Pacific Northwest - Wenatchee, WA, Cyclist Hit By Car

Online article here. Nothing too spectacular, just a dumbass not paying attention to his driving and now someone is laid up in the hospital with a serious spinal injury.

http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081022/NEWS04/710239948/1001

Sad. I am still trying to figure out how there was a head on collision, though.

East Hill

I wish him a quick recovery......And the driver a quick trip to jail.

I believe the head on was a result of the motorist crossing the center line while the cyclist was traveling in the opposite direction. He's blaming his dropped clip board......

Jeez that bites bigtime! I hope he has a full recovery soon. I just had an MRI on my back this morning and I was all grumpy, I suppose it could have been worse.

He also happens to be the father of pro cyclist Tylar Farrar.

See Velonews article today:
http://www.velonews.com/article/84507/tyler-farrar-s-father-injured-in-car-bike-collision

He has been upgraded to serious. Though that is a step in the right direction, it is never really all that good to be 'upgraded' to serious.

Time will tell...

For those 'wondering' about the circumstances, the road where this happened is a very windy mountainside road. Lots of blind corners. Not exactly a smart place to be driving while looking for your clipboard.

WA state bike clubs received this email update yesterday:

Dear Friends of Ed Farrar and the cycling community,

As you know a friend ours and one of cyclings largest champions, Dr. Ed Farrar was struck and critically injured after being hit head on by a car last week while he was cycling to work. Ed has done so much to promote cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice, as a means to rehabilitate from injury, as a basis for strong community, as a competitive sport and for lifelong fitness. He has also helped countless patients find the best in their lives after injury or accident. Anyone who has ever known Ed understands his selfless passion for helping others realize a full and active life.

Many have come forward wanting to do something for Ed and his family to demonstrate their love support for them in this difficult time and also to highlight the issue of the safety of pedestrians, runners & cyclists on our roads.

Here is an opportunity to show your support to Ed and his family. Join us On Sunday November 9th beginning at 9:30 am there will be a Rally for Ed. Details are being finalized, but will include a ride (with police escort and limited speed) on a route that will be both symbolic and safe, which will lead to a gathering at or near Central Washington Hospital. Tyler Farrar will lead the ride. At the end of the route, there will be a chance to sign a card for Ed, hear from those close to Ed, be with others and show our support for Ed, his family and for bicycle awareness. This rally is intended to be inclusive for all who want to show support for Ed, his family and for cyclist safety awareness.

There will be more details to come. Save the date November 9th!

Please keep Ed and family in your prayers.

The Farrar family has aked that in lieu of flowers donations may be sent to:

Wenatchee Valley Velo
P.O. Box 1991
Wenatchee, WA. 98807

I will be there.

Posted by the family...

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/edfarrar

I heard about this from a friend in Wenatchee a couple of weeks ago. This is so tragic, since Ed was such an advocate of cycling and safety. I no longer live in Wenatchee, but I certainly am hoping for the best in his recovery.

The rally took place yesterday. I didn't really get any good pictures since all I took was my cell phone, but there were others taken. The local newspaper ran a front page story on the event today, and the Wenatchee Velo web site has an update as well.

Links:
http://www.bikewenatchee.org/
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081110/NEWS04/711109965/1002