Originally Posted by toddw
The other article doesn't much explain what happened -- and spells the cyclist's last name two different ways. I am still curious as to what actions this cyclist committed to merit manslaughter and reckless driving charges. I am assuming there was some kind of negligence involved, but there's no explanation of what it might be.
It appears that he ran a stop sign. If this is true then I think he should be charged the same as if he were in a car. If we as cyclists expect the same rights as motor vehicles we should be held to the same standards.
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) - A bicyclist was charged with manslaughter after he ran through a stop sign and struck and killed a 71-year-old woman, police said Monday.
Jean Calder died at Good Samaritan Hospital after she was struck Friday night as she crossed a street at an unmarked crosswalk, Corvallis police Capt. Ron Noble said.
Christopher A. Lightning, 51, was charged with manslaughter and reckless driving.
"A car and a bicycle are both vehicles and if they are operated in a way that could be criminal, then charges are filed equally in both situations," Noble said. "He was going right through a stop sign."
Lightning was being housed in Benton County jail with bail set at $57,500. He will be given a court-appointed lawyer at his arraignment in Benton County.
http://newsobserver.com/24hour/natio...11269407c.html
Here's a photo of the guy:
http://www.kgw.com/news-local/storie....4a5f2729.html