Regarding sydney
12-21-05, 12:34 AM
#351
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My last post to Sydney:
"Damn. Excellent, helpful info from Sydney. One more and you're off my ignore list"
He's off now.
Damn. Sorry Syd.
"Damn. Excellent, helpful info from Sydney. One more and you're off my ignore list"
He's off now.
Damn. Sorry Syd.
12-22-05, 11:21 PM
#352
Batüwü Griekgriek
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wow
I've been away from BF for a few months and what a sad story to come back to....
I'll admit sydney turned me off a bit at first with his quick retorts. But I was won over by his sheer encyclopedic knowledge of bikes, components, riding, etc. - and by several very nice PMs when I needed parts, advice etc. He helped me get an old 80s bike running like new and better than that. I was very touched and felt stupid for getting the wrong idea about him initially. he just knew his stuff and liked to share. He was a tremendous resource and a great watchdog. I hope someone around here can challenge misinformation half as well as sydney did. He kept us all honest.
He will be missed greatly here. This shows all cyclists are vulnerable, so as always, we should be careful out there.
My condolences to his family.
I've been away from BF for a few months and what a sad story to come back to....
I'll admit sydney turned me off a bit at first with his quick retorts. But I was won over by his sheer encyclopedic knowledge of bikes, components, riding, etc. - and by several very nice PMs when I needed parts, advice etc. He helped me get an old 80s bike running like new and better than that. I was very touched and felt stupid for getting the wrong idea about him initially. he just knew his stuff and liked to share. He was a tremendous resource and a great watchdog. I hope someone around here can challenge misinformation half as well as sydney did. He kept us all honest.
He will be missed greatly here. This shows all cyclists are vulnerable, so as always, we should be careful out there.
My condolences to his family.
12-25-05, 07:16 PM
#354
Retro-nerd
Wonder how long this post will last?
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12-25-05, 07:55 PM
#355
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This thread is supposed to be a condolence thread, not a chance for you to rip on the dead.
If you have something respectful to say, say it. If you don't... DON'T. That's pretty cowardly to rip on people who have no way of defending themselves and imposing your negativity to people from a different computer than you normally use too... but we can still see who you are.
Koffee Brown
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If you have something respectful to say, say it. If you don't... DON'T. That's pretty cowardly to rip on people who have no way of defending themselves and imposing your negativity to people from a different computer than you normally use too... but we can still see who you are.
Koffee Brown
Forum Moderator
12-25-05, 09:43 PM
#356
la vache fantôme
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Originally Posted by michaelnel
The original offensive post is gone. Two of you quoted the entire post in your responses. Please edit your responses and remove the quote, and the offensive post will be completely gone.
Phantomcow2
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12-27-05, 12:24 AM
#358
Pwnerer
I was also saddened to hear the loss of sydney, especially after finding out he was a fellow Coloradan...among all the other things he was to so many people.
Regarding the issues the incident has brought up, some headway has previously been made.
In July of 2005, Colorado again amended the GDL, or Graduated Driver's License law to restrict the use of cellphones for drivers under the age of 18. [.pdf file LINK]
This is something I have recently studied, having a soon-to-be-driving teenager myself. The GDL has not been adopted in all states, and in my humble opinion, should be. The GDL is not intrinsically punitive, but intends to help remove some of the situations which statistics show lead to the main causes of teen-related traffic fatalities.
From MADD's Graduated Driver's Licensing - Issue Brief
In sydney's memoriam, I will relate this tragic accident to my son while explaining the reasoning behind the GDL and how it will apply to him. If you live in a state that has not yet adopted the GDL, if the legislation does come up for vote, please remember both sydney and our young drivers.
Regarding the issues the incident has brought up, some headway has previously been made.
In July of 2005, Colorado again amended the GDL, or Graduated Driver's License law to restrict the use of cellphones for drivers under the age of 18. [.pdf file LINK]
This is something I have recently studied, having a soon-to-be-driving teenager myself. The GDL has not been adopted in all states, and in my humble opinion, should be. The GDL is not intrinsically punitive, but intends to help remove some of the situations which statistics show lead to the main causes of teen-related traffic fatalities.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers, accounting for 36 percent of all deaths of people 15 to 19 years old. This is largely because younger drivers are more likely to speed, tailgate, and engage in other dangerous behaviors and are less likely to recognize or respond to hazards due to inexperience.
In sydney's memoriam, I will relate this tragic accident to my son while explaining the reasoning behind the GDL and how it will apply to him. If you live in a state that has not yet adopted the GDL, if the legislation does come up for vote, please remember both sydney and our young drivers.
12-30-05, 02:26 AM
#359
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I have been riding 10speeds for 50 years this year and generally don't have much fear while I am on the road, but using cell phones while driving is something to truly fear. Write your State representatives. Don
12-31-05, 09:31 AM
#360
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Thanks for posting that link about graduated driving licenses. I did notice that the no cell phone *rule* only applies to those under 18 who have a permit and is not listed under the *rules* for licensed drivers under the age of 18. It is a start.
I am not sure if I gave an update or not.....the young man had his first hearing in front of the judge earlier this month. He did not have his attorney present and answered that he understood the charges on his own. His next meeting with the judge is scheduled for the middle of January I believe his attorney will be present and he will enter is plea. After speaking with the DA, it was explained why the charges were filed as they were. Due to this young man's age if wreckless driving or involunary manslaughter were presented they could be plea bargained down and later expunded from this record when he turns 21. With the Careless Driving Resulting in Death charge, the case is strong and this charge is one that remains and cannot be removed from his record. The DA mentioned when it comes to sentencing, which is at least a year away that member of the boards my dad posted on are welcome to send in statements with their feelings about what has transpired. This is a condensed version so if something does not make sense, let me know and I will fill that part in.
Again I am in awe over all the cards and e-mails expressing sympathy (condolences) during this time.
Kimberlee
I am not sure if I gave an update or not.....the young man had his first hearing in front of the judge earlier this month. He did not have his attorney present and answered that he understood the charges on his own. His next meeting with the judge is scheduled for the middle of January I believe his attorney will be present and he will enter is plea. After speaking with the DA, it was explained why the charges were filed as they were. Due to this young man's age if wreckless driving or involunary manslaughter were presented they could be plea bargained down and later expunded from this record when he turns 21. With the Careless Driving Resulting in Death charge, the case is strong and this charge is one that remains and cannot be removed from his record. The DA mentioned when it comes to sentencing, which is at least a year away that member of the boards my dad posted on are welcome to send in statements with their feelings about what has transpired. This is a condensed version so if something does not make sense, let me know and I will fill that part in.
Again I am in awe over all the cards and e-mails expressing sympathy (condolences) during this time.
Kimberlee
12-31-05, 09:57 AM
#361
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Hi Kimberlee- was it the same DA (Carolyn, I think), or was it a different DA? Do you have the contact information, or better yet, the information on the judge so we can send letters to the judge too? We can definitely start a letter writing campaign, and I can forward the results of the petition to you in a few months once we have more signatures.
I wish you and your family the best New Year's, and I hope your coming year brings you peace.
Take care,
Koffee
I wish you and your family the best New Year's, and I hope your coming year brings you peace.
Take care,
Koffee
01-01-06, 09:52 PM
#362
Shimano Certified
Wow. I am shocked to have only now found out about this. Life has taken me away from regular checking of the forum.
I feel as if a valuable counterpart has been lost from this community. Through our sometimes heated debates I have become a better mechanic and learned many things, as I am sure we brought many points to light that may not have happened otherwise. He will always have a spot on this forum that will not be filled, even by a handful of people's worth of experience.
We can only hope his passing will not be counted in vain, as all to many have been. Sign the pettition and encourage as many as you know to do the same. There have been at least a couple dozen times I have almost met the same fate, and while I would like to say it would never happen to me, we all know it could happen to any of us at any point when we venture onto the pavement.
Merely illegalizing the mobile device usage will not bring a complete end to the senseless killings, but it is a large step in the right direction. Until we can bring this to the attention of enough people, he will be just another cyclist killed while enjoying his rights as a citizen. He is not the first and sadly not the last, but my hope is that the people of this forum(which are many)will have a new sense of drive to attack this issue by the horns.
I feel as if a valuable counterpart has been lost from this community. Through our sometimes heated debates I have become a better mechanic and learned many things, as I am sure we brought many points to light that may not have happened otherwise. He will always have a spot on this forum that will not be filled, even by a handful of people's worth of experience.
We can only hope his passing will not be counted in vain, as all to many have been. Sign the pettition and encourage as many as you know to do the same. There have been at least a couple dozen times I have almost met the same fate, and while I would like to say it would never happen to me, we all know it could happen to any of us at any point when we venture onto the pavement.
Merely illegalizing the mobile device usage will not bring a complete end to the senseless killings, but it is a large step in the right direction. Until we can bring this to the attention of enough people, he will be just another cyclist killed while enjoying his rights as a citizen. He is not the first and sadly not the last, but my hope is that the people of this forum(which are many)will have a new sense of drive to attack this issue by the horns.
01-01-06, 10:20 PM
#363
Shimano Certified
I first became acquainted with your father's posts when I was laid off from my job almost exactly a year ago. Almost all of our posts were point-counterpoint, strong debates that were helpful to many in the long run. He was a valuable person and will be missed.
When you know when the airdate for the Good Morning America(an ironic name in this instance) I would be very interested to know and see.
I want to convey my condolences as a comrade in an ongoing battle. We were not always friendly, but we we had a respect that bound the experiences together.
When you know when the airdate for the Good Morning America(an ironic name in this instance) I would be very interested to know and see.
I want to convey my condolences as a comrade in an ongoing battle. We were not always friendly, but we we had a respect that bound the experiences together.
01-02-06, 03:39 AM
#364
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I just logged on after a long vacation from the Forums. So sad. My condolences to his family and tailwinds for sydney himself.
--J
--J
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Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
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01-04-06, 10:17 PM
#368
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My e-mail to the Douglas County DA's office (I'm going to mail it via USPS too):
I was saddened to hear of the death of Jim Price, a dear friend of many members of BikeForums.net, a vibrant and active online bike community. Jim was well known for his wit, his knowledge and his expertise on building, riding and handling bicycles.
I was also saddened to hear that the teenager who was responsible for Jim's death was charged only with misdemeanor - careless driving. At the very least, I believe Jim's death was the result of absolute negligence on the part of the driver. As a driver, the teenager owed occupants of other vehicles on the road a duty of care and attention when operating his vehicle. Jim was clearly operating his vehicle within the law, but the teenager who hit him clearly was not. As a driver, the teenager should have been aware of his surroundings while in the vehicle, which was not the case. This lack of attention is not carelessness - it is negligence, especially since the teenager was brazen enough to use his mobile phone to text message a friend while in the car. Had the driver not made the conscious decision to pick up his mobile phone, Jim Price might be alive today. Mistakes are forgivable, but negligence is not.
I urge the DA's office in Douglas County to indict the driver on stronger charges, possibly including manslaughter - charges that accurately reflect the negligence present in this situation. Additionally, Colorado, as a progressive state, should display its care and compassion for bicyclists by sending a message to the rest of the Colorado automotive community: that negligence and lack of care on the road will not be tolerated by bicyclists, or by law enforcement and the courts.
Please consider my letter when drafting additional documentation regarding this case.
I was also saddened to hear that the teenager who was responsible for Jim's death was charged only with misdemeanor - careless driving. At the very least, I believe Jim's death was the result of absolute negligence on the part of the driver. As a driver, the teenager owed occupants of other vehicles on the road a duty of care and attention when operating his vehicle. Jim was clearly operating his vehicle within the law, but the teenager who hit him clearly was not. As a driver, the teenager should have been aware of his surroundings while in the vehicle, which was not the case. This lack of attention is not carelessness - it is negligence, especially since the teenager was brazen enough to use his mobile phone to text message a friend while in the car. Had the driver not made the conscious decision to pick up his mobile phone, Jim Price might be alive today. Mistakes are forgivable, but negligence is not.
I urge the DA's office in Douglas County to indict the driver on stronger charges, possibly including manslaughter - charges that accurately reflect the negligence present in this situation. Additionally, Colorado, as a progressive state, should display its care and compassion for bicyclists by sending a message to the rest of the Colorado automotive community: that negligence and lack of care on the road will not be tolerated by bicyclists, or by law enforcement and the courts.
Please consider my letter when drafting additional documentation regarding this case.
01-04-06, 10:47 PM
#369
Sweetened with Splenda
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A ghost bike in honor of sydney was installed this evening at the intersection of Wildcat Parkway and Summit View Parkway in Highlands Ranch, CO. Photos to follow.
01-05-06, 12:16 AM
#370
Unique Vintage Steel
I remember when I first joined seeing some of the sparing matches between sydney and mtbikerinpa and from which I learned a lot. With this holiday season winding to a close I've come back and read this thread a half dozen times and keep coming back to see what other members have added. Thank you to Jim's daughter for keeping us updated on developments regarding the teen. As always our hearts go out to you and your family in this time.
01-05-06, 09:17 AM
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Koffee, I have not forgotten to get the info you requested, I have been busy. My husband had to have surgery and with the kids home from school for Christmas break I have been short on time. I will get it and post it when I can.
I would like to see the pictures of the ghost bike.
Thanks again everyone.
Kimberlee
I would like to see the pictures of the ghost bike.
Thanks again everyone.
Kimberlee
01-05-06, 10:27 AM
#372
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Cool. When you get the information, I'll make sure it's clearly displayed so everyone can write in to the proper person. The judge's and the DA's addresses would be oh so handy to have...
All my best to you and your family.
Koffee
All my best to you and your family.
Koffee
01-05-06, 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by koffee brown
The judge's and the DA's addresses would be oh so handy to have...
Koffee
Koffee
Douglas County District Attorney Carol Chambers
4000 Justice Way, Suite 2250
Castle Rock, CO 80109-7570
Ph: (303) 814-7100
01-09-06, 04:42 AM
#374
Ride the Road
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Originally Posted by sydney
. . . After speaking with the DA, it was explained why the charges were filed as they were. Due to this young man's age if wreckless driving or involunary manslaughter were presented they could be plea bargained down and later expunded from this record when he turns 21. With the Careless Driving Resulting in Death charge, the case is strong and this charge is one that remains and cannot be removed from his record. The DA mentioned when it comes to sentencing, which is at least a year away that member of the boards my dad posted on are welcome to send in statements with their feelings about what has transpired. . . .
Kimberlee
Kimberlee
However, the DA's explanation is not completely satisfactory. The DA said a higher charge could be plea bargained down to something less severe than what the guy's charged with now. But the DA doesn't have to accept that plea. Maybe the DA is concerned that the jury wouldn't find the guy guilty of the higher offense, but the DA has the authority to insist on a plea to the indictment or a trial. No one forces a DA to accept any plea.
01-09-06, 04:33 PM
#375
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I know this happened a while back, but I couldn't bring myself to express my condolences without getting a little teary-eyed. It still saddens me to read the news.
I put a link to the petition on my myspace profile to help gather more sig's.
Here's to you and your family <3
I put a link to the petition on my myspace profile to help gather more sig's.
Here's to you and your family <3