ed k.

Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 1:13 p.m.

I met jason twice, once in the shop and once on the road and wish him all the best. I commute by bike daily from A2 to Ypsi, and between the Gallup Park path and bike lanes on HRD feel fairly safe. Dexter-Pinckney is a road I recommend all riders avoid even in the daytime. Island Lake is slightly better but even that is getting more crowded. One problem is most of the housing going up there is the upscale, cul-de-sac type, which can't be driven through so they feed their traffic out onto a few crowded, narrow roads.

Peter Baker

Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 12:40 p.m.

I wish annarbor.com would leave up some of the comments it's pulling down so that people could see how hostile some drivers are towards cyclists, and how this is as much a problem of culture as it is traffic law.

Elizabeth Mount

Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 11:18 a.m.

just think, The driver could have paralyzed him taking away his ability to bike. (if this happens could you ever take a hand-bike on the road??) Which is his passion in life. We can only hope he can make a full speed recovery. Is it really so much to ask to slow down and share the road. Really? its that inconvenient that you would tell someone they can't do what they love to do, can't be a positive impact on our planet by biking to work.

Trepang674

Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 8:43 p.m.

Pretty incredible that a moron would first hit a biker, then take off like the coward, scum they are. There are just too many cyclist to not pay attention and importantly cut them some slack.

DFSmith

Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 11:43 a.m.

2sallyxyz- I think you are making a vast generalization here, accusing all truck/SUV drivers of being aggressive and uncaring drivers. It is not true at all. I ma SUV driver, and also a bicyclist, and trust me, I and my bicycle, have been hit by a woman, a female U-M Faculty member, driving a small Toyota Corolla. There are all kinds of aggressive drivers on the roads, driving all kinds of cars/trucks/SUVs/commercial vehicles.

Andrew Claydon

Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 11:37 a.m.

@just a voice-I was just explaining what bornblu saw. Knowing what a groups of cyclist sometimes do might help prevent another accident in the future. I'm not saying it right or wrong. Cars don't group ride so these kind of situations doesn't really effect them. If they did, there might be rules to allow this kind of behavior. Another common move by a group of cyclist is when at a four way stop, they usually all leave at the same time as opposed to one at a time like cars. More practical for them but not legal.

Sallyxyz

Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 10:50 a.m.

According to the article on this unfortunate accident, the fleeing vehicle was either a large SUV or a large pick-up truck. The driver of that fleeing vehicle is guilty of a hit and run, regardless of the circumstances. In my experience, drivers of large SUVs and large pickup trucks are aggressive drivers (in general). I drive the speed limit day and night, and I can tell you that large SUVs and large pickups will frequently tailgate my vehicle, flashing their high beams on many occasions (and many times just leave the high beams on while following me closely), and even pass on double yellow lines, because I am not willing to EXCEED the speed limit, which they want to do. I have seen on occasion drivers of large pickup trucks INTENTIONALLY swerve to hit squirrels in the road. With this kind of aggressive driving behavior going on behind the wheels of many of these oversize vehicles, it's not surprising that one of them will hit a bicyclist and then flee the scene. In addition, Consumer Reports states: "The height of SUVs and pickup trucks creates large blind zones below the rear window and in front of the hood." http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/car-safety/car-safety-reviews/consumer-reports-critical-suvs-and-pickup-trucks-safety-concerns-206/overview/

just a voice

Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 10:48 a.m.

@andrew claydon, the only group of vehicles that are allowed to run a red light to stay together are for funerals. There is no excuse for a group of bikers to do that, if they want their right of way on the road, they better respect other peoples. I bike, walk and drive this area, and we need safe bike route options. I choose not to ride the two lane roads in the area for my personal safety, I don't trust the drivers with my life. From what I see on the roads both the drivers and bikers need to improve their behvior.

Andrew Claydon

Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 9:12 a.m.

@bornblu-When group riding, cyclist tend to try to keep the group together. When the first cyclist comes to a light they always stop if it's red or yellow. If it's green but then changes after they've gone thru, the group usually follows. If they don't the group gets split up and some may not know the route. Not all groups do this, but many do. Think of it like a long semi, the trailer has to follow the cab. It's also kind of like sitting out in an intersection in your car waiting to turn left. Sometimes it's not clear until the light turns red. You don't back up and wait for the next light, you turn.

DennisP

Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:24 a.m.

As the first to comment, I want to make it clear that no one is excusing the driver. This thread reveals a common theme. A) Drivers are concerned about hitting cyclists because the roads don't readily accommodate both. B) Cyclists--who have a right to cycle and be on roads==are concerned about being hit, many here have been hit and struggle with how to safely ride knowing they are putting their lives in the hands of strangers that can run the gamut from new teen drivers, to drunks, to texters and to seniors with reduced vision and reaction times. You can pass as many laws as you want, but drivers will make mistakes and cyclists will make mistakes--the result can and will often be tragic. C) Most everyone agrees that the best thing would be to install biker lanes, or dedicated cycle/pedestrian routes wherever possible. That was the thrust of my comment. This is another example of why MDOT, Washtenaw County Road Commission, and all local communities need to start planning on such lanes and such accommodation. We want a green world, we want cyclists, we want to cycle, we want to drive cars knowing that cyclists have a place that is safer and that doesn't expose cyclists or drivers to such life-changing or ending tragedies. For the life of me, they did a fine resurfacing of the road at the very spot where this accident occurred but not a single thing was done to improve the shoulder of the road to give bikers access. Everyday, there are cyclists along that road--yet the road commission and township didn't give a single thought to that. Nor did they do it along N. Territorial where they did quite a bit of repaving. They are repaving Huron River Drive at spots. Will they add bike lanes there given that a local cycling association even contributed to the paving costs? I'm not blaming government. It's just clear to me that the people who commented here would be happy to see that we take a new approach to road building and repaving.

bornblu

Sat, Aug 28, 2010 : 5:01 p.m.

My prayers go out to Mr. Lummis for a rapid and complete recovery allowing him to return to his passion of mountain biking. As I read this, and other articles, where opinions are present by both cyclists and drivers, I have made a concious effort to be more repectful to, and safer when, sharing the road with bicyclists (as a past runner I am aware of the dangers of traffic). That being said, today (8/28/10), at 9:45 am, I was driving in Saline at the intersection of Maple and Clark. There was a group (pack?) of approximately 20 bicyclists traveling South on Maple and turning left (West) onto Clark. While about 10 of the cyclists were able to make their turn during the YELLOW light, the remaining portion of the group continued their turn on the RED signal while a car had to avoid them by stopping with a GREEN light while going West on Clark (between the Post Office and Bank). This certianly appeared to me (addmittedly a novice/casual observer) to be a coordinated ride by an extremely large group of seasoned riders (all in the same uniform). It is this action and blatant disregard of the law and traffic signals that unfortunately gives bicyclists the lack or respect and courtesy many times seen. While I continue to work on my driving courtesy and safety, it would be appreciated if the biking community can work on theirs.

foobar417

Sat, Aug 28, 2010 : 2:53 p.m.

Bill wrote: "Dexter-pinckney is a heavily traveled, narrow two lane country road... It's a tough place to ride, is it really worth the risk?" How about: "Dexter-pinckney is a heavily traveled, narrow two lane country road... It's a tough place to DRIVE (IN PART BECAUSE YOU MIGHT HIT A CYCLIST), is it really worth the risk?" I am a big believer that everyone needs to follow the law, including drivers and cyclists. Two laws worth pointing out... 1) Bikes are legally entitled to ride in the road (as far to the right as practicable). 2) All vehicles (including cars) are required to drive safely for the conditions. Therefore, if you drive a road like Dexter-Pinkney and believe yourself to be a law-abiding citizen, you should drive like there might be a cyclist or a tractor or whatever on the road around the next corner, NOT like you're on the Autobahn. If you don't like the laws, then follow them while they remain the law and use your rights as a citizen in our democracy to try to get the laws changed. In other words, drivers are required to drive safely with the cyclists who are using the shared car/bike transportation infrastructure until the law giving bikes the right to use our roadways is changed. (I hope that never comes to pass.) The same holds for cyclists who run stop signs without stopping.

just a voice

Sat, Aug 28, 2010 : 9:12 a.m.

I was biking 20+ miles a day for a while this summer, would never consider going out on the roads between A2 and saline/dexter/etc, just not safe (imo). The person who got his and died last year on maple was an area that the road was wide and well paved, just imagine that kind of bad driver on a narrow road. The Border to Border trail is what we need more of so that there is safe bike transportation options

Fat Bill

Sat, Aug 28, 2010 : 9:04 a.m.

What's the point of the comment section? It seems that annarbor.com has a heavy hand when it comes to removing posts. The "blame the victim" argument is lame, unless all you want are one-sided discussions and cheerleading for the reporters. I for one respect the rights of bicyclists, but as a professional driver I know too that bicyclists sometimes take an impractical approach to their own safety. Dexter-pinckney is a heavily traveled, narrow two lane country road... It's a tough place to ride, is it really worth the risk?

Rasputin

Sat, Aug 28, 2010 : 6:29 a.m.

I totally agree with Tru2Blu76, in Europe roads are usually much narrower, in better condition, and have better signage. Also, Cars traveling at much lower speeds than in the states. As a cyclist, who has traveled by bicycle in Germany, I can attest to the ease of use and relative safety. I also would like to echo another point on this board, this was not an accident; it just doesn't add up! Think about the force involved in breaking someone's back? Especially an athlete?

a2lifer

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 1:53 p.m.

@Tru2Blu76 - I only meant that I hope that the driver didn't intend to hit the cyclist. Not a given, unfortunately, as the driver on Huron River Drive last week demonstrated (though, ironically, THAT driver stopped). As for carrying, I am not endorsing carrying a gun. :-) However, it does speak volumes that a cyclist woud consider using a gun for protection on the road. It really is that bad out there. The cycling situation gets worse when you throw in speeding, cell phones, texting, etc. It's gotten to the point that I prefer to do most of my recreational riding on dirt roads. Riding pavement isn't fun for me anymore. It doesn't matter that most drivers are very considerate and patient. It's still a bad scene.

mkw

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 1:34 p.m.

This is an unfortunate situation and I pray for a swift and complete recovery to the byciclist. The year and possible make of the vehicle has been released but it would be helpful to know the color. If they have the mirror it might indicate the color of the vehicle. We live on Island lake near Dexter Pinckney and the traffic definitely moves too fast. Unfortunately we have been unable to get anyone to do anything about it.

Andrew Claydon

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 11:32 a.m.

If a car was broken down on that turn, I'm sure this hit and run driver would have been stopped by that impact. Even with it's hazards on a car is not as bright as a seasoned riders blinkers. The idea of coming around a bend HOPING nothing will be there is just driving blind. Most cyclist are always on the defense and looking out for messy drivers, but some times a car just sneaks up on you. Drivers, please give around three feet of clearance when you pass a cyclist. If you can't, wait a few seconds till you can. It's just a few seconds. Speedy recovery Jason Lummis.

AANative

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 11:08 a.m.

I was just in the bike store for service from Jason Lummis two weeks ago, what a sad story to read but one that needs to be highlighted. We as drivers need to treat a bike on the road with tender loving care, change lanes or if that is not available slow down and wait for an opportunity to pass. There are a lot of people who bike on the road every day they have a right to be there and they should be given a safe amount of space by cars and trucks. Shame on the driver who drove on, a driver should know if they hit someone especially if you loose a mirror. Thank goodness there was a car behind to call it in. I will follow this story in hopes that Jason Lummis recovers from this serious injury. drive safe and share the road, imagine if the driver was you!.

a2lifer

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 11:05 a.m.

This incident appears to be an accident, although the driver's behavior afterwards was criminal, and I hope that person finds the courage to come forward. However, I do want to point out that for cyclists in this area, it is a fact of life that we contend with driver violence: forcing riders off the road, thrown bottles and other garbage, blaring horns, shouting and cursing, and driving by extremely fast and close (a foot or two). This is driver agression that I have experienced personally and often. A friend of mine says that she is going to start carrying while riding. She is only half joking. Wider shoulders and bike lanes are a great idea, but there is also a culture war going on out on the road, and the people in the 3,000 # machines have the distinct advantage. Speedy recovery Jason!!!

a2karen

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 10 a.m.

I would appreciate an update on Lumis. I pray he is out of intensive care. You have many wishing your safe soon recovery!

Carolyn

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 9:45 a.m.

I want to extend my sincere hopes that this cyclist will get the support and care he needs. My thoughts are with him and his family and friends.

Tom Teague

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 8:55 a.m.

Best wishes for a full recovery to Jason Lummis. I agree that it's time for more assertive enforcement regarding driver behavior toward bicyclists and I really hope that the Washtenaw County Sheriff's department puts some real muscle into solving this crime. @Cindy - This has probably been pointed out, but I think you meant to say "Lummis" instead of "Jones" in this sentence: "... someone driving behind Jones and the vehicle that hit him..."

MyView

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 7:57 a.m.

Could/has this story and the description of the vehicle be published in surrounding area newspapers or other sources of news? Dexter, Pinckney, Stockbridge, etc. 1999-2000 Ford Excursion with passenger side mirror missing A 1999-2000 Ford F250 Pickup, F350 Pickup, F450 Pickup, or F550 Super Duty truck with passenger side mirror missing.

uponthehill

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 7:38 a.m.

A million very bad thoughts and words crossed my mind when I heard the news. I'm tired of vehicular assaults being treated as 'minor traffic accidents'. This is a human life. Someone's brother, son, maybe husband, father. The car did not stop. When you hit a pothole - maybe an inch deep - most people curse and are pissed off - Do we really think that person did not feel the deadening 'thud' of hitting a 150 pound human? Please find this person and please prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Accidents happen, that I understand. Not stopping when you've hit someone just makes me sick to my stomach. Jason, you have a whole community of cyclists behind you, and quite likely the community at large. Be strong and get well soon.

brightonbabe

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 6:51 a.m.

@Tru2Blu76. How right you are! I am English and as anyone knows who has been to England on vacation, apart from the freeways, the roads are much narrower than here in the USA. There are rarely cycle lanes, maybe in towns but certainly not in the country. When I lived there I cycled a lot for exercise and my sons have cycled from youth to their 30's regularly, and they have never been hurt! Of course cycle lanes would be wonderful, but at the end of the day the onus rests with the vehicle driver. Most drivers drive much slower, much more carefully, no eating, drinking or talking on the 'phone while they concentrate on these narrower roads. Please can drivers moving between these smaller US towns, drive with much more care and attention. I wish the cyclist a full recovery.

riderup

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 6:35 a.m.

Lummis, hang in there and heal up!

Jimmy McNulty

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 5:28 a.m.

This was a well-written piece, concise and to the point. Thank you for including a description of the vehicle.

racerx

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 1:16 a.m.

Not understanding the logic in the policy if a writer can't blame the victim because they were hurt, the policy openly allows bashing of the person who hit him? Coward? Drvier ran off..shows guilt? Noose close on perp? Really? So, it's ok to bash the driver and virtually consider them guilty though some are speculating. Where does it say in the article that the driver knowingly knew he/she hit anyone? Yes, it's tragic, but the guidelines should go both ways.

JC

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 9:42 p.m.

Why would you pass a law preventing people from earning a living? The driver should have stopped. Jason will recover and live a long healthy life. The driver will live a life of peril and anguish.

Kira E. Collins

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 8:43 p.m.

This is becoming to much as I was also hit on my bike out that way on Island Lake Road off of Dexter Pinckney by a hit and run driver in July. Took the mirror clean off, had a great description of the vehicle but they were never caught. Maybe there should be more law enforcement out on these roads if this keeps on happening! Michigan does have a reimbursement system you have to file for if you were a victim of a hit and run. You must have paid out over $200 and they will reimburse up to $15,000.00. You do have to apply and send in all your bill information.

Hemenway

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 8:21 p.m.

Sad news indeed, how long will this carnage continue before roads are redesigned to reflect the needs and wants of modern society. I hope Jason rejoins his mates on the team soon!

Grade

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 7:22 p.m.

Whatever Bigbug!!! Does anyone know a color on the truck? Even light or dark?

Abigail Ferreira

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 7:05 p.m.

First, the hit and run driver is reprehensible. You hit something, you stop and see what it is, and you get help if necessary. May he be fully prosecuted. And I hope the young man has a speedy and full recovery. Second, as someone whose parents live on Mast, and who drives down those roads all of the time, this should be an awakening for the NEED FOR BIKE LANES on these roads. Biking is a healthy, enviromentally concious, and enjoyable way to travel. The Ann Arbor-Dexter area should be fully supportive of its cyclists. However, the only way to do this is to give them their own lane. As someone who drives often down Mast and Huron River drive, I am terrified I will hit someone. I am terrified I will not be able to swerve at the last minute around a curve or over one of those blind hills, or that I will swerve into oncoming traffic and get hit head on. I drive down Mast Road with extreme defensiveness, and white knuckles, every time. I cannot blame cyclists for this, or call them annoying, because they are in their right to use the road that way. What is annoying is that the roads are not big enough for us to share safely. Not all drivers are attentive. In a perfect world, all drivers would drive slow, look out, and be prepared to swerve as they go up and down every hill. But the reality is that people are tired when they are driving to and from work. They are distracted by their day. Teenagers don't have the presence of mind to even care to be alert most of the time. Many people drive on autopilot when they are close to home. Even if they are technically "staying within the lines," this is dangerous for cyclists. The bottom line is that we need bike lanes in Dexter. This is a lifesyle habit that should be encouraged, not discouraged or vilified.

Robert Parsons

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 6:58 p.m.

I understand completely how this can happen, I almost hit a Doe and Fawn the other night on this stretch. Prayers for this young man, and his family during this painful ordeal. I hope they catch whomever the driver is, and that they find the fortitude within to step up and turn themselves in...

Michael

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 6:41 p.m.

Hang on, I drove by the site of the accident last night-- the police had closed off a lane between Wylie and Fleming (I got on Dex.-Pink. from Wylie and turned off on Fleming and the police were in the middle of that stretch of road), not Fleming and Horseshoe Bend as Sgt. Archer there says. What's up with that?

Urban Sombrero

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 5:43 p.m.

I really hope Jason is alright and recovers soon. This is terribly sad. There's no excuse for a hit and run. It's completely inhumane. I can't imagine injuring another human being with my car and then just callously driving off. Regardless of the consequences, you're talking about a life. How can anyone with a conscience drive off? It's unbelievable to me. Godspeed, Jason. I hope you're back on the road soon.

Amy Lesemann

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 4:27 p.m.

I bike. I drive. The grim truth is it's just too dangerous to bike on narrow rides after dark. I worry that my 16 year old new driver daughter will hit someone - for the victim, mostly, of course, but also for her sake. I hope and trust she would stop for the victim - we raised her to do the right, if difficult, thing. I worry that I might hit someone, too! You can focus all you want. You can drive slowly. But if you come around a curve, and someone's high beams are in your eyes, you might well hit someone immediately in front of you. And it's nobody's fault. It's just too dangerous.

Karl

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 4:17 p.m.

Ignaz - The driver of the hit and run vehicle was clear enough about who was to blame that they fled the scene, leaving a seriously injured victim in the road rather than face the consequences.

Margo Nichols

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 4:13 p.m.

My reaction to this story is visceral. As one who nearly three years ago also was left broken and bleeding by the side of the road near Dexter by a hit and run driver, I am taken back to the harrowing days of hospitalization and pain. I feel so sorry for Mr. Lumis. And total contempt for the driver that fled. Of course the driver knew he hit someone. There is a major dent if not broken lights or windshield from the impact. I am also struck by the complete difference in the response of the Sheriff's Department. My case went uninvestigated for most of the 15 days I was in the hospital - because my injuries were not life threatening! - until too late to ever find a bump shop with a record of repair to the vehicle involved. Months went by before the paint chips from my clothes and helmet were processed. I wholeheartedly agree that we need more dedicated bike lanes. But we need more. We need warning bumps in the pavement so that a cyclist can hear a vehicle that is over the line and ditch out if necessary. It's a simple change. The fog lines on Ann Arbor - Dexter Road, the three blinking lights on my bike, and the chrome yellow jacket did not protect me from an irresponsible sub-human. A bit of sound warning might have. Get well as soon as possible.

gibby76

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 4:05 p.m.

part of the problem being all the traffic on that corridor as well, leading to complacency. the road should have been upgraded for those concerns at least. with gas prices the way they are, I hardly find fault in someone putting biking into his commute. This whole situation stinks.

Klaus

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 3:38 p.m.

This is so sad and strikes close to home. I wish Lummis a full recovery and all the best. I live within a couple of blocks of where he was hit even rode by bicycle along that same section of road that day. As a bicycle commuter myself, who does about 3300 miles a year commuting to and from work in Ann Arbor, I know the environment. I know the thoughts that go through my head and the heads of my wife, family and friends. The bicycling between Ann Arbor and Dexter is not too bad for a seasoned cyclist. That, however, changes as you pass through the Dexter viaduct heading north. During rush hours there is so much traffic on Island lake and especially Dexter Pinckney roads, cycling on them scare the heck out of me. The pavement between the white line and the dirt varies from 2 ft wide to nothing, is full of crumbing asphalt and jarring potholes with heavy traffic blowing by you just inches away, often 5 to 10 MPH over the posted speed limit on the already narrow roads. There is something huge that I get from riding my bicycle that I don't get from driving a car or even a motorcycle, hence I take the risk. There are currently plans underway to put a bike & hike path between downtown Dexter and Hudson Mills Metropark. A path that runs parallel to Dexter Pinckney road, which will also be part of the Border to Border (B2B) pathway. I would like to see bicycle and pedestrian access to this pathway from Dexter Pinckney so that citizens of all ages and abilities have a safe alternative to driving. It would also provide commuters a safe passage to somewhat more tranquil roads and neighborhoods.

John Q

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 3:34 p.m.

Thank you to the person who stopped and called 911.

Al McWilliams

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 3:26 p.m.

Even a remote, minor, tangential or contextual reference to this being anything but 100% criminal act on behalf of the driver is reprehensible. No matter how dark, how narrow, how windy the road YOU'RE DRIVING A TRUCK and with that comes great responsibility. Period. Just because you drive it every day does not dilute your responsibility to make sure you don't kill anyone with your truck. And if you do hit someone... you stop. -Al McWilliams Hit on the road = 3 times Drivers stopped = 0

lukn2lrn

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 3:25 p.m.

I hope that the driver didn't purposely leave the scene of an accident - I wouldn't judge too quickly on that one, though. The person may not have known what they hit, and being night time, may not have seen a thing. I ran over a dog once, as I crested a hill. I did not see the dog, as it ran out in front of me just as I was cresting the hill, and it was so close to my car that it was under my area of vision, and I had no way to know it was there, much less avoid it. It felt like a ran over a bag of leaves, or maybe more like a bag of clothes. But then I was horrified to see a large dog in my rearview mirror, laying in the road. Thank goodness it wasn't a child. When I got out of the car, another man who had stopped, started yelling at me for running over the dog - as if I would have been able to avoid it. It just isn't safe to ride a bike on streets after dark, especially around curves - even for a professional. My heart goes out to the young man, and I hope he has a full recovery. But, I also feel bad for driver, who may or may not have known what happened. It's hard to imagine a worse feeling than realizing that you've seriously injured someone - and under the circumstances of nightime driving and curves, it's easy to imagine how the accident could happen to anyone under the right circumstances.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 2:41 p.m.

@mousedeva I would imagine that honking ones horn when approaching a bicyclist could be kind of dangerous. There seems like a big potential for startling the bicyclist

Mark

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 2:32 p.m.

Any person that leaves another injured human being wallowing in the dirt after an accident is a coward. We need bike lanes, but all of these allusions to the VICTIM having a hand in this CRIME is annoying, to say the least. Cowardice, apathy, and ignorance are a terrible triumvirate, friends...

Jake C

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 2:28 p.m.

Mousedeva: Are you proposing that drivers should sound their horns whenever they come near a curve with limited visibility? I can just imagine all the people with houses near Huron River Drive who would love that suggestion. How about people just slow down, drive defensively, and know who they're sharing the road with.

Mousedeva

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 2:17 p.m.

Day or Night, no matter where, if drivers would also SLOW DOWN and be aware of the surrounding part of the road, then they may not hit fellow motorists or unaware animals who have just as much a right to cross safely. Try beeping your horn to let both humans and animals know your coming up on them or near a bend! It really does help. It's a shame the majority of our society doesn't think before they do/use common sense, or simply PAY ATTENTION.

Jane

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 2:12 p.m.

There's no reason that someone driving alertly at 9 in the evening shouldn't notice someone in their path. I think bikers are obnoxious, too, and a lot of them cause their own accidents, but come on, just because you're staying between the lines doesn't mean that you can go on autopilot. You still have to be wary of deer, children, other cars, so don't excuse the driver at all. If the driver ran off, that shows some level of guilt, or at least self-doubt.

Ricebrnr

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 2 p.m.

Yet 1 more example of atrocities committed by the most common deadly weapon in the hands of people today.

CountyKate

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 1:23 p.m.

Despite the conditions of the road, the driver of the vehicle that hit Lummis is a coward. Only a coward leaves a person they've hit.

amazonwarrior

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.

Hope they catch the driver. Wishing Mr. Lummis a very speedy and complete recovery!!

Woman in Ypsilanti

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 12:08 p.m.

I don't want to excuse the driver but some of our roads really could be designed in such a way to improve bicycle safety. Just the other morning, as I was driving to work, I encountered a bicyclist on Washtenaw between Stadium and Hill. The lanes there are just too narrow for anyone to safely share a lane with a bicyclist and luckily everyone realized that and moved over into the left lane to pass her. But it occurred to me that particular road could be improved both for cars and for bikes by changing it from two lanes in each direction to one with a left turn lane and bike lanes on either side. Surely we can find some money from somewhere to start adding bike lanes and/or good paved shoulders on our more rural roads. I say this as someone who hardly ever rides a bike and mostly drives a car. As much as some people might think that the best solution is to keep bicyclists off the road, that is hardly practical. There are going to be bicyclists on our roads and we need to do whatever is necessary from an infrastructure point of view to make them as safe as possible.

treetowncartel

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 11:56 a.m.

I hope the driver is identified, or actually comes forward. Good thing the Supreme Court recently overturned the Kreiner decision, this is the kind of situation where someoen should be able to get some compensation for their injuries, even if they wil ultimately recover.

DennisP

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 11:45 a.m.

I've seen this young man cycle that road many times. He's usually very tight to the edge of the road and is a good cyclist. Still, that road has no dedicated bike lane and there's not much space for cars. I know that is a very dark road in the evening and it is easy to miss someone--even with bike lights, it can sometimes be hard if there's an oncoming car with bright lights (e.g. LEDs). When they recently repaved that portion of the road, they should have widened a portion of it and added a bike lane or at least graded the soft shoulder to give bikers a better location to cycle. Cycling is too popular to ignore and it can be easily accomodated as roads are repaved (even if only bit by bit). I hope he recovers well and quickly.