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September 14, 2005
Oregon Cyclist Charged With Manslaughter
This is a sad story out of Oregon where a cyclist hit a pedestrian at an unmarked crosswalk. The first question I have to ask is, what is an unmarked crosswalk? Isn't that an oxymoron? Either it is a crosswalk and it is marked, or it is NOT a crosswalk. The second question I have is, what about car versus bicycle cases? Why aren't drivers prosecuted for manslaughter in most of these cases?
I am not saying that there aren't cyclists who disregard traffic laws. There are plenty that seem to feel above the law: running stop signs, running lights, passing on the right, unannounced turns, riding without lights, and that is just the beginning. However, motorists are at fault for all of these offenses and then some, yet more pity seems to be taken on them. The majority of manslaughter cases against motorists who have killed cyclists are either reduced or dropped completely. Why? Because prosecutors know that jurors will take pity on the motorist, considering that they too have done what the motorist was doing when they plowed into the cyclist. The sad excuse that "we all do it" should not be acceptable. Anyone that disregards traffic laws, cyclist or motorist should be held accountable.
It is a sad state of affairs when cyclists are treated like second class citizens - and that seems to be happening more, the more crowded our streets get. It should be the opposite. We should be doing everything in our power to encourage cycling and making it safe for all concerned. Traffic might not be such a problem were alternative transportation more convenient and safe.
Posted by capecodcyclist at September 14, 2005 09:17 AM
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