Hoping for the better news...

From www.News25-680.com

Three bicyclists were injured - one possibly fatally - when their group was struck by a large water truck during a weekend fun run from Danville to Dublin and back.

Saturday's accident was reported at 9:45 a.m. on Highland Road near Manning Road, early in the weekend HOP (House of Pain) loop run which starts from the Danville Peet's coffee shop, wends through Dublin and returns to Danville via sparsely trafficked country roads. It was not immediately known how many were riding in the group Saturday, but the HOP Medium run is usually composed of roughly a dozen riders who make the run under fairly competitive racing rules.

During Saturday's run the group was struck by a large water truck as they neared Manning Road, witnesses reported, sending at least three riders sprawling, seriously injuring one and critically injuring another. Early reports were that the more severely injured rider had died at the scene but lifesaving measures were initiated and no declaration of death received. All three riders were taken to local hospitals with the least seriously injured among them described as "walking wounded."

No finding of fault has been determined. The names of the injured were not given pending notification of relatives. This site's Facebook page, which boasts a large complement of weekend riders, lit up with questions and expressions of concern as news of the collision and subsequent injuries spread.

He passed... very sad indeed. RIP

Ugh - this is just awful news.

I hate to have this be the reason for me to pop up back here again, but suffice to say - stay safe folks.

if I was not out of town.. I would have been on this ride... scary thought

So incredibly sad--tragic--condolences to the family and friends.

Correction:

Somewhat confusing three cyclists? or one cyclist and two motorists?

Bicyclist killed, motorists injured in rural Contra Costa crash - ContraCostaTimes.com



Bicyclist killed, motorists injured in rural Contra Costa crash

this one seems to have more detail: One killed, two injured in collision between car and bicyclist in Contra Costa County | abc7news.com

One person killed in a chain-reaction collision in Contra Costa County Saturday morning was part of a large group of bicyclists traveling in the area.

California Highway Patrol officers say the cyclist died when his bike collided with a water truck around 9:45 a.m. on eastbound Highland Road about three-quarters of a mile west of Carneal Road.

The bicyclist was part of a large group of at least 50 bikers. According to Officer Greg Hartt, there were two separate accidents that happened moments apart.

First, two of the riders at the front collided. "Near the end of the pack, as people were swerving to avoid the collision at the front, at some point another rider, unknown at this time why, crossed over the double yellow lines and collided with a water truck," Hartt said.

The driver of the water truck was comforted by friends at the scene. He was visibly upset and did not want to talk on camera.

He said he was not driving for a company and that it was a personal truck. There are many farms in the area.

"He saw a lot of bicyclists scrambling to avoid the first collision and, at that point, he did see somebody come into the lane in front of him and he tried to stop as best he could and was unable to avoid him," Hartt said.

Other cyclists say this area of unincorporated Contra Costa County is a popular spot for weekend rides.

"Almost every Saturday morning, there's at least three or four large groups that come down," bicyclist Jim Frahm said.

The victim's name has not been released. The others involved in the initial collision are being treated at the hospital.

The above account is consistent with what I heard third-hand from a rider in the group. One of the riders toward the front slipped off the edge of the pavement and tried to get back on the road with the result that several riders crashed and the remaining riders swerved to avoid those who had fallen. Unfortunately this happened in a place where the road curves and visibility is limited. The water truck was coming from the opposite direction and braked but was unable to stop before striking the cyclist who had crossed the center line.

freak accident then... still very sad..

^^^This. So sad. Good thoughts to family & friends.

This is tragic news for our community, so sad for the rider's family.
The truck driver is reportedly very upset and shook up.
My prayers go out for all involved.

So sad to her about this. A coworker frequents this ride, but was tied up with family this weekend.

Unfortunately not the first fatality on this ride. Teammate was killed several years ago.

Very sad event.
A reminder to be careful on the road especially in a group. Never forget that racers ride on closed roads, we don't.

Ugh - I started writing a post about what the appropriate response to this tragedy is, but somehow the potential to go off into the land of blame feels too high. It turns out that I've ridden HOP-M with Herman a bunch of times and he left me with nothing but a great impression as a rider and a person (from my limited contact with him). I wasn't there this Saturday, haven't been to HOP-M for months and yet I'm still in shock. So sad.

Here's my advice: Don't read any comments in the online newspaper stories.

Is there ever a cycling-related story where that's a good idea?

The chron has a write up about Herman that was in the print version today.

Berkeley educator who died in bike crash is mourned - SFGate

A fund is being setup to help with funeral costs for Herman's daughters college fund.

Herman Shum Memorial Fund by Janelle Lew Shum - GoFundMe

Damn... this guy touched a lot of people.

Yeah, I can't read any of that, but damn...what could be said about this accident. Seems like it was just a tragic series of events which led to the worst possible outcome. The water truck did not seem to be at fault, and obviously the cyclists cannot be faulted for instinctively trying to avoid crashing.

It's only the fear of punishment (and really...there is no punishment) that prevents at least 50% of drivers from running over cyclists on purpose.

For those in the area, there will be a memorial ride this Saturday starting in Pleasanton at 9am. Here's the note sent out by IC3:

"As you all know we have lost a close friend and teammate Herman Shum last Saturday. We are planning a ride in his memory this Saturday January 3rd. The first Saturday of each month has been a team/club ride for over 20 years for the IC3 and we welcome all to join starting at 9:00 (meet across from Meadowlark Dairy in Pleasanton on Neal Street) then we will be finishing up at Emerald Glen Park (4201 Central Parkway, Dublin CA) at 11:15 to with a time to gather. All are certainly welcome to join in Herman’s honor to pray and share thoughts and memories of Herman. Look for the IC3 pop up tent in the park.

Please pass this note to anyone and post the times of the ride and gathering, we would really enjoy having anyone ride with us and being part of the extended IC3 family.




Darryl Smith
IC3smith@comcast.net "

1. No, I don't think a full 50% of the driving public wants to run over cyclists. What an idiotic comment.
2. Why even bring that up, when it appears the motorist involved was in no way at fault?