August 25, 2007 at 1:20 pm · Filed under Now Seriously
The next time some well meaning, yet naive media commentator starts pointing fingers about perceived errant cyclist behaviour or plain ‘ol anti-cyclist crap, please bear in mind this frequent series by NY’s Streetsblog:
Greenburgh, N.Y.: Sprain Brook Rollover Kills Driver (Journal News), Manhattan: Pedestrian, 42, Struck Crossing West Side Highway* (Villager)Brooklyn: DWI Charge After Speeder Kills Good Samaritan (Daily News, NY Post), Queens: SUV Smashes Into Parked Motorcyclist, Killing 1 (NYT, NY Post),Clinton, N.Y.: Rye Cyclist, 41, Hit from Behind and Killed (Journal News),Bristol, Conn.: 4 Teens Killed, 3 Injured in 2-Car Wreck (AP/Newsday)Hardyston, N.J.: Brooklyn WTC Survivor and Wife Killed in Crash (Star-Ledger),Lakeview & Hewlett, L.I.: Separate Crashes Kill 2, Injure 4 (Newsday) Stamford, Conn.: Pedestrian Killed; Driver Gets Manslaughter Charge (Advocate),Wyandanch, L.I.: Driver Arrested for DUI After Passenger Killed (Newsday),Chappaqua, N.Y.: Chess Master, 76, Killed in Head-On (Journal News), Sag Harbor, L.I.: Teen Driver Dies as BMW Slams Into Trees (Newsday),Coram, L.I.: Woman, 21, Trying to Pass SUV Killed in Head-On (Newsday),New Brunswick, N.J.: Man Killed as Car Swerves and Hits Pole (Star-Ledger), Carle Place, L.I.: Motorist Killed Veering Into Path of Truck (Newsday),Long Island: 2 Motorcyclists Killed, 1 Injured, in Three Crashes (Newsday),North Amityville, L.I.: Man, 36, Killed After Car Hits Tree (Newsday),Dix Hills, L.I.: Man Charged in Swindle Dies in Motorcycle Crash (Newsday) etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc
Footnote in NB link: “Trend: ‘Bicyclists Posing a Safety Hazard on Our Roadways’.” suspend disbelief before this bit
An Australian version would be a interesting concept to research, although rather depressing to media monitor, as doing the regular monitoring for WoJ can be daunting enough for me. Like many I’m all for higher levels of compliance and cyclists following the road rules, but a bit of perspective & balance wouldn’t be a bad idea to pursue … ah shit that sounds too much like uncommon common sense.
For your perusal: Bike training video from the SFPD and the SF Bicycle Coalition. The script maybe a tad stilted and directed for US conditions, but I reckon this is an absolute cracker.
August 13, 2007 at 11:35 pm · Filed under Cockheads
Brisbanes Courier Mail included this poll (see right) in the accompanying article:
Cyclists hit by road rage
First it was scooter riders, now it’s cyclists. A new survey has revealed two-wheelers are copping abuse and road rage from other motorists.
The CARSguide.com.au online survey has found cyclists are the most hated road users at 28 per cent.They were followed by large trucks (20 per cent), large 4WDs (15 per cent) and illegal window washers who bale up motorists at traffic lights.
Actually this should be alternatively filed under ‘Not Quite What They Were Expecting’
Please note: HTF does 37 + 62 = 100? Informal votes? Ghost in the machine?
On the subject of News Limited publications, the Hun was seriously scrapping the barrel today by printing a story on Raisin-Shaw selling his bike. (do we have to remind you of the Hell Ride palavar again and again and again)
Like, yes, seriously. No link, you can look for it yourself.
Considering the recent tragic deaths of a elderly NSW couple as result of alleged illegal street racing, likewise, will the Daily Terror research a story on what the driver is selling on flea bay?
Hang on to your hats kids, reports are coming in that Sprocket Man has made a fleeing appearance in our national capital!
Mystery cyclist saves man’s life
A 70-year-old man who collapsed in the centre of Canberra wants to personally thank the anonymous good Samaritan who helped save his life. The passer-by, who was dressed in cycling attire and wearing a helmet, performed crucial CPR on Joe Massingham before an ambulance crew arrived.
Mr Massingham, a father-of-three, married his long term partner just weeks before his collapse in Civic on July 16. He thanked those who had helped him, including visiting Victorian firefighter Michael Briant and the anonymous cyclist. “I am very grateful for their help and would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart,” Mr Massingham said.
“In particular I would really like to meet the person who performed CPR prior to the ACT Ambulance Intensive Care Paramedics (ICP’s) arrival because his actions potentially saved my life.” The ACT Ambulance Service said it wanted to publicly thank Mr Briant and the second man and present them with letters of commendation.
Clank! ooooff Whack! Crash! eee-yow Splatt! A big haymaker in the glass jaw to those petty News Limited hacks - people who decide to ride bicycles aren’t all rogue lycra-wearing scofflaws!
“Joe’s survival is testament to the benefits of life-saving CPR with advanced pre-hospital care.” said director of the ACT Ambulance Service David Dutton. “The ACT ambulance service would like to give special thanks to the people who had gathered to watch this real live drama unfold for their support, as the two good Samaritans and the ICP’s where applauded by the crowd as they left the scene.”
Huzzah for Sprocket Man! Ride forth with pride, Mystery Canberra Cyclist!
The next time some well meaning, yet naive media commentator starts pointing fingers about perceived errant cyclist behaviour or plain ‘ol anti-cyclist crap, please bear in mind this frequent series by NY’s Streetsblog:
Brisbanes Courier Mail included this poll (see right) in the accompanying article:
Hang on to your hats kids, reports are coming in that 
Clank! ooooff Whack! Crash! eee-yow Splatt! A big haymaker in the glass jaw to those petty News Limited hacks - people who decide to ride bicycles aren’t all 
