USAZorro

There are some of us who don't get out of the Classic and Vintage forum very often. I came across some sad news in the Bicycle Mechanics Forum. It appears rather certain that sydney, perished in an "accident" a couple days ago while out riding.

While few considered him a ray of sunshine, and some even considered him a bit antagonistic (I'm guilty there), certainly none of use would have wished this on him or his family.

Farewell sydney.

John E

Thanks, Zorro. There is a lengthy sydney memorial thread under "Advocacy and Safety."

I am extremely upset over this incident, which emphasizes the dangers and prevalence of careless motoring.

Noah Scape

Thanks, Zorro. I did see the post over in mechanics. I am always deeply saddened when someone dies on a bicycle. We all know it could have been us. Sydney was a provocateur… which is why we all knew him. He often responded in a harsh and disrespectful manner, but he had a soft side too. Riding is fun. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troubling. Condolences to his people... he will be missed.

luker

The third biker I've lost this year, although the first on the road in a while. Gasoline and cell phones are like gasoline and liquor. bad news. and sydney had many, many miles left in him - and many many curmudgeonly things left to say. Now we won't hear 'em.

cyclezen

I went from stunned to saddened to angry and back to saddened when I read the news. Its easy to find all of us as one-dimensional in the world of BF, but beyond it all there's always more to the person behind the post. Learning about sydney - Jim Price - was only a definition of what I expected.
sydney was always more subtle than your average in-your-face young poster found on BF. he always left me wanting for some more. And he was always pleasantly tart. Beneath it all he was obviously a cyclist. I always enjoyed his retorts and I'm going to miss him.
I'm angry at a society that accepts this as a necessary cost in the auto-addicted world.
But in the end I'm saddened that sydney's life was cut short.
I smoked some carpet that evening and appreciated that he brought more to this world than he took.

peterbarson

thanks, zorro.
cyclezen...well said,
a sad moment

peripatetic

Very well spoken. Thanks. RIP.

TheOtherGuy

The story is truly sickening. As I look around me while on the road (SoCal), it seems that about half of the drivers are on the phone. I think people are just too numb these days to realize that the two ton machine they're operating isn't the only thing on the road. Maybe they just don't care.

Sorry you're no longer with us sydney; you'll surely be missed.

Poguemahone

Well, I'll miss poking at him on the occasion. I actually found him to be fairly good-natured when he was ribbed about his curmudgeonliness, which I confess to doing more than once.

The proliferation of cell phone usage is a bit much, and I'm sure each of us has had close calls with a driver who felt his phone call was more important than operating his vehicle responsibly. I suggest each of us lobby appropriate legislatures to get them to completely outlaw the use of cell phones by vehicle operators. This won't stop them, but it will likely make criminal penalties more severe in cases such as this, which should give sensible motorists pause and actually take responsibility for their actions. I lobbied the general assembly on just this issue this past year, and sure enough, the cell phone companies were lobbying against such regulation in force. Not surprising, as they've lined the interstates with cell towers. Laws were rejected by the GA on the grounds cell phone usage was a "personal choice". What utter BS... me getting really smashed is a "personal choice" too (I'll take Jamey's) but that shouldn't excuse me driving drunk (not after even one beer).

I'll be back again next session, and I'll be sure to tell sydney's tale.

ollo_ollo

I saw the posts last week & was concerned then saddened when we got confirmation that sydney was gone so suddenly. Maybe its just me, but I am experiencing more frequent close calls the past few years. Most involved careless, inattentive drivers or speeding kids.

thechamp

I like to imagine syd bitterly cursing the kid on the phone and holding his ground, Of course I like to imagine the suv falling to pieces and sydney riding away shaking his head.

Farewell.

Noah Scape

I completely agree that cell phone usage in a car is an important issue for cyclist. I have also brought this issue to the attention of our legislators. It seems there is a not a groundswell of support for banning cells in cars. And beyond the industry’s lobby, most elected officials spend a lot of time in a car doing business on the phone… so they have a personal stake in keeping it legal. Nevertheless, research shows it is hazardous and I will keep after legislators to do the right thing. Doesn’t Massachusetts have a ban? What other states have a ban???

royalflash

cell phone use while driving is illegal here in Germany- I don't think the fines are that huge though so some people still do it

Poguemahone

"I like to imagine syd bitterly cursing the kid on the phone and holding his ground, Of course I like to imagine the suv falling to pieces and sydney riding away shaking his head."

And likely yelling "gas pipe!!!!!" at them...

"It seems there is a not a groundswell of support for banning cells in cars."

Cynical as it seems, what probably needs to happen is for a cell phone user to plow into a group of twenty kindergarden students waiting on a sidewalk for a school bus, killing at least nineteen of them. Such a disaster is bound to happen sooner or later, unfortunately.

Noah Scape

Sadly, you are correct. We (the usa) are a reactive nation... crisis is the one thing that can break the stranglehold of big-money interests in the legislative process... if you can call it a process.

cupsal

Here in Santa Fe cell phone use is banned in the care unless you use a headset (I cannot see how a head set makes things safer, as not all phones accept voice commands). However, the law is enforced....


Chip

jmoule

we have a ban here in New York, unless you have a headset doodad. but the law isn't really enforced a lot. I still see a lot of people chatting away. not even to end the call quick. bah.

cruentus

Same in Jersey, I've never seen anyone pulled over for improper cell phone use.

FarHorizon

Use your public speaking opportunities to mention the hazards of cell phone use while driving. A recent study indicated that cell phone use was equivalent to DUI in terms of driving impairment. If even ONE person gets the message, thinks before using their cell phone while driving, and avoids a single accident, it will have been worthwhile.

T-Mar

I'd like to offer my most heartfelt condolences to Sydney's family and friends. While I did not know him personally, he had a tremendous wealth of bicycle knowledge and was obviously passionate about the sport. His postings were prolific, indicating an underlying generousity and willingness to assist others. He was what this forum was all about - aiding and educating others on all apsects of cycling.

I like to imagine that Sydney is currently sitting at a table, quaffing a cold one and engaged in a lively debate with Velocio, Tullio and other cycling pioneers, over the merits and direction of current bicycle technology. One day, I'll pass on and hopefully get the opportunity to finally meet Sydney. If I'm real lucky, he'll have saved me a seat at his table.

cuda2k

Well said. For a man who was only invovled in the sport for the later part of his life he soaked up and shared a wealth of knowledge. I can only hope to know nearly as much when I've been around bikes three times as long.

duane041

In the "Men of Few Words" department, sydney was one of, if not THE, best. Got right to the point, nothing fancy. I, too, was saddenned to hear of his passing. It just won't be the same the next time someone starts a thread about how much they enjoy their Varsity/Continental, and NOT see a "Gas pipe" comment.

localtalent

I haven't either - it's likely something that they'd tack on if they caught you speeding, like a broken taillight. Besides, if you're going past at 40-65 mph, how are they going to see you?

I confess that sydney's comments often irritated me (I have a gaspipe UO-8 and love it) but nobody deserves this. I'm going to be even more worried now riding in NYC traffic.

Rest in peace.

CdnPeugeot

i am a toronto bike commutor, & often question driver judgement on the roads. i read the forums & the NOW mag article & i too am feeling ill over this. i didn't know this guy either but the message is plainly painful, story brutally sad. i realized i'm riding in dangerous scenarios daily but continue to ride confidently amongst the motorized monsters on the road. i'm sure most cyclists of vet status are the same, but sometimes we or somebody else on the road **** up. i commute on the outer GTA, not right downtown, so i don't really see those dangers that he saw daily, nightly or whichever. short commute, long commute doesnt't really matter, just please ride smartly & always aware. sorrow & prayers