Officials are investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident involving an apparent bicyclist on Interstate 10 just north of Marana.
"In my 30 years of law enforcement this is probably the worst scene I've ever seen," said DPS Sgt. Gary Durree.
The Department of Public Safety began receiving phone calls just after 6:00 p.m. from motorists describing an animal carcass in the middle of the westbound lanes.
When officers arrived they realized the parts on the interstate were that of a human.
DPS shut down all westbound lanes for an 11-mile stretch between Marana and Red Rock. Traffic was detoured while DPS completed their investigation.
The victim is described as a white male with a tattoo of a black spider on his right shoulder.
Not one motorist pulled to the side of the interstate to inform DPS of what they saw.
Investigators did find various parts of vehicles in the area as well as the bicycle the victim was apparently riding at the time of the accident.
If you have any information about this incident you're asked to call the Department of Public Safety at (520)
Unreal. That is all I have to say
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
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that's disgusting! i read both stories and they say he was hit by several cars, one apparently dumped the bike at the next exit, but no one stopped?!? what the hell? and why was the guy on I-10 anyway? this is a sick story.
climbo
uuugggh, i feel ill just reading that, poor *******, but wow, I-10, isn't that a dangerous place to ride ?
gpsblake
I am not from the area but I just looked at it from Street Atlas 8.0. Unless they are wrong, it appears a good frontage roads on both sides of the interstate. Arizona also allow bicycles on interstates except in metro areas I believe.
Raiyn
that's disgusting! i read both stories and they say he was hit by several cars, one apparently dumped the bike at the next exit, but no one stopped?!? what the hell? and why was the guy on I-10 anyway? this is a sick story.
Let's see now on an Interstate Highway at night wearing "black jeans, a black Harley-Davidson T-shirt with "Sturgis" written on the back and a blue poncho.". As much as the *******s that hit him need to come forward and fess up he didn't exactly make himself highly visible nor was he riding in a place where anyone with common sense would ride. I'm also guessing that due to the fact that it's been years since the Clint Eastwood Poncho look died off that the weather may have played a small role in all of this.
I still say whoever hit him and ran is a worthless piece of ********
Ganesha
As pointed out its legal to ride on highways in Arizona outside of metro areas.
I'm not sure about the area in question, but most non-metro highways, have a wide shoulder, with a rumble strip between the main road and the shoulder. A cyclist riding in the middle of the shoulder should me safe from road debris, attentive motorists and the rumble strip.
noisebeam
I've driven this road a bunch of times and know the Marana area a bit. But not enough to remember what I-10 is like in this area (like shoulder conditions).
A few points:
-6pm is already quite dark
-Victim was wearing black and dark colors
-No indication if lights were used
-Phoenix to/from Tuscon rush hour traffic on I-10 is either dense, slow and agressive or fast and agressive and feels very dangous even in a car. It is a very stressful drive on weekday early evenings.
-Legal or not this is not a place or time I would ride
-Even if shoulders are good, every time one passes an exit ramp would be very hazardous at this time of day (never a break in traffic)
All the facts are not in and likely this is a very sad incident of someone just not being aware of hazards and needing to get around on a bike due to their circumstances.
Al
noisebeam
[color=blue]the weather may have played a small role in all of this.[color]
I estimate that weather was clear and probably about 65deg. But I wouldn't be surprised if poncho was for some warmth.
It was dark - see my other post on this.
Al
cyclingshane73
I'm speechless...
UKNOWHO
I've driven this road a bunch of times and know the Marana area a bit. But not enough to remember what I-10 is like in this area (like shoulder conditions).
A few points:
-6pm is already quite dark
-Victim was wearing black and dark colors
-No indication if lights were used
-Phoenix to/from Tuscon rush hour traffic on I-10 is either dense, slow and agressive or fast and agressive and feels very dangous even in a car. It is a very stressful drive on weekday early evenings.
-Legal or not this is not a place or time I would ride
-Even if shoulders are good, every time one passes an exit ramp would be very hazardous at this time of day (never a break in traffic)
Al
I live about ten miles south of where this occured. Last night it was warm and dark about when this happened, when I say warm I would guess about 70 because it was a very warm day. So no explanation for the poncho. That section of interstate has a very wide shoulder at least 10 feet wide and . Why he was riding there no one knows. But I sure want to know why no motorist pulled over!
Dahon.Steve
Let's see now on an Interstate Highway at night wearing "black jeans, a black Harley-Davidson T-shirt with "Sturgis" written on the back and a blue poncho.". As much as the *******s that hit him need to come forward and fess up he didn't exactly make himself highly visible nor was he riding in a place where anyone with common sense would ride. I'm also guessing that due to the fact that it's been years since the Clint Eastwood Poncho look died off that the weather may have played a small role in all of this.
I still say whoever hit him and ran is a worthless piece of ********
Agreed.
He probably wasn't the most intelligent cyclist considering he was on a Huffy. I find the majority of Huffy riders tend to be careless or unprofessional in their riding skills. Still. He did not deserve to get killed considering there was a wide shoulder.
noisebeam
I live about ten miles south of where this occured. Last night it was warm and dark about when this happened, when I say warm I would guess about 70 because it was a very warm day. So no explanation for the poncho. That section of interstate has a very wide shoulder at least 10 feet wide and . Why he was riding there no one knows. But I sure want to know why no motorist pulled over!
But we don't know if he was riding on the shoulder. Sometimes folks cross freeways as well as it can be quite a detour to get between crossing points. I also estimated it as 65deg, your right maybe even 70 - the weather has been quite warm lately, but if you are out for the evening on a bike doing a slow ride a poncho would not be unreasonable, it does cool off quick after sunset.
In any case, lights, poncho, whatever, if someone hits someone or anything that substantial (even giving them the benefit of the doubt that they didn't know what it was) you would think they would stop and try and figure it out. Also even if this person had no lights on their bike a car/truck with headlights on should have seen them and at least known it was a person/cyclist, even if it was too late to stop
Al
powers2b
Agreed.
He probably wasn't the most intelligent cyclist considering he was on a Huffy. I find the majority of Huffy riders tend to be careless or unprofessional in their riding skills. Still. He did not deserve to get killed considering there was a wide shoulder.
Where did that logic come from??? I know plenty of riders on expensive road bikes that are class 1 A-holes. Let's not become segregated based on name brands?
Laika
He probably wasn't the most intelligent cyclist considering he was on a Huffy. I find the majority of Huffy riders tend to be careless or unprofessional in their riding skills.
Yeah, he should have gotten himself the full carbon Highhorse 9000 with full DuraAce. :rolleyes:
powers2b
Yeah, he should have gotten himself the full carbon Highhorse 9000 with full DuraAce. :rolleyes:
Yea, I hear they come with airbags....
Laika
Yea, I hear they come with airbags....
Windbags. They come with windbags.
cyclingshane73
Do not pass judgement on some one until you know all the facts. Even then, there is always some other side of their story, factor or angle to look at.
Come people, judging him because he rides a Huffy is not fair and most of all disrespectful at this time. Wether by their own design or someone else's simply put a human being died.
If you want to judge the rider then fine the facts based on what we have read state he was wearing dark clothing on a dark highway at a busy time of night. I think we can all safely agree that this is not safe.
Aside from those points, that is all we really know. We were not there, we did not see the accident happen. There are a number of other factors which could have contributed.
DUI - motorist or yep even the cyclist??? Where was he riding when he got hit?, Followed by, was he trying to cross the highway? Why didn't the first motorist to hit him stop? Could they, did they see him? Was it deliberate (scary thought)?
These questions are hypothetically speaking of course. There are a number of scenarios that could have played out based on those questions alone.
None of the above answers to those questions excuse the behaviour of the motorist who initially hit him and then fled the scene.
Dahon.Steve
Come people, judging him because he rides a Huffy is not fair and most of all disrespectful at this time. Wether by their own design or someone else's simply put a human being died.
Alright.. I retract the statement above.
It's unfortunate that surburban developement consist of riding on the high speed interstate to get anywhere. Those of us living in cities that are cycle friendly take it for granted maximum posted speed limts of 25 mph.
I cannot understand why people would want to live in this bicycle hostile environment? When you are poor like this victim, moving to another town, city or state would be quite easy. A bus ticket and a suite case is all that's needed.
noisebeam
When you are poor like this victim, moving to another town, city or state would be quite easy. A bus ticket and a suite case is all that's needed.
I think you just made another statement you may want to retract soon.
Al
Raiyn
If you want to judge the rider then fine the facts based on what we have read state he was wearing dark clothing on a dark highway at a busy time of night. I think we can all safely agree that this is not safe.
That's the only thing I was saying.
PainTrain
When you are poor like this victim, moving to another town, city or state would be quite easy. A bus ticket and a suite case is all that's needed.
Should he buy another Huffy when he gets to where he's going? Let's see, he'll probably need a place to live, that takes cash for security deposits and so on. I'll bet he had a job of some kind. He'd need another. A person usually needs an address to be considered for even the most menial job.
Wow. I'm going to assume you didn't think this line out all the way. I'm going to guess you've never been truly broke, or you never would have pulled a B.S. statement like that out of your nether region.
Wow.
don d.
I cannot understand why people would want to live in this bicycle hostile environment? When you are poor like this victim, moving to another town, city or state would be quite easy. A bus ticket and a suite case is all that's needed.
You are really out of touch. I think Bush has some openings in his cabinet. You should fit right in.
Dahon.Steve
You are really out of touch. I think Bush has some openings in his cabinet. You should fit right in.
Good one...
Folks... I don't believe the victim riding the Huffy was doomed to live in that cycle hostile city the rest of his life. People really think moving out of the burbs is impossible but I find it's much easier when you have little or nothing. I've met loads of people who moved thousands of miles away with nothing but what they hand on their backs. There are many governement agencies in every city out there that would have helped him. It's not impossible.
ArtM
We shouldn't judge the cyclist based on the brand of bicycle.
It also isn't wise to arbitrarily judge the motorists for not stopping when they hit something. I drive a lot of interstates, and do NOT think it is safe to stop on the shoulder unless absolutely necessary. I hear many stories of cars stopped on the shoulder resulting in accidents and/or death. And with the number of deer carcasses in the Mid-Atlantic area, I would assume I hit a deer and probably keep going. I'm not even sure I would call and report it, so kudos to those drivers that did report "something".
And, yes, this story is very sad.
noisebeam
We shouldn't judge the cyclist based on the brand of bicycle.
It also isn't wise to arbitrarily judge the motorists for not stopping when they hit something. I drive a lot of interstates, and do NOT think it is safe to stop on the shoulder unless absolutely necessary. I hear many stories of cars stopped on the shoulder resulting in accidents and/or death. And with the number of deer carcasses in the Mid-Atlantic area, I would assume I hit a deer and probably keep going. I'm not even sure I would call and report it, so kudos to those drivers that did report "something".
And, yes, this story is very sad.
What I don't understand is how can one not know they hit a cyclist, even if it is dark and the cyclist has not lights. Once they are within 30ft (probably more) or so the cyclist would be fully lit up by your headlights. Certainly not enough time to stop, but enough time to register as a cyclist before hitting them.
Al
Raiyn
A person usually needs an address to be considered for even the most menial job.
.
.
Not really, all you need is an ID with even a former address. I had jobs back when I didn't had a fixed address. It can be done.
ArtM
deer tend to weigh about 2000 lbs don't they? i know it's gotta be at least 500 lbs. if you hit that on a freeway you ain't goin no where.
you'd think they could tell the difference in the weight.
Deer weigh about the same or less than a human - 100 to 150 lbs. And I'm not sure they saw this guy until they hit him. Maybe their fender glanced off him. Its not clear they hit him head-on.
noisebeam
Deer weigh about the same or less than a human - 100 to 150 lbs. And I'm not sure they saw this guy until they hit him. Maybe their fender glanced off him. Its not clear they hit him head-on.
Headlights don't only shine directly to the front, but quite a bit off to the sides as well. I just don't see how one can not know what they hit (if a person or other large object) unless they were not paying attention at all.
Al
ArtM
Headlights don't only shine directly to the front, but quite a bit off to the sides as well. I just don't see how one can not know what they hit (if a person or other large object) unless they were not paying attention at all.
Al
Someone earlier said this was a busy highway during commuting time. I'm normally watching directly in front of me for several cars to make sure nobody hits the brakes. I'm NOT paying attention to the right or left of me, but straight ahead. Next time you're driving in heavy highway traffic (if you ever do that), note if you really know what is happening at a 45 degree angle.
I'm not trying to justify this act, but I think I can understand it.
timmhaan
Not really, all you need is an ID with even a former address. I had jobs back when I didn't had a fixed address. It can be done.
i got temp jobs very easily when i was living out of a cheap hotel. it's even easier these days since most people (even really poor people) have cell phones and can be in touch whenever. hell, i can even go to burger king now and use email\internet if i want.
dobber
Let's not confuse a "cyclist" with "someone riding on a bike". This one was obvious the latter and has no one to blame but himself, tragic as any death may be.
I still find it amazing that nobody stopped.
dobber
deer tend to weigh about 2000 lbs don't they? i know it's gotta be at least 500 lbs. if you hit that on a freeway you ain't goin no where.
you'd think they could tell the difference in the weight.
A one ton deer? Maybe, if they've got the thicker rubber strip in place.
noisebeam
I'm not trying to justify this act, but I think I can understand it.
Of course. I was not arguing with you, but instead just thinking this out. But I do notice more that what is just ahead of me, even on a busy highway at night.
It was me that said it was busy, often high speed even though near bumper to bumper with an abnormal number of agressive drivers weaving in and out. There are lots of 18 wheelers on this highway too. A very unpleasant stretch of highway to drive let alone cycle on.
Al
Raiyn
A one ton deer? Maybe, if they've got the thicker rubber strip in place.
That would have to be a conveyer belt size rubber strip. I wonder if the deer had to ask the company for it because it wasn't in the package.
noisebeam
Let's not confuse a "cyclist" with "someone riding on a bike". This one was obvious the latter and has no one to blame but himself, tragic as any death may be.
I still find it amazing that nobody stopped.
Anyone on a bike is a cyclist to me - defining it any way else is just creating an elitist grey line between different grades of cyclists.
I do suspect when all the facts are in (which they may never be) it is likely to be a good part if not all due to the poor judgement and actions of the cyclist. But until all those facts are in it is wrong to say that it is the cyclists fault.
But an indirect contributor may also be that no considerations have ever been made to accomidate cyclists in this area. Maybe this was the ONLY way (either crossing or riding down a stretch of I10) a cyclist could get from pt. A to B.
Al
dobber
Anyone on a bike is a cyclist to me - defining it any way else is just creating an elitist grey line between different grades of cyclists
I respectfully disagree. A cyclist follows the rules of the road. A cyclist knows the limitations and doesn't push the envelope.
I don't consider the punk BMX'ers that jump thier bikes out into the street, without regards to traffic, as cyclists. And regardless of the consideration of accomodating cyclists in the area, nothing would justify riding in the dark, with dark clothing on an interstate.
Raiyn
I respectfully disagree. A cyclist follows the rules of the road. A cyclist knows the limitations and doesn't push the envelope.
I don't consider the punk BMX'ers that jump thier bikes out into the street, without regards to traffic, as cyclists. And regardless of the consideration of accomodating cyclists in the area, nothing would justify riding in the dark, with dark clothing on an interstate.
I share your respectful disagreement. Being a cyclist isn't about the bike itself but the attitude of the person ON the bike.
Laika
Let's not confuse a "cyclist" with "someone riding on a bike". This one was obvious the latter and has no one to blame but himself, tragic as any death may be.
I've seen you make some thoughtless statements but this one absolutely takes the cake.
dobber
I've seen you make some thoughtless statements but this one absolutely takes the cake.
Exactly how? Riding in the dark, darkly clothed and on an interstate highway would be the biking equivalent of holding a loaded gun to ones head. Just plain stupid.
I'll reserve commentary on your obvious leanings.
bkrownd
Deer weigh about the same or less than a human - 100 to 150 lbs.
More like 20 to 500 pounds. There are many kinds of "deer".
This is nothing compared to the woman who drove home and parked in her garage with the half-dead guy lodged in her windshield.
gpsblake
First of all, to the poster that says Huffy riders are idiots..... This shows a real problem we have in bicycling, the riders of more expensive bikes looking upon others like they are superior or something...... I find the most friendliest and respectful riders to usually ride Huffys/Roadmasters while the roadies riding $2,000 bikes with $300 dollar clothing are too busy looking at their cyclometers to even wave hello to you. Or they talk down to you.
I googled websites and it appears that bicycling on the interstate between Tucson and Arizona on I-10 is prohibited. That still doesn't excuse this hit and run and it appears that the cyclist was on the shoulder of the interstate. This is really sad and I hope they nail the people responsible.
Cheers,
GPSBlake
gpsblake
Let's not confuse a "cyclist" with "someone riding on a bike".
Wrong. They are every bit the cyclist you are regardless if they are riding a $50 Huffy or a $2,000 Trek. This attitude among people who buy and ride expensive bicycles really has got to stop. I find the friendiest cyclist to ride the cheaper bikes, the ones riding the $2,000 Treks are too busy looking at their cyclometers to even wave a friendly hello. Sorry if that pisses some people off but I am sick and tired of that attitude among some roadies. We are all in this together and all are cyclist, totally equal.
Cheers,
GPSBlake
Laika
Exactly how? Riding in the dark, darkly clothed and on an interstate highway would be the biking equivalent of holding a loaded gun to ones head. Just plain stupid.
Your original statement was the worst sort of obnoxious cycling elitism. I stand by my original assesment of it.
I'll reserve commentary on your obvious leanings.
I don't even know what you think that means, but it is obnoxious.
mtbikerinpa
I will have to take a side on the two types of riders debate.
While the typical rider on a more expensive bike is usually more involved in the 'cyclist lifestyle', there are some who ride cheap that are in that category as well. I myself ride 2 1900 dollar race mountain bikes(that i built for under 100 and race continually), but you can find me rebuilding walmart and junkyard units all the time. In order for me to sell them with a clean conscience I have to road/trail test them. So thus I would be a Cyclist and avid racer, on a huffy(or whatever). Even when I am testing them, I still have light equipment(tail lights are 99 cents for cryin out loud), a reflective backpack and wheel reflectors.
What does seal my perception of him being a 'normal person' is the context, description and attire. A person who was merely using the bike as a conveyance, not as a means unto itself.
brokenrobot
It also isn't wise to arbitrarily judge the motorists for not stopping when they hit something.
Stopping after an accident is the law - and frankly, whoever stopped at the exit and pulled a bike out of his grill without surrendering himself to the law is an animal deserving of being put down. Whether the death itself was an accident or not, nobody who shows that level of disrespect for other human beings deserves to live amongst them.
-chris
free_pizza
Deer weigh about the same or less than a human - 100 to 150 lbs. .
Have you ever seen a deer?!
Rex
THUD! THUD!
Somebody, or more likely, a bunch of people hit that poor guy after he pretty much disintegrated and were probably wondering WTF. Then, they turn on the 10 o'clock news and watch the news segment going, "oh ****! we ran over the human remains of some guy!"
Have they caught the person who hit him yet?
cyclezealot
This is a story I find hard to believe..Told to me by couple I work with...They were driving back from Las Vegas to Los Angeles...In the desert, just east of Baker, California on Interstate 15- there was an accident...Couple cars toppled over...Cars in road...She told me, bodies were lying on the road...With bodies strewn about, traffic refused to stop...Not until the police showed up...
Must have been a path way about car debris and bodies...But, cars whizzed by before bodies could be removed...Jerri said some good samaratian types who knew first aide tried to help...
Felt intimidated by cars whizzing by...
Incredible hah...Jerri seems like an honest person to me..
Believe it or not..
seely
Deer weigh about the same or less than a human - 100 to 150 lbs. And I'm not sure they saw this guy until they hit him. Maybe their fender glanced off him. Its not clear they hit him head-on.
I've got news for you, my girlfriend's dog weighs about 110lbs, and its probably 1/3 the size of a moderately sized Doe. There is a buck in my neighborhood that has to have its shoulder close to level with mine.