Bicyclist killed at Oak & Wells Friday AM

Any updates:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-bicyclist-str...

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Permalink Reply by spencewine on October 5, 2012 at 6:53am

I think a ride is exactly what is in order to show solidarity and that there is a strong community who deeply care about the well-being of it's members. A show of strength might lessen the negative impact this will have on possible future riders, as well as, bring comfort to those currently riding, and bring public attention to the issue of "dooring". I think a ride with a silent gathering at the site of the accident would send a strong message to the public.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on October 5, 2012 at 6:53am

The Illinois Vehicle Code:

No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

625 ILCS 5/11-1407

Michael J Blane said:

Somewhere, a long time ago, when I had drivers' ed and stuff, I'm pretty sure that I read that it was illegal to exit a vehicle on the traffic side.

Is this still true that you are not supposed to open a car door on the traffic side?

--

Please don't start in about how difficult it is to not exit on the traffic side. I'm merely asking.

Permalink Reply by Michael J Blane on October 5, 2012 at 7:02am

Twitter and G+

I'm mjblane on both. Not a lot of followers, but several do ride.

John W. said:

Post it.  Where is it going?

Michael J Blane said:

Do you mind if I post this elsewhere?

John W. said:

First Friday Ride is meeting at BadHappy one block West of Wells on Oak at 8pm.  We'll roll by around 9.

Permalink Reply by prof.gfr on October 5, 2012 at 7:03am

I ride this route frequently but didn't today.  As other posters have said, any death like this is a tragedy. That it is in such a common area frequented by so many of us does indeed give me great pause.  

I really hope this results in greater public awareness of the dangers of not looking before opening a door, about the importance of clear/maintained stripes on the road, and the importance of well-maintained roads. That section is pot-hole covered and dangerous on many levels. 

My sympathies to the cyclist's family, the driver of the truck (who appears not to be at fault), as well as the person whose door resulted in this tragedy. I'm sure they as traumatized as the truck driver. Their actions appear to have caused the accident, but it is a very common mistake and one that the city has not properly addressed through PSAs and appropriate emphasis in driver's ed.  

My sense is that the recent emphasis in driver's ed and license renewals on pulling over for emergency vehicles has changed the culture in Chicago during the past decade.  I imagine we could similarly change the culture around opening car doors as well, but only if it becomes a significant issue. Perhaps this is the moment for that to happen.  

Permalink Reply by TehDoak on October 5, 2012 at 7:04am

I'm very curious exactly WHAT happened.  I mean, everytime I hear a semi coming behind me, my ass puckers and I'm insanely on edge.  From the looks of it he was unaware it was behind him...and if so, was he wearing headphones?

Permalink Reply by Dirke on October 5, 2012 at 7:04am

May I suggest....

The First Friday ride end up at Walter Payton College Prep for a memorial gathering in the 9:00 timeframe.

Those who don't feel like/can't get to the ride, please come to Walter Payton Prep as a show of solidarity.

I like the idea of white candles, but they're hard to keep lit in the wind.  Maybe paper lunch bag lanterns weighted with votive candles along the while line of the bike lane?

Julie... Chainlink calendar?

h'.... release the hounds.

Permalink Reply by David Holmquist on October 5, 2012 at 7:17am

I, too, would like to express my condolences to the friends and family of this cyclist, and to the driver of the truck (who seems, based on the report, to be an innocent passer-by). 

In no way am I blaming the victim with the following comment, or implying that he was in any way neglectful ...  I want cycling to be safe and fun for all.

David Barish makes a couple of great points about mirrors and scanning.  Two things I was taught when I first started driving a car were (1) to always scan the side of the road for pedestrians and doors being opened, and (2) to spend as much time checking the traffic situation behind me -- using my mirrors -- as watching the road ahead.  Whether driving or riding, it's crucial to be aware of what's happening all around you.  We're all taught to "drive defensively."  It's even more important to to be defensive when cycling.  I always ride with a mirror, and encourage everyone to do so.  Twice I've bailed out of the way of overtaking traffic where I'd certainly have been run over if I hadn't been watching my six.

Be safe, everyone.

David Barish said:

So sad.  I ride by that same location all the time. We can all say "there but for the grace of God go I." How many of us have made that split second decision to encounter the lesser of two evils- the open door and whatever lurks to our left further in the lane. We figure we can evade something we did not see on the left rather than barrel into the door for a more minor injury that can screw up our bike and result in a pissing contest with the door's owner. Even when you have a mirror or have scanned the lane you can make an error or not see somebody who was in a blind spot.  You did your best, the driver is relatively innocent and the door opener never had an idea of the consequences of the cascading train of events that could follow. Within the last week I peeked to my left when seeing a driver fidgeting in his car that was parked.  A cab buzzed by on the left out of the corner of my eye and I risked passing close to the parked car.  It could have been different...like this. Perhaps the parked driver actually looked in the mirror and did not see the cyclists coming.  Its a tough one.  All we can do is think of this poor fellow and those who know and love him and after that resolve to keep our awareness and our wits when we are on the road. 

Permalink Reply by Carter O'Brien on October 5, 2012 at 7:27am

Thanks for posting.  At the very least, folks could share this on our various social media pages, I would imagine the vast majority of people have no idea they don't actually have a constitutional right to fling open a car door.

Lisa Curcio said:

The Illinois Vehicle Code:

No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

625 ILCS 5/11-1407

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on October 5, 2012 at 7:34am

This is an awful & terrible incident.   My heart goes out to the bicyclist who was killed and the family and friends.   This type of thing really drives home just how harrowing it can be driving in fast-moving traffic that has little or no respect for us -or other non-speedy modes of transportation on the roads.

The worst thing about this type of incident is that it could happen to just about any of us.  A dooring or near-dooring  can kill if it  knocks the rider into another vehicle or under its wheels.   

Be careful around the trucks out there.   They have very poor visibility from the cab and almost no ability to dodge someone who falls under one even if the driver does see you fall.  This whole incident just makes me sick and sad with grief.   So terrible...

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on October 5, 2012 at 7:35am

How Sad. My sympathies go out to this cyclist and his family for what must be a terrible loss.

I don't know what to say about dooring. I am not clear who is at fault in these situations.

I take Wells to the Merchandise Mart every weekday at this time. This could have been me. Today I decided to take the lakefront path just to get some of that great air. First time I haven't taken Wells to work in over a month.

I would like to send a note of sympathy to the family. If anyone gets the family information let us all know.

Permalink Reply by KatieP on October 5, 2012 at 7:40am

Can someone organize a workshop on how to fall into doors safely? Or how to handle dooring? Maybe Active Trans?

Permalink Reply by Dirke on October 5, 2012 at 7:41am

So that you are clear....

Lisa Curcio said:

The Illinois Vehicle Code:

No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

625 ILCS 5/11-1407


jolondon30 said:

I don't know what to say about dooring. I am not clear who is at fault in these situations.

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