Fifty Plus (50+) - This ride will never be the same...

Tragedy struck on one of my frequent loops and within a mile of my house.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20110629/NEWS01/110629010/Irondequoit-bicyclist-dies-after-crash?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home

This occured at the bottom of a nice long downhill (off ramp from a draw bridge). I often hit well over 30mph on this smooth stretch of road which gives me a nice boost to climb the following rise.

I'll not attempt to reconstruct this accident nor try to place any blame. Other than the helmet part, I can easily envision myself inadvertantly getting caught in the same situation. It's easy to slip up and put yourself or another in harms way.

I have no idea how fast either party was going or what may have contributed to this horrific accident. I feel terribly sorry for the driver and for both families involved.

I am certain, however, that we all need to be vigilant out there for our own safety and for the safety of those around us.

Every time I ride that section of road I'll be thinking of that young lady, the driver, and their families and freinds who have been so tragically affected by this accident.

sorry to hear that cranky. always sad news. be careful out there guys.

Thanks for sharing. Tough!! on everyone.

Rip

A sad day for everyone. I pray that all involved will be comforted.

Yes, very tragic. The writeup reads as though the cyclist was clearly at fault -- am I missing something?

That sucks for all involved. Helments are a must. Sad story, I pray for their families.

Very sad

Like Lenny, I've rode that route hundreds of times on bike and in the car. At that time of day on a Sunday it should have been jammed with cars. Damn shame.

The only way I can think of that it would *not* be the cyclist's fault would be if it was a 'right hook' where the motorist just barely cleared the bicycle but didn't leave enough buffer before pulling back over and braking for the turn.

The only way I can think of that it would *not* be the cyclist's fault would be if it was a 'right hook' where the motorist just barely cleared the bicycle but didn't leave enough buffer before pulling back over and braking for the turn.

I don't think there's nearly enough information in the newspaper article to assess fault.

Sad news heard way too often. Sorry to hear it Cranky.

A sad day for us all.

I don't think there's nearly enough information in the newspaper article to assess fault.

+1

Too bad, and a pity. I will still go helmetless. I don't like the way they feel-horrible. I know, I know, a smashed head feels worse. I will try to be vigilant though.