shelbyfv

Apologies if this was already posted. Dickson Co. cyclist dies after being struck on Natchez Trace Parkway It's interesting that there has been no follow up story or info about charges.

Hoopdriver

The article says that, "Federal regulations require bicyclist to ride single file, and riders are encouraged to move to the right to allow for vehicles to pass".

I wrote to them asking for a citation for this law. It's a bit irresponsible to publish an un-truth that perpetuates a faulty expectation among motorists (and cyclists too).

Hoopdriver

I am enlightened. Apparently there is a federal regulation specific to National Parks:

Code of Federal Regulations Title 36 - Parks, Forests, and Public Property
Title: Section 4.30 - Bicycles.

(a) The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads, in parking areas and on routes designated for bicycle use; provided, however, the superintendent may close any park road or parking area to bicycle use pursuant to the criteria and procedures of §§ 1.5 and 1.7 of this chapter. Routes may only be designated for bicycle use based on a written determination that such use is consistent with the protection of a park area's natural, scenic and aesthetic values, safety considerations and management objectives and will not disturb wildlife or park resources.
(b) Except for routes designated in developed areas and special use zones, routes designated for bicycle use shall be promulgated as special regulations.
(c) A person operating a bicycle is subject to all sections of this part that apply to an operator of a motor vehicle, except §§ 4.4, 4.10, 4.11 and 4.14.
(d) The following are prohibited:
(1) Possessing a bicycle in a wilderness area established by Federal statute.
(2) Operating a bicycle during periods of low visibility, or while traveling through a tunnel, or between sunset and sunrise, without exhibiting on the operator or bicycle a white light or reflector that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red light or reflector visible from at least 200 feet to the rear.
(3) Operating a bicycle abreast of another bicycle except where authorized by the superintendent.
(4) Operating a bicycle while consuming an alcoholic beverage or carrying in hand an open container of an alcoholic beverage.

shelbyfv

Something strange about this case is that the NPS will not divulge the name of the driver. They say they are still investigating, though apparently the driver remained on the scene and confessed. I'm surprised they have the authority to withhold this, seems as if it should be public information!

CB HI

Driver might be under 18, but because the car was a classic, that is less likely.

Because the driver did not flee, it is unlikely any further updates will be released unless the cyclist family speaks out.

Ninety5rpm

Legally, unless charges are filed, it's not the public's business.

shelbyfv

Don't know about that, I'm no lawyer! Someone has contacted a reporter for the local newspaper, I guess they can sort out the legalities if they take an interest. It's hard to imagine a scenario where no charges would be filed, even if only violation of the 3 foot law.

shelbyfv

Actually, I guess if the cyclist rode into the wrong lane and hit the car head on, the driver might be w/o fault. I think I read the driver ran over him from behind but I'm not sure where.

rachel120

FOIA request would take care of that. I'm almost certain you don't have to be an interested party to file the request.

KD5NRH

I'd find it hard to believe that they wouldn't have rushed to release evidence showing it to be the cyclist's fault if they had any.

JoeyBike

Was the cyclist wearing a helmet?

Hey, sooner or later this was going to come up.

I have toured on the NTP many times. A handful on bicycles, and a few times on motorcycles and in cars. Seems like as good a place to get splattered as any other highway. Speed limits are low but lanes are relatively narrow 2-lane highway often with curves, fog, etc. In some areas, like Jackson and Tupelo, traffic volume can be really high at peak hours. Once near Tupelo on a workday afternoon I just pulled off the roadside and waited for an hour for traffic to subside. Local commuters use it like a freeway. No, they do not obey the speed limit.

It is a lovely place to die cycling tho.

B. Carfree

You're such a ray of sunshine on this stormy night. Thanks, I needed a small laugh and reality check.

For the record, I long ago accepted that my time on the road could well invite a bloody earlier than planned end to a ride someday. For me, it's been worth it. Some day, I may change my mind just like you have. Then again, every day there's just a little less mind to change, if you know what I mean.

Paul Barnard

The article mentioned that the driver remained on scene as if they were surprised.

CB HI

And your NOT surprised?

unterhausen

staying on the scene is certainly the best way to escape any sanctions related to not looking out the damn windshield while driving. Assuming no alcohol, of course.

shelbyfv

Update- The NPS sent me a link to file a FOIA request but again said they would not release any info until their investigation was complete. The reason given for not releasing the name of the driver was that there had been death threats in other incidents involving cyclists! I don't know how they came up with this, the NPS certainly would not normally be the entity to investigate a death threat. To me it smells of someone with connections, lawyered up and hoping for a quiet plea deal.

KD5NRH

By that logic, we also shouldn't release the names (or photos) of political candidates.

(Sounds like a good idea, IMO; imagine if the whole ballot was just voting for their platform statements with no indication who those are connected to.)

jefnvk

I don't really blame them. What purpose would knowing the name result in for an uninvolved party who only knows about the incident because of the internet, if not to harass or intimidate in some manner?

Colnago Mixte

Why help a member of the public (who is paying your salary and supposed to be your boss) if there's a .000001% chance it could put your cushy overpaid govt job in paradise into the tiniest bit of jeopardy? If I worked for the NPS, that would probably be my first instinct.

I-Like-To-Bike

Do you expect a government employee, or anyone else to go out of their way and bend the rules to help someone who expressed/displayed the unbridled contempt you seem to have for him/her?

shelbyfv

You know most of the Natchez Trace is in Mississippi....