4 and mies and mr coburn fatal accidents there

i have the map the show all this we can do something about it PLEASE "

Report Abuse

Heather wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:38 AM:
" I live off music street and take 44 on the way home from work and make that left onto Music everday. It is an extremely dangerous intersection with many blind spots. I would venture to guess that neither party is at fault for the accident. There have been numerous accidents here and something needs to be done to make this safer, a blinking light, a dangerous intersection sign, slow speed to 25, etc. something to help prevent any future tragedies.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Coburn and the Schill families. Please respect the Schill family at this time, this is a tragedy for them too and was an ACCIDENT. "

Report Abuse

Kate wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:43 AM:
" In response to TMZ finding it hard to believe Mr. Coburn would have turned in front of an oncoming SUV knowingly. I think we can all say that obviously he didn't do it knowingly. It is not fair to judge without all of the facts. TMZ you should drive by this intersection and see it for yourself... "

Report Abuse

marcos rivera wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:39 AM:
" heather
we understand i was in his shoes back in jan 11 2007.
we need to stand together if you know the SCHILL family please send them my condolences but let them know there not alone
plus i want to help
latinman440@yahoo.com
thanks "

Report Abuse

Friedrich wrote on Aug 20, 2008 5:57 AM:
" As a local cyclist, most drivers here are idiots. They forget that a bicycle is a legal vehicle on any pubic road in all 88 counties. http://www.ohiobike.org
Road Rage here is getting worse as well, don't blame the cyclist for high gas prices(They should go higher) bad roads,& high traffic problems(which might caused the accident) because it's life ! I will seriously consider doing The Ride Of Silence as way to remember a fellow cyclist when it happens. "

Report Abuse

Susan wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:03 PM:
" That is the worst intersection and something needs to be done about it. Since I have lived in Newbury there has been countless accidents and two death that I know of.. I think the road was designed before cars..Something differently needs to be done there for sure, the three mile stretch between Bell Rd and Rt. 87 is very dangerous. "

lol Can you provide a link where it indicates opinions need to be substantiated?




No, only an imbecile would form unsubstantiated opinions.


Substantiate (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/substantiate) : "To support with proof or evidence".

Opinions are best-guesses arrived at through reasoning or personal experience. You seem to be confusing opinions with facts. If I had supporting proof, my opinions would no longer be opinions they would be facts. I think the peanut gallery knows which of us is intellectually challenged.

Substantiate (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/substantiate) : "To support with proof or evidence".

Opinions are best-guesses arrived at through reasoning or personal experience. You seem to be confusing opinions with facts. If I had supporting proof, my opinions would no longer be opinions they would be facts. I think the peanut gallery knows which of us is intellectually challenged.

I'm sure they do chump.

I helped Miles Coburn to promote the Climate Change symposium at the Museum of Natural History two years ago. Miles sponsored climate training for Ohio primary and secondary teachers. He would come to local high schools to direct science projects.

This story was on the front page of the Willoughby News-Herald today. The article said that there are many car collisions at that corner and the "authorities" knew there was a problem. I know from my experience that Ohio 44 is a dangerous stretch of highway in that part of Geauga County.

We lost a good man.

http://news-herald.com/articles/2008/08/22/news/doc48ae34a39cd36921465326.txt

http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2008/08/24/news/doc48b0e22c6acf7420361517.txt

The Ohio Highway Patrol will not file charges against the driver of a sport utility vehicle that struck and killed a bicyclist Aug. 16 in Newbury Township, OHP Sgt. Chad Bass said.

“At this time, we have no evidence to go forward with that,” he said, adding that the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office is still reviewing the case.

John Carroll University biology professor Miles Coburn, 58, of Cleveland Heights failed to yield to oncoming traffic when he tried to turn left onto Music Street from state Route 44 and crossed the center line, Bass said.

The crash occurred just before 10 a.m. when 50-year-old Burton resident Robert Schill struck Coburn with his 2002 Dodge Durango, according to reports.

Coburn, who was wearing a helmet, was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, where he later died.
Comments

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/08/driver_not_speeding_when_hit_a.html

Newbury Township - The State Highway Patrol will file no charges against the driver of a sport-utility vehicle that struck and killed bicyclist Miles Coburn last Saturday morning.

Coburn, 58, of Cleveland heights, was a biology professor at John Carroll University and an avid cyclist.

According to Sgt. Chad Bass of the patrol's Chardon post, the investigation found that Coburn failed to yield to oncoming traffic as he made a left turn from Ohio 44 onto Music street just south of Punderson State Park.

A motorist traveling behind Coburn heading the same way on Ohio 44 confirmed the account of SUV driver Robert Schill, 50, of Burton.

http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2008/08/24/news/doc48b0e22c6acf7420361517.txt

The Ohio Highway Patrol will not file charges against the driver of a sport utility vehicle that struck and killed a bicyclist Aug. 16 in Newbury Township, OHP Sgt. Chad Bass said.

“At this time, we have no evidence to go forward with that,” he said, adding that the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office is still reviewing the case.

John Carroll University biology professor Miles Coburn, 58, of Cleveland Heights failed to yield to oncoming traffic when he tried to turn left onto Music Street from state Route 44 and crossed the center line, Bass said.

The crash occurred just before 10 a.m. when 50-year-old Burton resident Robert Schill struck Coburn with his 2002 Dodge Durango, according to reports.

Coburn, who was wearing a helmet, was flown to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, where he later died.
Comments

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/08/driver_not_speeding_when_hit_a.html

Newbury Township - The State Highway Patrol will file no charges against the driver of a sport-utility vehicle that struck and killed bicyclist Miles Coburn last Saturday morning.

Coburn, 58, of Cleveland heights, was a biology professor at John Carroll University and an avid cyclist.

According to Sgt. Chad Bass of the patrol's Chardon post, the investigation found that Coburn failed to yield to oncoming traffic as he made a left turn from Ohio 44 onto Music street just south of Punderson State Park.

A motorist traveling behind Coburn heading the same way on Ohio 44 confirmed the account of SUV driver Robert Schill, 50, of Burton.

Thanks for the research on this accident.
Tough thing to hear about this happening to a local cyclist we may have nodded or waved to in passing.

It sounds like this junction needs work, are any of you that are local going to exert pressure for a remodeling?