Bicyclist hit by vehicle in Ann Arbor taken to hospital in critical condition
A bicyclist was sent to the hospital in critical condition Sunday night after being hit by a vehicle on Washtenaw Avenue near the East Stadium Boulevard split in Ann Arbor, officials said.
Authorities were dispatched to the intersection for an automobile-bicycle accident at 10:59 p.m., said Joyce Williams of Huron Valley Ambulance.
A man was found in the street with head trauma, said Ann Arbor Fire Department Battalion Chief Randy Menard.
The patient was transported to University of Michigan Hospital in critical condition, according to Williams.
Menard said the scene was cleared by 11:23 p.m.
Ann Arbor police are investigating the incident. The patient is currently in serious condition, according to a release Monday afternoon from Ann Arbor police.
Further information from Ann Arbor police was not immediately available.
John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
Ricardo Queso
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 11:27 p.m.
If bicycling is to be broadly accepted as a 24 hour means of transportation, state or federal minimal standards for front and tail lights need to be enacted. A well meaning single flashing led contributes little to visibility.
John Counts
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 6:18 p.m.
So according to police, the bicyclist was riding in the left travel lane of Washtenaw Avenue when a man driving a Honda Accord struck him from behind because he didn't see him. The bicyclist did not have lights on his bike, nor was he wearing a helmet. Read the full update here: http://annarbor.com/news/police-motorist-just-didnt-see-bicyclist-who-was-riding-in-middle-lane-with-no-lights/
John Counts
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 5:22 p.m.
I have spoken with police about this incident and will be posting an updated story shortly.
John Counts
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
I am attempting to update this story today. Hopefully I can get some more information from police.
Justin Fenwick
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.
Road rules. Follow the law. Wear a helmet. Ride on the street. Behave like a car. Cycling as transportation!
A2jo
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 2:48 p.m.
Again sad to hear of these types of accidents for both bikers and auto drivers Just Too Dangerous to be riding bikes in city main streets which 'share' auto space
Umlud
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 4:08 p.m.
I agree that it's just too dangerous to be riding bikes in city main streets. There should be fewer cars. :)
lucinda walsh
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
"Safe Biking" in A2 is but a dream, but I sense most people want to stay asleep.
Bertha Venation
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:51 p.m.
Dangerous intersection.
snacks
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:06 p.m.
First of all I hope the bicyclist with recover my prays go out to that person. But tell me what's a person is riding a bike on a busy street at 11:00pm when there is a sidewalks big enough for two bicycle. (Stupid in my opinion) and my heart goes out to the driver of the vehicle because they have to live with this.
Are you serious?
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:34 p.m.
At this point we don't know whether the bicyclist was riding on Washtenaw or even walking a bike across the street from N to S. It is all speculation. That being said my observations / comments in general: 1. Riding on Washtenaw with or against the traffic at that time of night is not a good idea. 2. The tiny flashing strobe lights that some cyclists use are only marginally effective. They quite often get lost in the background. 3. I have never seen a cyclist at night with a headlight that is adequate for safe riding. There are too many poor spots on the pavement, rocks, or other trash that can unexpectedly cause a cyclist to swerve, etc. 4. The bike path on the south side of the road is near pristine and safely away from the road. 5. The path on the north is a joke. I have seen a few cyclists barreling down the hill much faster than they should to allow them to avoid cars coming out of the driveways. I don't see how the residents who live there can possibly inch out onto the sidewalk safely.
Deverick
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 11:30 a.m.
bikes n cars need 2 ride safer on especially very areas. some drivers need 2 slow down when they r turning 2 avoid a biker that's just going straight on the green light! also-bikers need 2 watch the red lights n cars as well. i always wear my helmet n clothing with bright numbers on them, n a rear flashing light. i hope the rider is OK!
Elouise
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 6:41 a.m.
"A man was found in the street with head trauma." ...helmet?
Elouise
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 11 p.m.
I never assumed, I simply asked a question.
Umlud
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 4:06 p.m.
Just FYI, even if a bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian is wearing a helmet, head trauma can still happen. The helmet protects against the trauma to the outside of the skull, but it cannot protect against the brain slamming around inside the skull due to the impact. Similarly, most bicycling helmets do not offer full protection to the entire head. Injury to the face and lower skull can still happen, even if you are wearing a helmet. IOW, just because you read, "a man was found in the street with head trauma, " don't automatically assume that he wasn't wearing a helmet.
hawkhulk
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 5:14 a.m.
That is a dangerous intersection. It is a miracle there hasn't been more accidents there. I used to live there and bike to and from home. I often had to bike down Washtenaw to get home and it was dangerous. I often turned on Brockman and cut through East Stadium and St. Mary's to get home, which was safer.
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 2:47 a.m.
Healing vibes headed out the bicyclist and family.
ArthGuinness
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 2:12 a.m.
It's a dangerous mixture of traffic there ... I believe the other bicyclist that got hit last year was on the same stretch down by Platt. I know some pedestrians who have had near misses there while using a proper crosswalk. It's not simple to cross 5 lanes, I prefer to do it at the lights.
JRW
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 2:01 a.m.
Since the article mentions an accident at night, I want to add that many sections of the city are poorly lit at night. Lights are either out or non existent. If all these bike lanes are going to be added around the city, the lighting really needs to be improved FIRST. Also, the edges of the roadways where the bike lanes end up are crumbling due to lack of maintenance all over the city. Until roadways are properly surfaced and potholes fixed, bike lanes are challenging at best.
Umlud
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
Agreed. Why can't we get more of those LED lamp posts that were put in the downtown? And why can't the road maintenance crews recognize that the roadway continues through the bike lanes, all the way to the curb? Seriously, the quality of the roadway in the bike lanes are often far worse than in the middle of the road.
JRW
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 1:57 a.m.
That is a bad intersection at all times of the day and night. Tons of congestion, poor street lighting, difficulty crossing for pedestrians and dark at night for any brave cyclists. And during business hours, tons of traffic turning in and out of Trader Joe's. Not to mention that the speed limit on Wash at that point is 45 mph. Hope the cyclist recovers.
hmsp
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:40 a.m.
Sure glad I ride my bike the way we were taught to walk when we were kids back in the 50s –– AGAINST the traffic! I know, I know, all of the "Same Road, Same Rules," folks will be all up in arms, but while the TRAFFIC rules might be the same, ya know, the rules of both PHYSICS and VISIBILITY are completely different! I have swerved into ditches to avoid semi-truck doors held open to swipe me off of the road by the "Shotgun" rider, and I've hit the curb to leave my bike and go into a roll on grass lawn extensions, among other evasive maneuvers. "In The Right, but Dead Right" doesn't sit well with me. I'll be in charge of my own safety, thank you. I'm not giving that control over to someone coming up from behind me! And I'll happily pay any traffic tickets I get. So far, I've only got one, on Packard at 4th, running a red light to get down to Sears, Roebuck, on Main. I was happy to pay that one –– I was too lazy to stop for a red –– but that would have had to have been over 40 years ago, given my destination. Still alive and riding after all of those years, and never had a scary incident, including the incidents I cited above –– they weren't scary, even if I had to hit the dirt, because I saw it all coming, and took care of myself. There are good bike lanes, and there are death traps, and I can tell the difference.
jcj
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 12:13 a.m.
The"experts' also say it is bad to spank your child. I can tell you there are many more spoiled brats running around today than there were 50 years ago!
David
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 9:36 p.m.
Please do some research into what is now considered safe. A bike is safest when biking in the land, with traffic. It gives the biker and car drivers the greatest chance of seeing each other (more time) to avoid a collision. Read this article http://iamtraffic.org/engineering/behaviors-and-risk/
jcj
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 8:36 p.m.
Brian Please explain the particulars of the accident we are talking about. It has now been updated to show the biker was riding with the traffic. And only someone blind in one eye would not have a chance to react if they saw a car coming at them. Accidents can always happen, but I will still take my chances SEEING whats coming. Rear view mirror? Hogwash! Most people cannot even back up there car without looking over their shoulder. They would never comprehend where a car is in a rear view mirror.
Brian Genisio
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 2:21 a.m.
@jcj: Not that you'd be able to do much about it if someone is coming at you with a relative speed of 45 mph (assuming a car going 30mph and a cyclist going 15 mph) You want to see what is behind you? A rear-view mirror mounted on your sunglasses is really valuable for that. But your biggest worries are not behind you when riding with traffic. They are much more (statistically) in front of you, which you still get to see what is going to hit you. (whether you can do anything about it is still a question)
Brian Genisio
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 2:16 a.m.
No! This is wrong. NOBODY should listen to this advice. It is anecdotal and is not supported by data in any way. I'm sorry, but we really didn't have a clue when it came to automotive safety in the 50's. I'm not going to harken to those days for my safety standards. (Here is some hard data: http://www.bicyclinglife.com/Library/riskfactors.htm) Your "PHYSICS and VISIBILITY" argument is also baseless. The relative speed of traffic upon a rider is usually 3x greater traveling against traffic. Either way, the percentage of accidents where a car overtakes a cyclist is actually quite small (something like 3%). The rest of the accidents are turns, car doors, blind spots, etc. That is why visibility and predictability are more important than relative speed when it comes to cycling safety. Here are some diagrams that show some reasons why it is not more visible: http://www.virtuousbicycle.com/BlogSpace/go-with-the-flow/
jcj
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 2:08 a.m.
hmsp You are one of the few that makes sense. Riding against the traffic is the only way to ride! Period! I want to see what is going to hit me.
Robot Charles
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:26 a.m.
I ride my bike on the sidewalk and pathways and it's common for drivers to refuse to stop and look both ways at driveways. And when a car is stopped over the sidewalk they pretend not to see a person on a bike coming towards them. When I drive I treat the sidewalk like a small road by looking for any traffic on it before crossing.
David
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 9:27 p.m.
Sidewalks are for slow traffic. Bikes belong in the road where they are visible.
A2centsworth
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:21 a.m.
The article said he suffered head trauma, I am wondering if he was wearing a helmet, as my kids are out riding bikes, and I am curious if he was wearing a helmet what protection it offered.
Scott Reed
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:08 a.m.
Bike lanes on Washtenaw should have a physical barrier separating the cyclists from traffic. Otherwise, I am definitely never going to ride my bike on that road.
TryingToBeObjective
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:01 a.m.
I'm just gonna say best wishes for the cyclist on his recovery. That's the most important. No judgement.
thinker
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 11:59 p.m.
Oh-and no helmet!
craigjjs
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:04 p.m.
Have you never seen a car do something illegal or dangerous? Your observations are no better than anyone else's and it is disgusting to use a serious accident to rant about bicycles.
thinker
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 11:57 p.m.
I am very sorry that the bicyclist suffered heads trauma (helmet?). However, many bicyclists ride very unsafely. Today one, approaching my 4000# car on a narrow road, made some unrecognizable signal or sign to me and turned left right in front of me! I avoided hitting him--just!
Umlud
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 3:58 p.m.
Maybe instead of blaming the cyclist, you should instead drive more with a greater sense of safety for others on the road? After all, if you were following at a safe distance from the cyclist, you wouldn't have just avoided hitting him, even if he suddenly took a tumble... since you would have been following ... at. a. safe. distance.
G. Orwell
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 11:33 p.m.
I sincerely hope the injured biker recovers. I am not placing blame here but some bikers believe they own the roads. Yesterday I was going north on Main St. and a biker turns right onto Main St. from a side street without stopping or looking. The car to the right of me had to slam on his breaks to avoid hitting the biker. The biker didn't seem to care and kept riding without any acknowledgement or apology. If there is a non-motorized pathway, bike lanes should not be put in. Far safer for bikers and drivers if the non-motorized pathways are used by bikers.
missmisery
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 11:17 a.m.
Gee, some drivers drive like they own the roads! "Not placing blame here..." - really?
spaghettimonsters
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:37 a.m.
No--sidewalks are for pedestrians! Bikers need to be in their own lanes AND need to obey the actual rules of the road. I hereby volunteer to be deputized and pledged to merrily ticket every cyclist who violates traffic law. In all seriousness: I feel very badly for real cyclists who suffer the bad reputation of irresponsible bike riders (all too often college students or infrequent but careless riders).
lucinda walsh
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 10:33 p.m.
I know this will be regarded as heresy by some, but most areas of A2 are too congested for safe biking. People should walk, take the bus, or drive if they want to have some degree of safety.
snark12
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 1:21 p.m.
I see thousands of people happily riding every time I'm in NYC or San Francisco, but A2 is too congested?
craigjjs
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:01 p.m.
No, not heresy, just unfair. I do not bike, but I recognize the need and desire for others to bike. Bikes are legal on our streets and there is not much statistical evidence that bikes are more dangerous to riders than cars. There isn't much data, but 2% of accident mortalities were bicycle related in 2011. You can't read much into that because there is little reliable data on bicycle mileage and many unreported accidents. The point is that I see no reason to discriminate against rider because someone believes AA is congested. I lived in NYC for 20 years and there are plenty of riders; now that is congestion. Riders should, of course, comply with the law, wear protective gear, etc.
Dirty Mouth
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 8:39 p.m.
Oh no, what a nightmare.
talker
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 8:38 p.m.
The bicyclist may have been wearing visible clothing and may have had lights on his bike. Nevertheless, other bicyclists need to be reminded to make themselves very visible when jogging or riding a bike when it's dark out. At different times of the year that would be variations of pm and am darkness. Also, wear a helmet even when the law doesn't require it.
talker
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 8:41 p.m.
I wasn't blaming the bicyclist or anyone else. The issue is that regardless of who's at fault, the driver of a vehicle is protected by the vehicle, whereas someone outside the vehicle isn't. Fault is one issue and we have no idea who is to blame or whether it's shared blame or whatever. But that doesn't matter if the less protected person suffers serious trauma, which may even include head trauma.
KJMClark
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 8:03 p.m.
I wish him the best of luck in his recovery. We'll have to wait and see what happened before drawing any conclusions, I think.
Martha Cojelona Gratis
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:56 p.m.
It's ironic that two of the top stories this afternoon are this one and the article about Ann Arbor being more bicycle-friendly. Bike-friendly or not, bikers really need to use their heads! Especially on major roadways like Washtenaw Ave.
Rachel Resin
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 4:04 a.m.
Drivers need to use their heads, too. I can't count the number of cars I see blocking sidewalks every day while waiting to make a turn, or the number of cars that step on the gas and make right turns as soon as their light turns green, regardless of pedestrians or cyclists traversing the crosswalk.
Barb
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 8:01 p.m.
That's not irony at all. That's coincidence. But either way, I'm not sure suggesting bikers "use their heads!" is really all that helpful here. In fact, it sounds a little insensitive. Someone is critically injured and we have no way of knowing whether or not they "used their head".
Halter
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:42 p.m.
This is a bad location day and night for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists...also in this area: guys walking dogs, families with kids, homeless guy who lives in the port-a- potty overnight, and some weird religious group that gathers once a week in the park, lights an illegal bonfire, and chants till midnight. The Krogers parking lot spills out just a few feet from Woodbury with vision impeded in both directions by Woodbury Gardens landscaping to the east, and the corner building on the left. That Krogers entryway should be permanently closed. Stadium Bridges another problem: speed limit never enforced there, cars come down the hill toward Industrisl doing 45-50 in a 35 zone and they cut around slower traffic no matter which lane they are in, if stopped cars rev up and accelerate to 45 as fast as they can. Lights also change weirdly here, rlegy turn signals not standard and come after through traffic, causing turns into traffic. I live here. I watch narrow accidents from occurring every single day all day long. It needs traffic calming; better marked turn lanes; lights that are better timed, and traffic en forcement
talker
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 9:45 p.m.
For reference, think of the historical gas station that's become a coffee shop. Also think of Trader Joes. Also, as Washtenaw turns east, there's another stop light.
Halter
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 9:41 p.m.
Ha! You are SURE right -- I totally looked at the map wrong -- maybe because we have similar problems every night at MY intersection!!!
Tano
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:58 p.m.
You are about a mile west of relevance to this story.
Barb
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:49 p.m.
A couple things: 1) wrong intersection... the accident is described as taking place further east and 2) while agree with you on this intersection, all last week AAPD had a speed trap set up on the bridge in the mornings and afternoons. They seem interested in slowing people down.
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:20 p.m.
@atgrateful: "Let's see. Sunday night. 10:59 PM. Was the cyclist using front and rear lighting on his bike? Was this a factor? How about reflective clothing? Reflectors on the bike?" Let's see. Sunday night. 10:59 PM. Was the driver using his headlights? Was this a factor? How about alcohol? Did the driver get drunk, and decide to drive without headlights on? Was the driver talking on his phone, eating a burger, tuning a radio, sending a text? Was the cyclist simply trying to cross the road when a driver swerved to make an illegal turn? *We don't know.* So painting some dramatic picture of blame based on nothing is pointless.
David
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 9:20 p.m.
a2citizen - in the state of Michigan, riding a bike while drunk is not a crime. Being drunk in public is, however.
Umlud
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 3:54 p.m.
@Barb's Mom: I suspect that you don't live by all the strictures that your uncle said, and why not? Because all the things a person says are not all equally smart or relevant. The advice could also have been, "Be extra careful if you choose to drive after dark, because you might hit a pedestrian, and as a driver you have a significantly greater responsibility for your actions, since you can cause significantly greater levels of harm." In fact, this is advice that my father gave me when I was learning to drive; it places the greatest responsibility in the hands of the person who can do the greatest harm to others, and - to me - sounds far more responsible of a position than saying, "Never cycle after dark!" (which is just one step removed from the 'advice' of, "Never go outside after dark!")
Barb's Mom
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 10:40 p.m.
@Nicholas Urfe- a motorist can be ticketed for not having proper headlights and tail lights at night, how about a bicyclist? My Uncle was an avid bicyclist and he said you should NEVER ride your bike after dark.
Jack
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.
Mr. Urfe - Apparently it hasn't occurred to you that a2grateful isn't trying to blame the cyclist, only trying to understand why the driver might have hit him. I think all drivers have experienced cyclists at night with insufficient lighting. It is very, very, very, and unfortunately, common. So it is natural to wonder if the bicyclist could be seen, especially since the driver almost certainly didn't try to hit him. It was probably the first thing readers wondered about when reading the article. Yes, of course the driver could have been drinking. Many articles written by annarbor.com lack vital information. It is human nature to speculate. I feel very sad for this cyclist and hope he wholly recovers. I lso feel for the driver who must feel absolutely horrible.
a2citizen
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 9:15 p.m.
Was the cyclist drunk? Did the cyclist attempt to make an illegal turn? We simply don't know.
Walaa Mahmoud
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.
I was passing by this area around 12:15am and police had it blocked off about a mile or so. When I went back to the area, I've seen a car with a shattered windshield.... It looked horrible. My prayers are with the cyclist.
John Gotts
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
My thoughts are with this bicyclist. I'm an avid cyclist and a diligent driver and despite all that I had one accident with a cyclist. I paid for his medical expenses and the cost of repairing his bike. He is okay. Accidents do happen. If you do heavy riding on busy streets, wear a helmet.
Robert Katz
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:14 p.m.
My person opinion is that NOBODY should be riding a bicycle in the street after dark regardless of lighting or bright clothing and certainly not on a busy street like Washtenaw. I have no clue who was at legal fault here since there are no details. But I know that visibility is never great at night. Now instead of just looking for other automobiles you also have to look out for pedestrians that are entering the streets at non-corners without the benefit of traffic signals. This puts a huge unnecessary burden on drivers. It used to be very simple. Pedestrians cross at pedestrian crosswalks with lights OR they cross in other areas taking the responsibility on themselves for their own safety. Made a lot of sense since it is the pedestrian that is at risk AND drivers have much more to do than searching the sidewalks for someone who might dart out.
Rachel Resin
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 3:57 a.m.
It's perfectly safe to ride your bicycle in quiet residential streets after dark, especially with lighting and bright clothing. I would never hazard it on a busy street, but neighborhoods are a different story. Speed limits are lower, cars are few and far between, and riding on the street mitigates the risk of hitting people out for a nighttime stroll on the sidewalks. And looking out for your fellow man at non-designated crossing sites is not "a huge unnecessary burden on drivers" - it's an act of basic human decency that everyone should practice if they get into the speeding bullet that is a car.
zeeba
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:37 p.m.
Some people have to ride their bikes after dark - they don't have a car or may have lost their driver's licenses for one reason or another.. When I was working a summer job in college, I had to ride my bike in the dark to get to my shift that started at 6 am. I used a light that attached to my lower leg, which helped me stand out as a cyclist, which worked pretty well - the cars gave me pretty wide berth.
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:21 p.m.
Yeah. Sure. Cars shouldn't be on the road either. Pedestrians should stay home and lock their doors. Etc.
a2grateful
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 6:37 p.m.
Let's see. Sunday night. 10:59 PM. Was the cyclist using front and rear lighting on his bike? Was this a factor? How about reflective clothing? Reflectors on the bike? Many cyclists use front and rear LED strobes, even in daylight. Lack of rider visibility may have been a contributing factor in this accident. Regardless, wishes for quick recovery for the cyclist.
David
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
As someone who both bikes and drives, I'm all to aware of how difficult it is to see a bike. I don't know if lack of lights was a factor in this case, but I think the cops should start ticketing bikers without lights. Poor biking etiquette will only cause bikers to lose respect from drivers, while proper etiquette will earn bikers some needed respect. It's too common I have to yell at a driver for not treating me properly when I'm on a bike and following the rules of the road.
missmisery
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 11:14 a.m.
Blaming the cyclist is hurtful. Instead, I will keep the cyclist and his loved ones in my prayers.
a2cents
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 9:41 p.m.
Meanwhile, reflectors work passively. no on switch, no batteries to die. why not both & redundant light besides?
Richard Carter
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 8:07 p.m.
Whether in this case it was a factor, as a cyclist and a driver, I'm amazed at anyone that doesn't ride at night without head and taillights. Reflectors only work if light hits them, and too often, light doesn't hit them if, for example, a car is turning onto the street with the cyclist, or a cyclist is riding on the sidewalk, until it's too late.
davecj
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 6:25 p.m.
Ann Arbor just spent $1million putting a 'non-motorized' bike path on Washtenaw along this stretch of road. It runs from Tuomy to Glenwood, right thru this intersection. Bicyclists need to used the bike lanes!! Last week I was driving up Huron Parkway, another street with a newer 'non-motorized' bike path, and there was a bicyclist riding in the street north oh Glazier Way instead of using the bike path. Use the Bike Paths!!!
David
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 9:05 p.m.
Sometimes biking in the road is safer. Drivers are looking for other cars in the lane, so a bike in a bike lane, being at the edge of the road, is easy to miss. Near turns and parked cars, its much safer to be in the lane.
snark12
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 1:17 p.m.
Agree completely, Brian. There are many complaints about cyclists' behavior at places like Gallup Park. Cyclists shouldn't be riding there at any serious pace among the pedestrians, nor should they be on these "bike paths" like the one along Washtenaw.
Brian Genisio
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 2 a.m.
"Non-motorized bike paths" are a bit like getting a really expensive birthday gift that you never wanted and cannot return. These bike paths are not just bike paths, but bi-directional multi-use paths. As a cycle commuter who tends to ride about 20mph on my bike, these paths are useless. There are walkers, joggers, kids, strollers, dogs, and countless people who don't know what "on your left" means. They are bi-directional -- another 20mph cyclist traveling the opposite direction creates a 40mph relative obstacle. Cars are only 15mph relative speed to me. They are riddled with blind spots and plenty of intersections that I don't have to yield for when riding in the road. I am more of a safety hazard to the other users of the path than cars are on the road to me. There is a reason why cycling in the road is still legal even if there are "non-motorized paths" available. This is why.
Paul Alman
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 1:28 a.m.
CV. Lounsbury says davecj is just "...stating facts." Well not exactly. "The $1.58 million project is being paid for with a combination of $748,675 in federal funds, $772,091 from the city's alternative transportation fund, and a special assessment from property owners along Washtenaw Avenue, Warrow said." For one, and secondly, while many would prefer that cyclists use bike paths regardless of their suitability, condition or safety, there is no legal requirement in Ann Arbor to use bike paths. Just as there is no legal requirement that motorized traffic use a limited access highway when one is available, most cyclists I know choose where to ride based on their personal experiences, what they feel is safest for them, and other considerations, just as we do when we are in our motorized vehicles.
MyOpinion
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 1 a.m.
If he was coming from the westside of town, Stadium is the quickest route to Washtenaw. It's not like there is a good bike path from Main to Hill to Washtenaw.
a2cents
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 9:38 p.m.
no !!!
KJMClark
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 8:01 p.m.
The city has been violating AASHTO recommendations with glorified sidewalks for years. No, cyclists are supposed to be in the road. And how do you know where this guy was biking?
foobar417
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:46 p.m.
In response to an article about the city investing in bike lanes, sure that comment is quite reasonable (even if I don't agree). In a tragic article like this, it implicitly blames the victim based solelyon the commenter's biases.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
I don't think he is jumping to any conclusions. Stating facts, personal experience and a general plea to cyclists to use non motorized paths when available.
foobar417
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 6:58 p.m.
You are jumping to lots of conclusions based on almost no information.
glimmertwin
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 6:13 p.m.
Based on the article, it appears the condition of the bicyclist has been upgraded from critical on Sunday night to serious now by the police? Let's hope the condition continues to improve.
cinnabar7071
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 6:10 p.m.
I would NEVER ride my bike in the road. I know I have every right to, but I've seen how distracted drivers are these days. NEVER!
Deverick
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 11:34 a.m.
its better 2 ride on the rode then sidewalk 2 avoid peds. n small children. but when u do ride on sidewalk ride very very slow. but basically the rode is way better
leaguebus
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 3:05 a.m.
The safety issue of not riding in the street are right and left turners at cross streets and driveways. I would not ride in the street on Washtenaw, no matter what. The only way on that street is on the sidewalk.
Brian Genisio
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 1:50 a.m.
@KJMClark and @Spaghettimonsters have opinions supported by data. @Craig Lounsbury can disagree all he wants, but he is unlikely to find any statistics to support his anecdotal opinion. When it comes to research studies, time and time again, the results always favor riding in the road over sidewalk riding. (riding against traffic on the sidewalk is even worse) I would challenge anyone who wants to disagree with me to find a credible source that suggests that riding on the sidewalk is safer for adults traveling faster than 8 mph. I share @Spaghettimonster's sentiments. People like to opine about safety rules all the time without ever spending any time to find out if their hunches hold any water. When it comes to safety standards, it is much like medical standards. We don't trust our gut, common sense, conventional wisdom, etc. We use the scientific method to determine what the best rules are and change them as we get better evidence. In the case of this silly argument, the results are clear. Cyclists belong in the road.
spaghettimonsters
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 12:29 a.m.
I'd really like to see this childish attitude from uneducated cyclists disappear. It's fine to ride on the sidewalk--if you're under the age of 12. Otherwise you need to get yourself into a bike lane if there is one, or into the street, and behave according to the rules of the road. And wear a helmet, use reflectors, and signal when you turn. It really isn't complicated! Can't stand, especially when there are abundant bike lanes, seeing grown men and women riding on the sidewalk as if they were little kids. Grow up and get out of the way of *pedestrians* (and, of course, actual children).
cinnabar7071
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 9:09 p.m.
Plus whats the top speed a car can get going in a driveway? 10mph best?
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 8:22 p.m.
I disagree KJM. When I am on the sidewalk I have control over my driveway crossing, I can come to a complete stop at every driveway if I so choose. In the street I have no control over cars passing me. If your in a big hurray and want to demand your right of way your better off in the street. But for shear safety your better off on the sidewalk slowing or stopping as needed like a pedestrian would at driveways.
KJMClark
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.
It's more dangerous on the sidewalk. Every driveway and side street is an uncontrolled intersection (because people pull across the sidewalk without looking.) It's 2x to 4x more dangerous than biking in the road. Lookup "Fhwa bicycle crash" and check the first link. You're much better off, as a cyclist, being on the road and following the same laws the motorists do.
Bcar
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 6:32 p.m.
im with you. I dont want to be dead-right.
John Counts
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 6:02 p.m.
We're not sure what exactly the details of the accident are yet, whether it was a hit and run, etc. Hopefully police will be able to shed some light on the incident soon.
Kyle Feldscher
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
jdmb - Sometimes "all the facts" aren't clear to investigators right away. For instance, my story on the rollover crash on U.S. 23 last year. It's more than a year later and "all the facts" from that case are still not available. However, it was a visible incident - just like this one was - and we have to do our duty to tell people what happened out there and then report more as we find out additional information.
jdmb03
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 1:36 a.m.
Not to sound rude, but why do you folks at AA.com write stories without all of the facts? This happens often.
Holanta
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 8:04 p.m.
If you're on Washtenaw, I Believe that light starts blinking yellow at 11 pm (blinking red if you're on Sheridan/Manchester).
Ann English
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 7:51 p.m.
We don't even know if the cyclist was on Washtenaw Avenue; it looks like the collision took place at a traffic light, with Sheridan on the north side of Washtenaw, Manchester Road on the south side. The cyclist could have been on one of those roads, CROSSING Washtenaw Avenue from one to the other. Cars can go straight through that intersection, provided they're in the proper lane to do it. If the collision did take place at that traffic light, does it ever blink yellow and red, like some downtown traffic lights do during the wee hours of the morning, and early morning, when the traffic is light?
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 5:59 p.m.
prayers for the cyclist. There is no mention of the motor vehicle driver. This wasn't hit and run was it?
John
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 5:59 p.m.
We need bike lanes on Washtenaw! SMH...
clara
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 8:21 p.m.
Yes, they just added the second one a year or so ago so there would be a path from downtown Ann Arbor to Arborland so this type of thing would not happen!
leezee
Mon, Jun 24, 2013 : 6:04 p.m.
Ummmm, well, there is a lovely bike path on either side of Washtenaw in that area.