Robert, Id bet money it was DUI related. After looking at the photos and seeing the damage to the bike he must have hit them pretty hard. Parts were broken off the bike that normally would not have in a minor accident(seat, handle bars). Crank arms bent in, rear wheel completely off the bike and the tacod front wheel as well. Every part of the bike is damaged. Notice how one of his safety lights was still flashing. Being a cyclist and seeing this is bad enough. When its someone you know its even worse. If this maggot would have stuck around like a man it might have saved Robs life. Lets hope Hilary makes a full recovery. I doubt she will ever ride a bicycle again.
I am just hoping it was not partly there fault due to inexperience, because that happens also. Riding a tandem can be tricky.
It's a sucker bet, Noel.
As far as the bicyclist thing goes, I've seen it both ways. Riders coming off the sidewalk right into traffic, blowing through intersections, ignoring the fact that a cyclist has to follow the rules of the road just like a motor vehicle driver does.
And I've seen them follow the rules of the road and be careful in riding, remember they are on the road with vehicles that weigh a lot more, goes a lot faster, and takes up more room.
But then again, I've seen pedestrians do the same thing. And other drivers.
Either way, it's up to the motor vehicle driver to keep an eye on 'em.
Yeah, inexperience can lead to an accident sometimes. Cruising over to see my folks the other day and a woman riding a bike up a hill was bobbling all over the place. Slowed down to go by her and she damn near weaved into the side of the truck. Riding on these hills all my life, most are just too steep to peddle up for all except the strongest riders.
Either way, it's still up to me to keep an eye on 'em, just as it's up to me to watch other cars on the road.
