Hit By Drunk Driver, BRV Manager Mark Rowell Seeks Safer Roadways
Posted by Mark on Feb 04 2010
Tags: Bike Commuting, Safety
Hello Fellow Winter Cyclists and Cycling Enthusiasts:
I wanted to start a diablog about cycling safety. I was hit 2 weeks ago by a drunk driver. I was hit directly from behind and thrown up into the air. I spun in the air several times before coming back down in a snow bank. No broken bones, but a hole the size of a fist in the back of my helmet. I have some major muscle mass tearing in my quads. And my heart rate is 50% higher than my normal heart rate. Other than that, I am pretty much myself. OK, I’m a little hyper.
Eventually, I want to look at some ways to make the bike lane on North Ave. north of BHS, safer for cyclists. I was hit by a drunk driver, my first collision with a moving vehicle for my whole riding career of close to 50 years. Even if the bike lane on North Avenue was totally unambiguous, I would have still been hit by a driver out of control. I am told that drinking and driving violations are dealt with more harshly in other countries. Does this account for lower drinking and driving violations in these countries? Does anyone have numbers?
The driver who hit me left the scene but turned himself in later that night. He has been charged with DUI and leaving the scene. I did not find out about the driver turning himself in until 24 hours later. It was a rough day and still I am plagued with the after shocks of the blindsided collision.
Happy to hear your responses to the questions about a safer bike lane on North Avenue and how to deal with people who drink and drive and cause major upheavals in individuals’ lives and the community at large.
Thanks!
Mark Rowell
2 Comments »
on 09 Feb 2010 at 8:30 pm 1.Anna Telensky said …
Yikes Mark! Glad to hear your injuries weren't worse. I miss you guys!
on 12 Feb 2010 at 2:38 am 2.Nancy said …
Mark, I feel for you. You will never forget this terrible experiance. I was hit by a driver, learning to drive many years ago. The area where you were hit is not safe. Both sides of the road are difficult and the lane traveling north is dark at night. Clear lines need to be marked. At night I get so nervous when I have to ride there. I hope additions can be made to that area.
Memories of these kinds of accidents never go away and alway haunt.