Police release name of bicyclist killed in crash north of Dexter
The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of a woman killed when the bicycle she was riding collided with a car at Dexter-Pinckney and North Territorial roads north of Dexter Tuesday evening.
Mary Burrows, 53, of Pinckney died shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday when she rode her bike onto North Territorial Road after stopping in a ditch at the intersection, said Derrick Jackson, Washtenaw County sheriff’s spokesman.
Jackson said Burrows was riding south on Dexter-Pinckney Road and stopped to take a break at the intersection. When she continued on her way, she rode on to North Territorial, apparently into the path of a westbound Mercury Sable, driven by a Chelsea man.
Jackson said it appeared the driver of the car had the right of way and could not avoid the accident, but the investigation is continuing and a final determination had not been made.
Burrows was wearing a helmet, Jackson said, and was believed to be an experienced bicyclist.
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Comments
Goofus
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 5:55 a.m.
Condolences. But bicyclists really have no business pedaling on dangerous and busy N. Territorial. It is two lane highway, and when motorists veer to avoid byclists, they rarely look first to see if someone is coming the other lane (which someone usually is...). This endangers at least 3 vehicles: the cars in both lanes, and the bicyclists.
clownfish
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 12:21 p.m.
Absurd! Of course bicyclists have every right to ride on most roads. Do not blame the lack of driving skill on the bicyclists. They, like any group, have good and bad people, just like there are good and bad drivers of automobiles. The speed LIMIT on NT is 50, not 60 or 65.
foobar417
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 10:08 a.m.
By your own words, it sounds like you agree that the problem is a lack of defensive driving. But instead of noting that drivers need to change their attitude towards shraring the road, you conclude that everyone else has to give up their right to the roadway. Slow down, expect to share the road, pay attention.
Fat Bill
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.
For those of you who speculate that the driver in this case had some sort of cavalier attitude regarding bicyclists, you should know that the driver is an absolutely avid bicyclist himself; he has bicycled extensively throughout this area. From my conversation with him, I can assure you that short of not driving at all, he had no way to avoid this accident, the bicyclist appeared to be focused on riding up out of the ditch she was in and just didn't see the car, which witnesses confirmed was proceeding on the green just like the rest of us would do.
justcurious
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 11:26 p.m.
Thanks Bill. It is so easy for us to jump to conclusions about the motives of others. In this case, those conclusions were totally uncalled for.
63Townie
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 8:39 p.m.
What a tragic situation for the families of both driver and biker. I can't imagine the horror of accidentally killing someone while driving. My thought and prayers are with both families.
LBrower
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
This is so very sad for everyone involved. Thoughts and Prayers to the family as well as the driver.
getyourstorystraightfirst
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.
this is such a tragic situation. my thoughts & prayers go out to everyone personally involved. not saying it's the drivers fault at all, but remember when driving to be alert 100% of the time, you never know what might happen
jns131
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
This area is so bad for bicycles. So many blind spots. So sad to hear. We just gotta keep our eyes peeled for bikers.
Ryan Bowles
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6 p.m.
Any chance we can get a picture? The biking community is pretty small but we know each other more by sight than name.
BradP
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 11:17 p.m.
The Dexter Patch has a beautiful photo of Mary. http://dexter.patch.com/articles/washtenaw-county-sheriff-releases-name-of-bicyclist-killed-in-accident-in-dexter-township
lisam
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:46 p.m.
Facebook her name. She is first. Gosh, that sounds so cold; I am sorry. With the internet you can find pretty much everyone, especially Facebook. RIP Mary. Such a costly mistake. I pray for your family, the driver; very tragic.
justcurious
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 4:28 p.m.
My prayers go out to Mary Burrow's family and loved ones, as well as to the driver of the Sable. This is very sad. Many lives are changed by this.