It is Dangerous Out There!

In just two days time, the reality of how dangerous this sport can be has been reinforced multiple times.

On Friday, Mike and I rode with SPP to breakfast then extended our ride as I accompanied him to work.  At the northern end of BWI, we dutifully waited for the traffic light to permit our crossing.  Just as the walk light for the pedestrian crossing turned green, our attention was immediately drawn left as a propane truck driver locked the rear wheels, skidding to a stop with smoke billowing from the overheated tires.  The vehicle came to a stop in the crosswalk just a few feet in front of us.  The driver put the truck in reverse, and backed up out of the crosswalk.

Later, on the south end of the airport, I dutifully waited for the traffic light to permit my solo crossing.  Just as the walk light for the pedestrian crossing turned green, my attention turned to the rapidly approaching car from the right.  There was no skid this time, but he stopped with his rear wheels in the crosswalk.  I used as much of the crosswalk as I could before going around the vehicle.

Later, just before getting back on the trail at Jumper’s Hole Road, I was dutifully waiting for the traffic light to turn green so I could cross the road.  As it turned green, my attention turned to the rapidly approaching car from the right.  There was no attempt to stop this time.  The vehicle ran the red light.

And then, Saturday, in a short span of time during the afternoon in Anne Arundel County, 4 cyclists were struck by vehicles.

This account of one incident is from Eye on Annapolis:

On June 28, 2014, at approximately 1410 hours, the Anne Arundel County Police Traffic Safety Section responded to a motor vehicle crash involving 2 bicyclists on MD Route 450 near Brice Lane, Annapolis.

The investigation determined that a 2011 Nissan operated by, Robin Vera Colbert, 54, of Annapolis, was traveling south on MD Route 450 south of Brice Way. The driver failed to drive in a single lane, crossed over the right edge line and entered onto the right shoulder. The shoulder is designated and marked as the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail. The Nissan traveled an unknown distance on the Trail before striking the bicyclists. The bicyclists were properly utilizing the Trail portion of the road.

The male bicyclist, identified as Todd Green, 27, of Severna Park, sustained serious injuries. The female bicyclist, Katie Pohler, 23, of Glen Burnie, sustained life threatening injuries. Both bicyclists were transported by Medevac to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma. The driver of the Nissan was not injured.

The cause of the collision appears to be the driver error. Alcohol is also a contributing factor in this crash. The States Attorney’s Office was consulted on the scene and charges are pending at this time.

Let’s be careful out there!