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Cyclist attacked and dragged by car
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 2009-08-14 11:59 PM |
Master  1439    Calgary, AB Silver member |  Subject: Cyclist attacked and dragged by carCyclist in serious condition in burn unit after assaulted by motorist A 31-year-old man who had an altercation with a driver was pulled from his bicycle and dragged about 150 feet early Thursday morning in Southeast Portland, police say. Several bicyclists were going eastbound on East Burnside near Sandy Boulevard when a vehicle seemed to be tailgating them, said Detective Mary Wheat, a police spokeswoman. When the vehicle started to go around, one of the bicyclists started yelling at the driver. Wheat said the bicyclist leaned into the passenger window of the vehicle and tried to grab the driver, apparently upset because the car was too close to the cyclists. Portland police received calls for help about 1:15 a.m. Dispatchers were told the man was dragged by a vehicle and finally dropped near Northeast Couch Street and Sandy Boulevard. Wheat said the injured man suffered road rash, and his shoe was torn up. He was riding a bicycle without gears or brakes. The man, Kevin Stevenson, of Southeast Portland, was bicycling with his girlfriend, Kate Darnall, 26, when a vehicle passed them, Darnall's family agrees. They say Stevenson yelled at the vehicle, and that the driver backed up. But they disagree about what happened next. Keith Darnall said his daughter told him that Stevenson was grabbed by the driver and a passenger in the vehicle's back seat, then dragged until the heels of his shoes were in tatters. Portland Officer Neal Glaske interviewed the bicyclists and witnesses at the scene. Police did not release a description of the vehicle, saying more investigation was necessary. The case will be turned over to the traffic division, Wheat said. Stevenson was taken to Legacy Emanuel Hospital's burn center in North Portland for treatment of injuries to his heels, legs, knees, one shoulder and the middle of his back. Hospital officials said that Stevenson remained in serious condition Thursday afternoon. Daughter Kate remains "shook up," said her mother, Vickie Darnall. "When she shuts her eyes she can see it over and over in her head."
WTF?
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| 2009-08-15 12:03 AM in reply to: #2350117 |
| 2009-08-15 12:07 AM in reply to: #2350117 |
Extreme Veteran 767 Alexandria, VA | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car Im going to have go out on a limb and say that, based on the facts available at this time, the guy had it coming. What was he doing biking at 1am? Sounds like he provoked the driver too. Not saying the driver was right, but it sounds like there was enough blame to go around. P.S: Trendy Hipster, shoulda got some gears and shifters. |
| 2009-08-15 3:38 AM in reply to: #2350117 |
Veteran 335 Wilmington, NC | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car Please tell me that you meant to put that in the red sarcasm font...had it coming? Talking smack to a driver that is being rude and or dangerous by trailing or tailgating is not unheard of. Drivers yell at each other while driving...doesn't mean that they deserve to be dragged or injured in any way. I work nights...most of my training rides are between 0100 and 0500. I don't see how the time makes any difference, either. |
| 2009-08-15 4:19 AM in reply to: #2350117 |
| Member 195 Akron, OH | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car If driver or someone in the car grabbed the cyclist, regardless of provocation, they are guilty of assault and should be charged. They have it coming. No amount of smack talk can justify it. If the cyclist was talking smack to a driver in a 2000 lb car, he's likely learning the hard way why that isn't too smart. Momma always said "You can be right and you can be dead right" Although you may feel completely justified to tell off idiots in cars, the wise cyclist understands their vulnerability and complete disadvantage and won't do anything to provoke a driver. The world is full of too many idiots, drunks, drug addicts, criminals, and mentally unstable people, many of whom drive cars. Please don't take a chance with your life, even if you're "in the right" You could end up "Dead Right" It's just not worth the risk. |
| 2009-08-15 5:59 AM in reply to: #2350124 |
Expert 1207 Liberty Lake, WA | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car Biking at 1am would seem odd anywhere other than Portland. I have spent a lot of time in Portland over the last 2 years due to work. There is a huge bike culture there, unlike anything I have ever seen. During rush hour, on some streets heading out of downtown it's not uncommon to have more bikes waiting at stop lights than cars. Even in the middle of the night it's not uncommon to see bikers. ETA: Link to Portlands bike website: http://bikeportland.org/ Edited by T in Liberty Lake 2009-08-15 6:04 AM |
| 2009-08-15 10:08 AM in reply to: #2350117 |
Extreme Veteran 336 Chicago | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car Yelling at cars is like throwing a rock at a sleeping bear. Sometimes the bear doesn't wake up but if it does it'll rip your face off. There is zero upside to doing it. |
| 2009-08-15 10:24 AM in reply to: #2350310 |
Master 4119 Toronto Bronze member | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car protoplasm72 - 2009-08-15 11:08 AM Yelling at cars is like throwing a rock at a sleeping bear. Sometimes the bear doesn't wake up but if it does it'll rip your face off. There is zero upside to doing it. Totally agree - just a reminder for all of us to take a deep breath before doing something that can ruin or even drastically change your life/the life of others in mere seconds all over something that could have been forgotten minutes later. I hope everyone is okay. that goes for the driver and cyclist ... Edited by juniperjen 2009-08-15 10:33 AM |
| 2009-08-15 10:28 AM in reply to: #2350310 |
Pro 5169 Burbs | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car protoplasm72 - 2009-08-15 11:08 AM Yelling at cars is like throwing a rock at a sleeping bear. Sometimes the bear doesn't wake up but if it does it'll rip your face off. There is zero upside to doing it. x2. there are many, many times that drivers me off (when I'm riding, running, AND driving!) but I try to keep it to myself. there was a road rage incident in balt last year that ended in murder. sometimes it's just best so shut up, look straight ahead, and ignore. I hope everyone is okay. |
| 2009-08-15 11:01 AM in reply to: #2350117 |
Veteran 124 Outside Boston | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car The article says the cyclist leaned in the window and tried to grab the driver. Now all the driver has to say is he feared for his life and it was self-defense. I see yelling at drivers, but going in the window is not smart. |
| 2009-08-15 11:08 AM in reply to: #2350374 |
| Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car Jahmmy - 2009-08-15 9:01 AM The article says the cyclist leaned in the window and tried to grab the driver. Now all the driver has to say is he feared for his life and it was self-defense. I see yelling at drivers, but going in the window is not smart. Hmmm, how far did he have to drag the cyclist before he felt safe???? A couple posts in this thread remind me of the "comments" we often read attached to news stories like this. "he had it coming!" NO ONE has personal injury coming unless you are in direct fear for your life...... I have a friend that confronted a tailgating driver at the next stop, and it didn't end well. Never a good idea. If someone tailgates you on the bike, pull over. If they pass too close, don't escalate, they're already pizzed at you, and I can guarantee that car vs. bike,car wins every time |
| 2009-08-15 11:14 AM in reply to: #2350374 |
| Lafayette, CO | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car Jahmmy - 2009-08-15 10:01 AM The article says the cyclist leaned in the window and tried to grab the driver. Now all the driver has to say is he feared for his life and it was self-defense. I see yelling at drivers, but going in the window is not smart. Did you read the second article? |
| 2009-08-15 11:19 AM in reply to: #2350383 |
| Lafayette, CO | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car ChrisM - 2009-08-15 10:08 AM Jahmmy - 2009-08-15 9:01 AM The article says the cyclist leaned in the window and tried to grab the driver. Now all the driver has to say is he feared for his life and it was self-defense. I see yelling at drivers, but going in the window is not smart. Hmmm, how far did he have to drag the cyclist before he felt safe???? A couple posts in this thread remind me of the "comments" we often read attached to news stories like this. "he had it coming!" NO ONE has personal injury coming unless you are in direct fear for your life...... I have a friend that confronted a tailgating driver at the next stop, and it didn't end well. Never a good idea. If someone tailgates you on the bike, pull over. If they pass too close, don't escalate, they're already pizzed at you, and I can guarantee that car vs. bike,car wins every time Tailgating is tough to deal with on the bike. Earlier this week I had a car tailing me that was making me very nervous. The next right turn was far enough up that the car had plenty of time to pass me and turn in front of me so it didn't occur to me that she was waiting to make that turn and I didn't see a turn signal (not saying it wasn't there but she was close enough behind me that I couldn't see when I turned to look quickly) so I pulled over (into a space between parked cars) and slowed way down to force her to pass me. She yelled out the window at me that she was turning up ahead. So, it was an innocent case of tailgating but it sure is nerve wracking when you haven't a clue if they are about to escalate the situation by doing something stupid or if they are just an overly cautious driver. In any case, by just slowing way down to force the pass and letting her know it was making me nervous it ended perfectly. If I'd started yelling and screaming who knows what her or someone else's reaction might be. |
| 2009-08-15 11:29 AM in reply to: #2350397 |
| Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car COSkiGirl - 2009-08-15 9:19 AM ChrisM - 2009-08-15 10:08 AM Jahmmy - 2009-08-15 9:01 AM The article says the cyclist leaned in the window and tried to grab the driver. Now all the driver has to say is he feared for his life and it was self-defense. I see yelling at drivers, but going in the window is not smart. Hmmm, how far did he have to drag the cyclist before he felt safe???? A couple posts in this thread remind me of the "comments" we often read attached to news stories like this. "he had it coming!" NO ONE has personal injury coming unless you are in direct fear for your life...... I have a friend that confronted a tailgating driver at the next stop, and it didn't end well. Never a good idea. If someone tailgates you on the bike, pull over. If they pass too close, don't escalate, they're already pizzed at you, and I can guarantee that car vs. bike,car wins every time Tailgating is tough to deal with on the bike. Earlier this week I had a car tailing me that was making me very nervous. The next right turn was far enough up that the car had plenty of time to pass me and turn in front of me so it didn't occur to me that she was waiting to make that turn and I didn't see a turn signal (not saying it wasn't there but she was close enough behind me that I couldn't see when I turned to look quickly) so I pulled over (into a space between parked cars) and slowed way down to force her to pass me. She yelled out the window at me that she was turning up ahead. So, it was an innocent case of tailgating but it sure is nerve wracking when you haven't a clue if they are about to escalate the situation by doing something stupid or if they are just an overly cautious driver. In any case, by just slowing way down to force the pass and letting her know it was making me nervous it ended perfectly. If I'd started yelling and screaming who knows what her or someone else's reaction might be. Well done. But you need to be careful of that as well, because some drivers just don't get it. Once I slowed to let a car pass me (but still riding, not stopping) , it came around and then started making a right hand turn into the driveway right in front of me. I mean, I was right there, and either he didn't see me (hard to believe) or he just thought he could go. In that case, I do think a yell is required because otherwise they don't hear you and if they don;t stop they will hit you. My problem (which I am working on) is that sometimes it seems my middle finger has a mind of its own and I've made the gesture or yelled something before I knew I was doing it. |
| 2009-08-15 11:39 AM in reply to: #2350397 |
Champion 5376 PA | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car COSkiGirl - 2009-08-15 12:19 PM ChrisM - 2009-08-15 10:08 AM Jahmmy - 2009-08-15 9:01 AM The article says the cyclist leaned in the window and tried to grab the driver. Now all the driver has to say is he feared for his life and it was self-defense. I see yelling at drivers, but going in the window is not smart. Hmmm, how far did he have to drag the cyclist before he felt safe???? A couple posts in this thread remind me of the "comments" we often read attached to news stories like this. "he had it coming!" NO ONE has personal injury coming unless you are in direct fear for your life...... I have a friend that confronted a tailgating driver at the next stop, and it didn't end well. Never a good idea. If someone tailgates you on the bike, pull over. If they pass too close, don't escalate, they're already pizzed at you, and I can guarantee that car vs. bike,car wins every time Tailgating is tough to deal with on the bike. Earlier this week I had a car tailing me that was making me very nervous. The next right turn was far enough up that the car had plenty of time to pass me and turn in front of me so it didn't occur to me that she was waiting to make that turn and I didn't see a turn signal (not saying it wasn't there but she was close enough behind me that I couldn't see when I turned to look quickly) so I pulled over (into a space between parked cars) and slowed way down to force her to pass me. She yelled out the window at me that she was turning up ahead. So, it was an innocent case of tailgating but it sure is nerve wracking when you haven't a clue if they are about to escalate the situation by doing something stupid or if they are just an overly cautious driver. In any case, by just slowing way down to force the pass and letting her know it was making me nervous it ended perfectly. If I'd started yelling and screaming who knows what her or someone else's reaction might be. This is a similar mentality to how I "manage" my environment when I am on the motorcycle. While on the highway and seeing a car on an onramp, I attempt to make eye contact and intentionally motion them in front of me. I prefer to know for a fact, what they will do, rather than anticipate it based on what I think they will do. The same with cars. If you yield, you have a better chance of knowing that they will take it, thus you can act accordingly. Otherwise, sometimes it can be a match over who gets to do X first with the bike and motorcycle always losing those fights. Verbally assaulting people is just pansy anyway. Seriously, what is the point? |
| 2009-08-15 11:47 AM in reply to: #2350410 |
Expert 1186 North Cackalacky | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car ChrisM - 2009-08-15 10:29 AM My problem (which I am working on) is that sometimes it seems my middle finger has a mind of its own and I've made the gesture or yelled something before I knew I was doing it. I'm sorry, I hate it when it does that. |
| 2009-08-15 1:56 PM in reply to: #2350410 |
| Lafayette, CO | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car ChrisM - 2009-08-15 10:29 AM COSkiGirl - 2009-08-15 9:19 AM ChrisM - 2009-08-15 10:08 AM Jahmmy - 2009-08-15 9:01 AM The article says the cyclist leaned in the window and tried to grab the driver. Now all the driver has to say is he feared for his life and it was self-defense. I see yelling at drivers, but going in the window is not smart. Hmmm, how far did he have to drag the cyclist before he felt safe???? A couple posts in this thread remind me of the "comments" we often read attached to news stories like this. "he had it coming!" NO ONE has personal injury coming unless you are in direct fear for your life...... I have a friend that confronted a tailgating driver at the next stop, and it didn't end well. Never a good idea. If someone tailgates you on the bike, pull over. If they pass too close, don't escalate, they're already pizzed at you, and I can guarantee that car vs. bike,car wins every time Tailgating is tough to deal with on the bike. Earlier this week I had a car tailing me that was making me very nervous. The next right turn was far enough up that the car had plenty of time to pass me and turn in front of me so it didn't occur to me that she was waiting to make that turn and I didn't see a turn signal (not saying it wasn't there but she was close enough behind me that I couldn't see when I turned to look quickly) so I pulled over (into a space between parked cars) and slowed way down to force her to pass me. She yelled out the window at me that she was turning up ahead. So, it was an innocent case of tailgating but it sure is nerve wracking when you haven't a clue if they are about to escalate the situation by doing something stupid or if they are just an overly cautious driver. In any case, by just slowing way down to force the pass and letting her know it was making me nervous it ended perfectly. If I'd started yelling and screaming who knows what her or someone else's reaction might be. Well done. But you need to be careful of that as well, because some drivers just don't get it. Once I slowed to let a car pass me (but still riding, not stopping) , it came around and then started making a right hand turn into the driveway right in front of me. I mean, I was right there, and either he didn't see me (hard to believe) or he just thought he could go. In that case, I do think a yell is required because otherwise they don't hear you and if they don;t stop they will hit you. My problem (which I am working on) is that sometimes it seems my middle finger has a mind of its own and I've made the gesture or yelled something before I knew I was doing it. Oh, trust me when I say that this right turn was still way up ahead, like still another half a block away by the time I pulled over. If it had been closer I would have figured that's why they were following on my tail like that but I just didn't even think they were trying to turn until she yelled because it was such a safe distance to go around and turn in front of me. I rode away kind of shaking my head. I mean I appreciate the woman being cautious but there is over doing it. Fortunately it was a neighborhood area so there wasn't a major traffic jam forming behind us. And, uh, I've had my middle finger do that to me when driving a car. Fortunately I seem to be able to control when I'm on the bike.  |
| 2009-08-15 2:32 PM in reply to: #2350518 |
Champion 10020 , Minnesota Bronze member | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car Not counting the jerks who think bikes should be off the road - period - I think most folks are just not sure what to do around bikes. A lot of "tailgaters" are being nice, worried about passing and turning in front of you. Since a lot of cyclists don't bother to signal their turns, I too would be worried about turning in front of someone unless I had a HUGE amount of room. Maybe our definitions of "enough room" differ. In this case, sounds to me like both parties were acting like children. I doubt the car was intentionallly "tailgating" the riders in a purposeful way. I would bet the riders were likely to be riding two abreast and in the dark might be difficult to navigate around, depending on the road width. This angered both the car driver and cyclists and I would bet money all parties had been drinking. Of course a guy riding a bike with no brakes or gears is a "hipster" and at 1 am was probably riding home from work, from a friends house, from the bar, or just splintered off an evening ride with his pals to beat the heat. I know a hundred guys like him in Minneapolis and probably doesn't have a car. |
| 2009-08-15 2:54 PM in reply to: #2350388 |
Veteran 124 Outside Boston | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car You're right. I thought the second article was about what happened after the initial incident where "statements are now being made that indicate the driver or someone else in the vehicle may have grabbed the bicyclist and caused the incident" was the aftermath, not the intial contact between the vehicle and the cyclist. Edited by Jahmmy 2009-08-15 2:56 PM |
| 2009-08-15 3:19 PM in reply to: #2350117 |
| Expert 936 Salisbury | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car Since bikes have a right to the road, shouldn't they also be forced to follow the rules of the road? Like having brakes?
Edited by Rencor 2009-08-15 3:20 PM |
| 2009-08-15 3:58 PM in reply to: #2350636 |
Expert 1207 Liberty Lake, WA | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car He did have breaks, he was riding a fixed gear. It's like most kids first bikes, back peddle and the wheel locks up and skips. |
| 2009-08-15 3:59 PM in reply to: #2350117 |
Expert 1238 Denver, Colorado | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car Eh, 150 feet ain't that far. I've been dragged 50 before. I can't believe the police were even entertaining the notion that the bicyclist would lean into the passenger window of a moving car to try to get at the driver. It's just ridiculous. That's what makes me most angry about all these incidents between drivers and cyclists--the driver can make any excuse they want and the cops will believe them. |
| 2009-08-15 4:01 PM in reply to: #2350669 |
Expert 1238 Denver, Colorado | Subject: RE: Cyclist attacked and dragged by car T in Liberty Lake - 2009-08-15 1:58 PM He did have breaks, he was riding a fixed gear. It's like most kids first bikes, back peddle and the wheel locks up and skips. Why do they even report that he was riding a fixie? If he had a hand brake was he supposed to use it to stop the car? It's bad reporting because the only purpose it could serve is to increase prejudice against fixie riders. |
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