This time I really I can't believe it. Another cyclist has been struck by a car and killed in Chicago. That brings to 3 the number killed in just the last few weeks alone. The unnamed man was struck from behind by an SUV on Sheridan Road in Winthrop Harbor. The driver didn't stop. Police are looking for a dark coloured SUV with damage to the passenger side and front corner.
I'm stunned and disgusted. So much for Chicago being a cycling friendly city. Bullshit. This has to stop. Ryan Boudreu, Blanca Ocasio, Matt Manger-Lynch, Tyler Fabeck, Amanda Annis, and now this unnamed man have all been killed on the streets of Chicago since August. Killed. Dead. That doesn't even take into account the number of cyclists hit and injured, which must be through the roof. Something has to be done...
[update] The dead man has been named as William Vidakovic. Police are asking anyone with information to call them at 847-872-2131.
4 comments:
but what can be done, at least in this very short term?
In the short term, things like group memorial rides and ghost bikes do bring these deaths to wider public knowledge. But, they don't tackle the issue, per se.
I would like to see real and substantive attempts to tackle the issue head on. Maybe things like:
1. It is far too easy to get a driver's license in America. The test should be made harder, it should include sections on how to deal with bicyclists and pedestrians, and you should have to retake the test every ten years or so.
2. There should be harsher penalties for drivers who are negligent and hit cyclists. Automatic driving bans are a good place to start. Also, DUI laws in America are far too lenient and need to be changed.
3. Green bike lanes, and more of them.
Those are three things that could be done that might help.
I think part of what can be done is what you're doing right here: feeding bike culture, speaking up and not forgetting. Props.
I've often likened rolling with rush hour groups of cyclists on Milwaukee to riding in Amsterdam. But yesterday was the very first time it was truly applicable. Swarms of cyclists ahead and behind, actually becoming part of what I'm negotiating in traffic.
I hope that the motorized are taking more notice, too. But I honestly believe that with the growing numbers of cyclists comes the dawn of a bad era where things will get worse before they get better.
See you at the Ride of Silence, Wednesday May 21, 6:45 PM at Daley Plaza.
T.C.
I especially like Simon's green bike lanes idea. I don't think drivers notice shared or even dedicated bike lane markings. And how about making the markings reflective so they really stand out -- even in the rain?
Another issue is traffic law enforcement. I haven't seen a Chicago traffic stop (other than for speeding or gang profiling) in years. I'd like to see boneheaded drivers and cyclists stopped and cited.
With this rash of bike deaths I'm no longer embarrassed to be the only cyclist following the rules. Better to be "square" and alive.
Middle-aged Bike Commuter
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