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Reality Bikes owner hit by car
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 2009-06-26 5:48 AM |
Extreme Veteran 356   Orlando, Florida |  Subject: Reality Bikes owner hit by carhttp://www.forsythnews.com/news/article/2806/ "Bike shop owner faces long recovery" I heard about this earlier in the week. Todd, the owner of Reality Bikes was hit by a car Tuesday morning on his way to work. He was supposed to have surgery yesterday, but I havent heard anything further The scary thing is that if I were to be riding out on the road from my house, this is the same way I would go. He literally only had about .10 of a mile on Hwy 9 until he would hit the back road that comes out by sawnee mountain. I hope that with this accident, maybe we will see more activism among cyclists to make Georgia a more cycling friendly state Below is the upsetting description of the incident from the email He leaves a smaller road on his way to work and has to get on HWY 9 for about 500 feet then turn left onto another road. The traffic flow is in the other direction at that time in the morning. Todd turned onto HWY 9 and one van passed him and he looked back and saw no one. He continued and made his way into the center of the lane signaling his left turn then grabbed the handlebars ready to turn. Then all of a sudden he heard screeching and was hit from behind and propelled forward. He tried to hold it up but was unable to and went over sideways onto his hip. The car approached Todd in the same direction and lane and decided to go around Todd on the left, but Todd was turning left and that’s when he got hit. Here is the sad part: Todd went onto the middle of the street and intersection, the car came to a stop in the opposite lane. The driver came out accusing Todd that it was his fault. The driver didn’t care that Todd was laying in the street he just blamed Todd and walked away. 9 people in all stopped for the accident and only one came over to help Todd. The police officer knew the car driver and wasn’t going to cite him with anything. The officer told Todd he wasn’t sure what to do. Imagine that! The car was finally cited for crossing the double yellow line. The car wasn’t cited for striking a vehicle from behind as per GA law or reckless driving. Luckily there was a UPS driver that saw the whole thing and it wasn’t until the UPS driver collaborated Todd’s story that the citation was issued. Of course the car coming to rest in the oncoming lane didn’t mean anything. Todd and I are very fired up to get our PD departments to realize that Bicycles are vehicles and that cyclists are citizens too. We would like to see the state and local governments proactively educate their enforcement officers on the laws of cycling and two wheeled vehicles. The fire has been lit. Edited by kevint 2009-06-26 5:49 AM |
| 2009-06-26 7:06 AM in reply to: #2244390 |
Expert 910 North Metro ATL | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car I heard about this too--my brother in law use to race for Reality Bikes so I'll see if I can find out how Todd is doing since Wes said he as going to visit him. I feel terrible for Todd. He has a new baby at home and I know from personal experience that a broken hip takes a long, long time to fully heal--like years--even with optimal recovery. |
| 2009-06-26 7:17 AM in reply to: #2244390 |
Master 1432 Woodstock | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car very unfortunate incident, and even more discouraging are some of the comments under the story. Hopefully Todd can make a full recovery. |
| 2009-06-26 7:46 AM in reply to: #2244498 |
Champion 5529 Nashville, TN | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car cornelius300 - 2009-06-26 8:17 AM very unfortunate incident, and even more discouraging are some of the comments under the story. Hopefully Todd can make a full recovery. Unfortunately we live in a self-indulgent, all about me world. I will never understand why it is difficult for drivers to slow down for 5-10 seconds to make a pass. As someone who rides in the city, I often wonder if the driver realizes that both of us will reach the red light at the same time...so why make a risky move in a 2000 pound vehicle. These comments too often reflect that prevailing attitude. What scares me about 'these people' is that they are among us raising children, voting and possibly holding jobs that impact others. Here's to hoping Todd makes a speedy recovery! |
| 2009-06-26 8:02 AM in reply to: #2244390 |
Pro 3883 Woodstock,GA | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car Some of those commets just make my blood boil......I am so sick of Starbucks drinking soccer mom's and texting teens putting my and all of your lives in danger. Get your head out of your @ss people and wake up....geez. |
| 2009-06-26 8:48 AM in reply to: #2244557 |
Pro 3705 Vestavia Hills | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car What Dollar said ... the disheartening thing is that the Policeman did not want to cite the driver in the first place. I am a huge supporter of our men/women in blue but question what needs to be done to help educate the Police about the rules of the road? This is not the first time this happened. Tony Serrano lost his life when struck by a young driver one morning ... and despite riding in the lane, the police actually faulted Tony for the accident instead of the driver who struck him - and even cited the person riding with him for lack of a reflector. Hope Todd makes a full recovery and heals well. ADollar79 - 2009-06-26 8:46 AM cornelius300 - 2009-06-26 8:17 AM very unfortunate incident, and even more discouraging are some of the comments under the story. Hopefully Todd can make a full recovery. Unfortunately we live in a self-indulgent, all about me world. I will never understand why it is difficult for drivers to slow down for 5-10 seconds to make a pass. As someone who rides in the city, I often wonder if the driver realizes that both of us will reach the red light at the same time...so why make a risky move in a 2000 pound vehicle. These comments too often reflect that prevailing attitude. What scares me about 'these people' is that they are among us raising children, voting and possibly holding jobs that impact others. Here's to hoping Todd makes a speedy recovery! |
| 2009-06-26 10:30 AM in reply to: #2244700 |
Champion 5529 Nashville, TN | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car brian - 2009-06-26 9:48 AM What Dollar said ... the disheartening thing is that the Policeman did not want to cite the driver in the first place. I am a huge supporter of our men/women in blue but question what needs to be done to help educate the Police about the rules of the road? I have actually mentioned to ALL my friends in law enforcement that they should spend part of their weekends cycling. And I don't mean in uniform on a mtn bike in shopping lots. I have often thought about starting an advocacy program along these lines. If you could find progressive thinking mayors like Jere Wood you could offer performance incentives/evaluations for public safety employees to take to the roads and participate in activities that are seen as a nuisance in their community. I wonder how the story would read and who would comment if it was an off-duty officer riding in his spare time or commuting to the station. Unfortunately, public safety has been hit really hard in this economy and there is nearly always a shortage of staff. |
| 2009-06-26 10:53 AM in reply to: #2244390 |
Master 1201 Woodstock, GA | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car Just out of curiosity when Todd feels up to it, or someone in his stead, couldn't he insist on the driver getting a ticket for following to closely or whatever the ticket is that you get when you run into the back of another driver? I assume that they could still charge the guy, yes or no? |
| 2009-06-26 11:48 AM in reply to: #2245225 |
Master 2638 | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car So sorry for the guy who was hit. I hope he heals fully and quickly. I just received a forwarded message from the Roswell Bikes group with a timely discussion of this topic. Unfortunately, I can't seem to paste it here. I'll see if Doug can do it. Regardless, I hereby volunteer to take Roswell Police officers riding or to petition the local government if that is what needs to be done. Sitting next to the yellow line waiting to turn left is the most exposed you ever are on a bike. I've often worried about someone not seeing me or not stopping in time or not understanding that my outstretched arm and finger-pointing meant turning left. |
| 2009-06-26 11:55 AM in reply to: #2245225 |
Master 1843 Roswell, GA | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car nealphelps - 2009-06-26 11:53 AM Just out of curiosity when Todd feels up to it, or someone in his stead, couldn't he insist on the driver getting a ticket for following to closely or whatever the ticket is that you get when you run into the back of another driver? I assume that they could still charge the guy, yes or no? From above - guy did get a ticket: Luckily there was a UPS driver that saw the whole thing and it wasn’t until the UPS driver collaborated Todd’s story that the citation was issued Edited by Lisa B 2009-06-26 11:57 AM |
| 2009-06-26 11:56 AM in reply to: #2244390 |
Master 1843 Roswell, GA | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car Here is another email that I got from Roswell Bikes - now this is the most pathetic of all: "I think I can shed some light on why no one is getting involved. Last fall my wife witnessed an car accident. She stopped went to see if anyone was hurt, stayed until the police arrive and told her story. A month ago she received a summons to appear in court to testify or face arrest. The accident took place in another county so she had to take a day off of work without pay, drive over an hour in rush hour traffic and wait for the case to be called. The result - case dismissed because the person who was hit did not show up. It was a very frustrating situation and I doubt my wife will stop if something similar happens again. This is why people don't stop to help. Not because they don't care but because of what will happen later." Sad.......... Edited by Lisa B 2009-06-26 12:14 PM |
| 2009-06-26 12:00 PM in reply to: #2244390 |
Master 1404 Atlanta, Ga | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car What might wake this and other drivers up is a huge PI lawsuit seeking actual as well as punative damages. I would do it. Only because the driver AND P.O. were, according to that email, so arrogant in their decision making. |
| 2009-06-26 12:09 PM in reply to: #2245459 |
Pro 3883 Woodstock,GA | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car Mrs. brown_dog_us - 2009-06-26 12:48 PM So sorry for the guy who was hit. I hope he heals fully and quickly. I just received a forwarded message from the Roswell Bikes group with a timely discussion of this topic. Unfortunately, I can't seem to paste it here. I'll see if Doug can do it. Regardless, I hereby volunteer to take Roswell Police officers riding or to petition the local government if that is what needs to be done. Sitting next to the yellow line waiting to turn left is the most exposed you ever are on a bike. I've often worried about someone not seeing me or not stopping in time or not understanding that my outstretched arm and finger-pointing meant turning left.
Steph I was almost creamed on Hembree about 2 weeks ago on a Saturday morning. I was turning left into Dogwood (?) (whatever that street that goes from Hembree over to Crabapple is) and I put my hand out to turn left. Not 2 seconds later an Expedition comes screaming by PASSING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINE. Had I turned when I signaled I would have been a hood ornament. |
| 2009-06-26 5:04 PM in reply to: #2245459 |
Master 1201 Woodstock, GA | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car Mrs. brown_dog_us - 2009-06-26 12:48 PM ... You know, I have seen you do that and wondered what you were doing. |
| 2009-06-26 5:08 PM in reply to: #2245486 |
Master 1201 Woodstock, GA | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car Lisa B - 2009-06-26 12:55 PM nealphelps - 2009-06-26 11:53 A From above - guy did get a ticket: Luckily there was a UPS driver that saw the whole thing and it wasn’t until the UPS driver collaborated Todd’s story that the citation was issued I know he got a ticket, but Kevin said the ticket was for crossing the yellow line, not for hitting him from the rear. I thought Kevin's frustration was that the guy did not get a (according to Kevin) mandatory ticket for striking a vehicle from the rear. My question was can they still give the guy a ticket for hitting the guy in the rear after the fact/ |
| 2009-06-27 6:42 PM in reply to: #2244390 |
Member 53 Roswell, GA | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car Wow - scary and appalling. Someone else was just recently killed up in Chattanooga (former bike shop owner killed during work commute last year). Maybe this is one of those times I should heed the Good Book and "pray without ceasing!" Or wait, maybe that's during one of my ridiculously-slow raceday swims. It certainly leaves you feeling extra exposed when riding alone - even when 100% above reproach. ~ Mark |
| 2009-06-28 11:19 PM in reply to: #2246387 |
Veteran 555 | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car nealphelps - 2009-06-26 6:08 PM I know he got a ticket, but Kevin said the ticket was for crossing the yellow line, not for hitting him from the rear. I thought Kevin's frustration was that the guy did not get a (according to Kevin) mandatory ticket for striking a vehicle from the rear. My question was can they still give the guy a ticket for hitting the guy in the rear after the fact. #1 This is the question. If we call and complain, and raise h*ll, and protest, can the supervisor review the facts and cause a citation for "following to closely" (or whatever the mandatory ticket is for striking a vehicle from the rear), to be issued? Can the cops issue a citation, or additional citation, after the fact? Do we have any attorneys in the house? #2 Todd can always persue a civil suit, and in this case I hope he will. If anyone hears that he is, please pass the word. I'll sign a petition, show up at a protest, contribute to a legal fund, etc. Just let me know. The situation stinks. If there's any little thing I can do to help bring it closer to "justice", let me know, I want to help. Bill |
| 2009-06-29 6:31 AM in reply to: #2244390 |
Expert 910 North Metro ATL | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car Update: Todd had surgery Friday to repair a break in 3 places on his hip. He had a plate and screws put in and must be off it for 10 weeks. Surgery went well.
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| 2009-06-29 1:57 PM in reply to: #2244390 |
Pro 3705 Vestavia Hills | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car Glad to hear that he got through surgery well. Ask him what his resting HR was prior to surgery ... mine was 39 bpm prior to having the rod inserted to fix my clavicle after being hit by a car at St. Anthony's in April 07. Heartfelt prayers go out to him for a speedy recovery. |
| 2009-07-01 8:35 PM in reply to: #2249271 |
Veteran 132 Newnan, GA | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car AtlantaBill - 2009-06-29 12:19 AM nealphelps - 2009-06-26 6:08 PM I know he got a ticket, but Kevin said the ticket was for crossing the yellow line, not for hitting him from the rear. I thought Kevin's frustration was that the guy did not get a (according to Kevin) mandatory ticket for striking a vehicle from the rear. My question was can they still give the guy a ticket for hitting the guy in the rear after the fact. #1 This is the question. If we call and complain, and raise h*ll, and protest, can the supervisor review the facts and cause a citation for "following to closely" (or whatever the mandatory ticket is for striking a vehicle from the rear), to be issued? Can the cops issue a citation, or additional citation, after the fact? Do we have any attorneys in the house? #2 Todd can always persue a civil suit, and in this case I hope he will. If anyone hears that he is, please pass the word. I'll sign a petition, show up at a protest, contribute to a legal fund, etc. Just let me know. The situation stinks. If there's any little thing I can do to help bring it closer to "justice", let me know, I want to help. Bill Logistically it isn't likely that the officer will do anything more -- the citation he has issued is likely being processed and to add another charge now would just cause confusion in trying to get them matched up (assuming of course he was even willing to). If you really want to advocate on ths particular case you could try to contact the prosecutor (not sure which court this would even go to) -- he/she could add additional charges if so inclined. Be quick though -- most citations of this nature can be paid off w/o having to appear in court and more oft than not the prosecutor won't know anything about it unless someone brings it to his / her attention. (remember - you are going to need to know the name of person cited to get anywhere - don't just cold call the court referencing the victim's name b/c they can't generally look information up that way.) Also -- if you want to be listened to: be an advocate not an a_s , you will get farther. Edited by swise 2009-07-01 8:36 PM |
| 2009-07-01 9:23 PM in reply to: #2247582 |
Member 136 Limbo | Subject: RE: Reality Bikes owner hit by car mnation - 2009-06-27 7:42 PM Wow - scary and appalling. Someone else was just recently killed up in Chattanooga (former bike shop owner killed during work commute last year). Maybe this is one of those times I should heed the Good Book and "pray without ceasing!" Or wait, maybe that's during one of my ridiculously-slow raceday swims. It certainly leaves you feeling extra exposed when riding alone - even when 100% above reproach. ~ Mark I think you're referring to my friend David Meek? He made custom bicycles, Privateer. Not a bike shop per se, but he'd just made a deal with a local bike shop to start having them also market and distribute his bikes. It was a horrible and tragic accident that still has a lot of us upset. |
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