A Danville bicyclist died from injuries sustained in a crash with a car on Crow Canyon Road near Diablo Vista Park late Tuesday afternoon.
The name of the 55-year-old cyclist is being withheld pending notification of family, according to Danville police Lt. Allan Shields.
The incident occurred just before 4:40 p.m. when a teal 1997 Toyota Avalon traveling northbound on Crow Canyon Road collided with the bicyclist at the intersection of Tassajara Ranch Drive, Shields said.
The cyclist was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek and later pronounced dead as a result of injuries suffered in the crash, according to Shields.
The driver of the Avalon, whose name has not been released, remained at the scene and fully cooperated with police, the lieutenant said.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and the Danville Police Department's traffic unit was still at the scene late Tuesday night investigating the incident, according to Shields.
Comments
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 8:38 am
on May 6, 2015 at 8:38 am
It is a sad situation when anyone dies in an accident. However, there are more and more cyclists on all local roads especially Camino Tassajara which is very busy with vehicle traffic. I try to stay out of cyclists way as much as possible! One never knows whether they will stay in their designated lane or veer off onto the road. They are often going fast and are in large groups. Drivers of cars or trucks don't see them often and it is just getting more dangerous to be on a bike. Our local roads have become a huge attraction to cyclists from all over the area and it is especially crowded with them on weekends. Maybe they should limit times they can be on the roads during peak commute times, or they should limit themselves - it might save lives.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 8:48 am
on May 6, 2015 at 8:48 am
To Louise's point, my wife and i (who bike in Danville, etc., but use the sidewalks as we know of too many stories like this)also notice an annoying trait with bikers -- when there is a bike lane line painted on the road (for example Camino Tassajara), a majority of bikers like to ride either right on the line closest to passing cars, or just a little outside of it -- what is that, a little silent protest or making a statement? When the bike lane lines give you 5 feet or so to the side, err on the side of caution and stay to the right, will ya? You're just tempting fate. I also wonder if the driver in this case was looking at their phone or texting.
Registered user
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 9:00 am
Registered user
on May 6, 2015 at 9:00 am
People need to stop treating Danville roads as a freeway. Slow down!
Another problem is people are cutting through Danville in order to avoid I-580. These people aren’t from Danville. They don’t have a vested interest in keeping our streets safe for pedestrians. They take Crow Canyon to Camino Tassajara to Highland Road out to Vasco Road and points beyond. We should take steps to stop this.
For example, adjust the left-turn signal on Camino Tassajara so it takes longer to get onto Highland Road. The delay would make this route less attractive to these far-flung commuters. This would be an inconvenience to the people who live on Highland Road, but it might be an acceptable trade-off for them if it decreases that traffic.
Another thing that might help would be speed bumps on Highland Road. You’re only supposed to go 25 mph on that road, yet these commuters zoom by going 50 mph or more, because taking this long road only makes sense if you go fast. There have been some close calls with bicyclists out there too.
Finally, where are the police?? I rarely see them handing out tickets to speeders / reckless drivers.
Thoughts and prayers to the victim’s family.
another community
on May 6, 2015 at 9:03 am
on May 6, 2015 at 9:03 am
Approximately 2500 people in the U.S. are killed in car accidents EVERY MONTH. In 2012, 4,743 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 76,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 2 hours and injured every 7 minutes in traffic crashes. A total of 741 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2013.
Maybe we should limit pedestrians to being on the streets during non-vehicle hours. Maybe we should limit the number cars on the road at any particulate hour. Maybe we should all wear body armor and helmets for any activity that has any inherent risk of injury or death. Or maybe everyone should just drive more carefully and pay attention to the road and not other things while they are driving, walking or bicycling.
San Ramon
on May 6, 2015 at 9:08 am
on May 6, 2015 at 9:08 am
Hi
It seems like almost every day I see riders on bikes running stop signs
riding in the wrong direction down the street or on the sidewalk when there
is a designated bike lane. Signaling for turns is virtually non existent. Perhaps if more tickets were given to cyclists (these are adults who are
supposed to follow the rules of the vehicle code) there might be fewer
corpses accident and therefore corpses.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 9:09 am
on May 6, 2015 at 9:09 am
So heartwrenchingly sad! My sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of both the biker as well as the driver. I can't imagine how devastated He/she must be.
I also agree with both Louise and G man's posts. Large groups of bicyclists riding along Tassajara DO get into traffic and are too often brazen about it. I know there is a lot of debris along the right side of the bike lanes; and that's what bicyclists are trying to avoid; but fast moving cars are more dangerous than debris. All this may have nothing to do with yesterday's tragedy. Tragically, someone was not a 100% vigilant- and then - it was too late.
Both vehicles and bicyclists need to courteously share the road, not feel like they own it. I just feel so sorry for single bicyclists on these high speed roads. They usually stay away from traffic, but are harder to see because they are not in a large, visible group.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 9:17 am
on May 6, 2015 at 9:17 am
I agree with everyone. This is a very sad situation and without knowing what happened I would also like to see more police presence during peak hours. I always see people on their phones which is mind boggling since it is against the law. But I would also like to see the bikers cited when they break the law as well. I have several times seen them cross traffic on a red and ride the bike lane 2 or 3 together and close to the line, we all need to share the road and bikers need to follow the traffic rules just as much as the drivers do.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 9:41 am
on May 6, 2015 at 9:41 am
Maybe a better idea is to limit speeds on all none highways to 35 mph. The average speed on that road (given signal stop time) is 25 mph during commute. There is no reason why the signals can't be timed to reduce speed and increase volume.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 9:46 am
on May 6, 2015 at 9:46 am
To those that think bikers are violating the rules of the road and getting away with it. Who are you kidding? Everytime you drive you are witness to flagrant rules being violated almost every moment you are driving. Speeding? Last I looked the signs and the law use the word "limit," which to me means "a speed not to be exceeded." Let's see, do you follow every speed limit every time. Do you not glance at your phone, by taking your eyes off the road and picking it up, if a text comes in or a call comes in,? I mean maybe you don't text or call and talk to someone - but just the distraction of looking is illegal. Last I read, signs say "STOP," which if I were to define the word by observing what most drivers do, at least some of the time, it would mean to roll through at a slow speed.
Cars are far more dangerous and far more likely to violate the law than a biker on the road. And far more likely to kill someone.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 9:50 am
on May 6, 2015 at 9:50 am
My thoughts & prayers go out to the cyclist and his family. Also to the driver and his family. I am saddened to hear that this accident resulted in a death of a loved one. It's not time to blame either party, the police get to the do the investigation and determine the facts, that is their job. This is a good reminder that cyclists and drivers both have rights on the road and we all need to pay attention and share the road peacefully and safely. Also, to answer G man's question- the roads are full of debris which often gather closest to the curbs and riders sometimes ride near the line because it is a cleaner and safer road.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 10:14 am
on May 6, 2015 at 10:14 am
It is a lack of awareness of others, respect, self absorption and etiquette that is the problem.
Drivers that don't anticipate that the person on the corner may want to cross a street; the driver in front of them may be older or lost; the dog on the sidewalk may bolt. I see drivers cut off bikes in bike lanes when they want to turn instead of pulling behind the bike and waiting their turn.
How many times are you pulling out of a parking spot and a car speeds around you instead of politely stopping while you finish pulling out?
Bikes have every right to be on the road.
Cars are 1 ton of inertia and momentum going down the road. Ever bump into something going 5-10 miles an hour? Multiply that by more speed and the results get magnified. I go through this intersection twice a day near this very active park and am amazed at dumb bunny drivers that don't yield to pedestrians and are using CC as their own Indianapolis Speedway.
My thoughts and prayers to the families involved in this terrible accident.
San Ramon
on May 6, 2015 at 10:19 am
on May 6, 2015 at 10:19 am
Sympathies to the family & friends of the victim.
This is a grim reminder to us all. Slow down. Don't text & drive. Be patient & courteous on the road. Your vehicle could kill someone.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 10:50 am
on May 6, 2015 at 10:50 am
I jog and drive this area a few times a day. Yes, some cars go way to fast, and yes, many cyclists try to make lights they should stop at, drive to close to the road, etc. When all is said and done though, when the two "meet" the cyclist pays the price. I am often astounded at how many places I need to concentrate on when I am driving. People crossing, 3 or 4 lanes of cars driving, cyclists, traffic lights, neon signs, street signs, sirens, debris, rain, motorbikes lane splitting, etc. There has been occassions that I in a split second realize I did not see that pedestrian, or cyclist, and thank my lucky stars that I didn't hit them. Everybody just needs to be more vigilant. But please cyclists and pedestrians, you need to be even more vigilant, as your life is more at stake here! I teach my kids to make sure they have made eye contact with a driver before crossing even when they have a green light. Prayers for both families.
Alamo
on May 6, 2015 at 11:21 am
on May 6, 2015 at 11:21 am
It is indeed sad to hear of accidents like this; however, traveling down Danville Blvd, I find it a challenge with bike riders who do not stay in the designated bike lane. They often ride side-by-side, which makes them encroach in the driving lane. With the advent of 3 feet separation, this makes it a challenge for drivers, who often times have to veer into oncoming traffic. There needs to be a happy medium for this ever-increasing situation.
San Ramon
on May 6, 2015 at 11:38 am
on May 6, 2015 at 11:38 am
Reading many of the comments, I am shocked. Someone was just killed by a distracted driver (according to morning KRON4 news) and all people can say is how cyclists are careless. As a driver and a cyclist, nothing annoys me more than bad cyclists giving law abiding cyclists a negative image. However, the issue is across the board - drivers are still using their mobile phone while driving. They are distracted, complacent and careless. Speeding is an issue and rolling stops into cross walks and at intersections. People get killed when drivers become complacent and wreckless. As for cyclists, riding in groups, side by side, rolling through traffic lights and stop signs, flipping off and yelling at cars who get a bit close - stop it! You endanger everyone on a bike by acting like an idiot. Danville and San Ramon need to educate everyone and crack down on bad behavior - start w a $1000 fine to cyclists breaking traffic laws and driver texting or not obeying the 3ft law. High fines change behavior.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 11:50 am
on May 6, 2015 at 11:50 am
How sad for the family to hear their loved one will not be returning home - ever. And what a terrible burden the driver of the vehicle will carry - possibly for the rest of his/her life.
Recently I have noticed bicyclists riding with no hands on their handle bars - texting or talking on their phones. That is a blatant disregard for the law.
Our local police do not have the man power to ticket every offender.
What if the towns or county could sweep the bike lanes more often? Would the bicylests feel more safe? Would the towns or county budgets support the extra hours needed?
Not knowing what caused this terrible accident to happen - what can each of us do to help make the roads more safe?
Diablo Vista Middle School
on May 6, 2015 at 11:51 am
on May 6, 2015 at 11:51 am
As a competitive cyclist I've cried way to often lately for Dan, Herman, Pete/Monica and other losses to our tight local cycling community. Today I cry for this loss in our cycling community again, but also for the young girl clutched in the arms of her mother at the scene. Accidents happen. Cars coming into traffic making right turns cutting off the bike lane forcing a rider into a traffic lane happens regularly. Along with cars coming out of traffic making right turns cutting riders off. Unfortunately this was not just another close call. My tears are for all involved left behind this accident. We will miss this man known as Dad, Uncle, or friend. I'm sure there will be many group rides that will begin yet sadly again with a moment of silence. If this man could reach down from heaven I think he would say take care of this little girl.
San Ramon
on May 6, 2015 at 12:08 pm
on May 6, 2015 at 12:08 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with this man's family.
This link to the California Vehicle Code may help those with questions about bike lanes.
Web Link
Remember, it's share the road. I think many people fail to realize that most bike lanes have 2-foot wide storm drains protruding into the lane, broken glass, dead animals, tree limbs, nails, bolts, car parts, garbage cans, parked cars, and other debris that make it challenging to safely stay within the lane. Just a thought for when you next see a cyclist in the bike lane. What's the rush?
Blackhawk
on May 6, 2015 at 12:33 pm
on May 6, 2015 at 12:33 pm
My thoughts and prayers to out to both families!
Reading all of the above comments, the bike-car war is obviously still raging. Both drivers and cyclists are at fault. In general there are those who think the rules do not apply to them in every area of life, and that is never going to change. I greatly appreciate the cyclists and drivers who follow the law, but unfortunately in our area that is not a majority - just watch the masses leave any of the high schools at the end of the day.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 1:10 pm
on May 6, 2015 at 1:10 pm
Bike wars ? Inconsiderate Cyclists? Stay in the bike lanes? REALLY ?!
This driver ran a RED LIGHT and t-boned the cyclist riding through the GREEN LIGHT ! Whats wrong with you people! ? This is complete driver negligence and you're on a soap box saying how cyclists don't obey laws.
If this young lady had followed the laws of road like you say cyclists never do, this poor man would be alive with his family today. He did nothing wrong ! He waited for a green light and proceeded. Not a bike lane issue, arrogance, or breaking laws. He was crossing the street to go exercise and he was killed by a driver. Period.
Blackhawk
on May 6, 2015 at 1:48 pm
on May 6, 2015 at 1:48 pm
I agree wholeheartedly with comments posted by JT and DavidJc. It's stunning to hear people point the finger at cyclists and somehow insinuate that this cyclist was, at least partially, to blame for his own death.
My wife walks and/or jogs this route practically every day, and she has shared countless stories with me about motorists who have come {{{this}}} close to flattening her due to excessive speeds and/or distracted driving (primarily cell phone-related). I've seen it with my own eyes on that stretch of Crow Canyon.
We need to wait for the investigation to conclude, of course, but I would not be at all surprised if we learn that the motorist was driving at excessive speeds and fiddling on her phone. Unless the cyclist literally came out of nowhere and threw himself in front of the car, an alert driver going at a reasonable rate of speed should have been able to avoid this. If this is indeed the case and the driver is found responsible, I hope justice is served.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 2:47 pm
on May 6, 2015 at 2:47 pm
Its funny but most everyone is stating the blame is on both sides. But one guy has to go and blame everything on cars because cars are bigger. It is true people in cars drive fast and they do text and that is very, very wrong but Cyclists need to learn to follow the rules also! I have seen first hand guys on bikes cut in front of cars in a turn lane and when it is clear they start to turn, which is running a red light and dangerous. If a car does that they would get a ticket. Riding in large groups hugging the lane is also a huge issue. I have driven by at the correct speed, hands at 2 and 10 and a biker will cross the line and I get the finger? Why?
I am not sure what happened and it is sad for sure but to state the cyclists are not part of the problem is wrong, maybe not in this situation. But they do break the rules and don't see anything wrong with it. So please try and be aware that you may also be part of the problem.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 4:27 pm
on May 6, 2015 at 4:27 pm
@ "Does not matter" :
First, nothing is "Funny" about this.! Frankly, I think that's sick you'd even use that term regarding this thread and story. Blame? Yes. 110%. The driver was at fault in THIS INCIDENT because she was 'Distracted' according to authorities and ran him over.
So as much as you apparently dislike cyclists, step outside your comfort zone and show some empathy for the victim (even if he's a lowly cyclist) and his grieving family and not distract the readers by turning this into a broad debate. This is about a man who lost his life yesterday for no reason other than driver error. He is gone and will never come back. Can you comprehend that?
another community
on May 6, 2015 at 4:32 pm
on May 6, 2015 at 4:32 pm
The others said it all. Cyclists have every bit as much right to be on the road, and to use traffic lanes where appropriate, as do car drivers. That folks would jump to assume the cyclist was somehow to blame for this tragedy is not only sad but exemplifies why the roads are so dangerous for cyclists.
I ride through that intersection when on an occasional long ride up Mt. Diablo, which I usually start from my home in Berkeley. Crow Canyon Road, especially the part before and up to Camino Tassajara, is the scariest part of the entire 80-mile ride on my most common route (I feel much safer up on the mountain for example, where drivers pay more attention). The combination of so many lanes of traffic and so many hurried, obviously distracted or inconsiderate drivers gets my antenna and the hair on the back of my neck up every time through there, so I am extra careful. Cyclists are not the cause of this issue.
Danville
on May 6, 2015 at 6:09 pm
on May 6, 2015 at 6:09 pm
After reading the above, and a cyclist as well as one who drives a car, I think we can all agree that neither cyclists or drivers have a monopoly on stupid mistakes on the road. I have made plenty of both kinds. According to the news the police are looking into whether the young lady was texting while driving. But it just as easily could have been a cyclist running a stop sign or riding on the sidewalk and hitting a pedestrian. According to local police, most bike-vehicle injuries result from cars entering the roadway from driveways or from kids riding the wrong way in the street.
Rather than getting all amped up, we should all just resolve to watch the road, stop at stop signs and lights, and stay off of sidewalks and in bike lanes.
PS: the reason bikers hug the lane stripe is that many people in parked cars open their doors without looking in their side mirrors. That is a good way to end up with a stranger, his bike and his lawyer in the front seat with you.
Danville
on May 7, 2015 at 7:13 am
on May 7, 2015 at 7:13 am
@ David: I apologize for using the word funny in the context of my message, you are right there is absolutely nothing funny about this tragedy. I do not know what happened and who is at fault since everything I have read states it is under investigation. I am sorry for the loss of a life and sorry for the person who chose to be distracted and will have to live with this the rest of their life.
My point is as @ cyyclist states everyone needs to follow the laws and be respectful, not angry and mean.
Danville
on May 7, 2015 at 7:56 am
on May 7, 2015 at 7:56 am
There are a lot good comments. To those who say cyclist need to stay further to the right in the bike lane. I am an avid cyclist and I agree. However, the county and the town DO NOT street sweep the bike lanes. Often there is so much debris in the lane that it is a hazard to travel too far to the right or had to ride in the traffic lane. I have had numerous flats and had to make sudden abrupt swerves to avoid large, dangerous pieces of debris. The government knows how much our roads are used by cyclist, they need to also be responsible.
Blackhawk
on May 7, 2015 at 8:23 am
on May 7, 2015 at 8:23 am
With condolences to the families, and hopefully not too far afield, I do wish for a few things:
-- that the Iron Horse trailists would have the RoW vis-a-vis vehicle traffic on the residential streets betw Danville and WC. Serious bicyclists go too fast to share the trail, but many of us are not That serious.
-- that the street sweepers would announce and clean certain heavily-biked routes often, to remove the sorry excuse for riding the white line
-- that bikers voluntarily limit their riding blobs to fewer than ten riders, and start blobbing at intervals. Big blobs are a safety hazard (and an eyesore).
Blackhawk
on May 7, 2015 at 8:57 am
on May 7, 2015 at 8:57 am
With all due respect, bikerboy (I realize you're only trying to be helpful), but I just don't see how - in this case - the death of the cyclist has ANYTHING to do with the issues you've mentioned. The only indication we've been given so far is that the "accident" (I put that word in parentheses only because I believe it could have been prevented) could very well have been caused by wreckless driving (high speeds and/or distracting behaviors). So I wish folks would stop linking this horrific event to cycling issues. Until there's even the slightest evidence that this cyclist was doing something wrong, in my book it's just another sickening case of a young driver endangering the lives of others via dangerous and wreckless driving.
By the way, I posted over on the updated story and asked why we haven't learned the name of this driver. The Livermore man who plowed in to that poor mother and daughter has been named (and his picture shown everywhere), as well it should. Why not this young woman? If she's a minor, the authorities should just tell us so.
Danville
on May 7, 2015 at 9:23 am
on May 7, 2015 at 9:23 am
Since this discussion has evolved into bicycling safety, here's a question for the Town (city) of Danville: Why are you eliminating bike lanes? Why were the bike lanes eliminated on El Cerro between La Gonda and the freeway, and on Railroad Ave?
Please sweep the bike lanes so we can ride safely in them.
Registered user
Danville
on May 7, 2015 at 10:21 am
Registered user
on May 7, 2015 at 10:21 am
Good morning,
Thanks for all of those who are sending their thoughts and prayers to the families involved.
A question was raised regarding why the Danville Police Department is not releasing the name of the driver, so I wanted to take a moment and respond to that. Our policy prohibits the release of the names of people involved in accidents unless charges are filed or an arrest is made.
Our investigation into the accident at Crow Canyon Road and Tassajara Ranch Dr is ongoing and the cause of the collision and any charges that may be filed would not come until that investigation has been completed and the case has been reviewed by the District Attorney's Office.
We understand that this is an emotional time. We ask for patience with the investigation and we will release further information as soon as we can.
Thanks
Geoff.
Geoff Gillette
Public Information Coordinator
Town of Danville
(925) 314-3336
email - [email protected]
Danville
on May 7, 2015 at 10:32 am
on May 7, 2015 at 10:32 am
Geoff,
Assuming there were witnesses and the accounts of the driver...were any citations issued to the driver? If not, why?
Does an investigation need to be conducted in order for a citation to be issued on scene of an accident?
A friend of mine was give a citation for moving 1 foot out of the bike for 2 seconds to avoid a large branch and certain injury by the Danville PD. No investigation needed in that instance for a citation. Yes, he is taking that to court.
Thank you for your response to this thread. Much appreciated.
Blackhawk
on May 7, 2015 at 10:38 am
on May 7, 2015 at 10:38 am
Yes, thank you for the explanation, Geoff.
Walnut Creek
on May 7, 2015 at 11:33 am
on May 7, 2015 at 11:33 am
As an avid cyclist, and a daily year round bicycle commuter, I am horrified by the cold, heartless responses of some of these people.
This poor man lost his life doing something he loved, and this is the forum you choose to vent your frustrations about how annoying cyclists are? You should all be ashamed of yourselves.
Most of the complaints have NOTHING to do with the accident itself. The very first post, Louise, complained about cyclists riding in groups, (I'm sorry it's a minor inconvenience to you, but it's 100x safer for cyclists) and even went as far as to say cyclists shouldn't be allowed on the road during peak commuting hours. What about bicycle commuters? Would you prefer more CAR traffic? This is counter-intuitive.
G-man thinks cyclists are riding close to the white line just to spite him, poor guy. Don't be so self absorbed. There IS debris on that road, and lets take a look at the law...
Move Left to Avoid Hazards - You can move left to avoid hazards like fixed or moving objects, bad surface conditions, animals, glass, etc. CVC 21202 (a)(3)
Karen- not only complains about cyclists, but makes a very callous comment about corpses, on tragic breaking story about a man losing his life. Classy.
Mike- agrees with G-man and Louise and thinks cyclists are brazen. Most people that think cyclists are being brazen are naïve to the actual laws, lets have a look...
Ride to the Right, But Within Limits - When riding slower than the normal speed of traffic, you are required to ride as far right as “practicable” (meaning safe). You are not required to ride as far right as possible, which may not be safe. You are allowed, but not required, to ride on the shoulder. CVC 21202, CVC 21650, CVC 21650.1
Take the Lane - If a travel lane is too narrow to safely share side by side with a motor vehicle, you can prevent unsafe passing by riding near the center of the lane. On two-lane roads where it’s illegal or unsafe to pass, you must turn off the roadway at a designated or safe location to allow a line of 5 or more vehicles behind you to pass. CVC 21202 (a)(3), CVC 21656
So it is NOT ILLEGAL for a cyclist to just ride down the middle of the lane in front of you if he feels it is not safe for you to pass him. And there is no law forbidding riding in groups or 2 abreast. These laws may be a minor inconvenience to drivers, but it's not your life that's being risked while sitting in 1 or 2 tons of inertia. They're meant to protect the vulnerable.
Obviously I'm a cyclist and I'm biased, I have no delusions about that, and there are plenty of cyclists that take advantage of the laws, break the rules and give us a bad name. But what are you so worried about? if a cyclist screws up and hits a car, might lose some paint. If someone is screwing around on their phone while hurling down the road at 60mph in a vehicle, there is in fact much more at stake.
Danville
on May 7, 2015 at 11:42 am
on May 7, 2015 at 11:42 am
I have not seen this many comments on an article in the Danville San Ramon times ever. The vehicle versus cyclist issue has been ongoing for years. As a former member of a statewide traffic management law enforcement agency, I have all to many times seen first hand the aftermath of a motor vehicle versus a cyclist. My guess on this collision is 1. Driver in a hurry. 2. Driver in a hurry and on cell phone. 3. Driver in a hurry, on cell phone and not really giving a rats *** of what's going on around her.
Danville
on May 7, 2015 at 12:12 pm
on May 7, 2015 at 12:12 pm
'Bike Commuter' is right on the money.
I'm seeing words like, 'corpses' , 'funny', etc. discussing a specific and horrific accident that caused loss of life at the hands of a driver. The driver was at fault and the Police know this. This is a question of how to press charges, if any, citations, etc. It's a question of punishment.
Folks, newsflash...the authorities know what happened. Its not complicated. There were witnesses including the actual driver who gave her account.
And by the way, at least she had the decency to stop and cooperate and help the investigation. It would not surprise me one bit if one of you would have driven off listening to your brutal comments. So I give the young lady credit for at least stepping up and taking accountability. I'm guessing some of you like 'karen' would not have the guts, empathy or moral backbone to do the same if they had a chance to flee.
Danville
on May 7, 2015 at 12:26 pm
on May 7, 2015 at 12:26 pm
Frankly, you bi-guys can fulminate all you want about four-wheelers, but the fact will always remain that you are incredibly vulnerable, and at-risk of being dead-right. You must take the world as it is, not as you would prefer it to be, and not tempt fate.
The system can make some improvements to adjust your odds of coming home safely, but ultimately you will have a bigger impact on those odds by not putting yourself in harm's way unnecessarily -- in terms of things like time-of-day, your route choice, safety gear, and riding habits, to name just a few variables that you can affect to improve your odds.
There are objective hazards in each hobby, occupation, pastime -- in everything we do. And then there's luck. Focus, please, on the former and you'll need less of the latter.
Danville
on May 7, 2015 at 12:37 pm
on May 7, 2015 at 12:37 pm
Gimme a break 'bi-guy,too.' Just show some empathy, if you are capable, and then go back to your parents basement.
If you want to start a larger debate on cyclists and your obvious concern for their safety, email the Danville Weekly editor and start the topic.
Registered user
Danville
on May 7, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Registered user
on May 7, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Good afternoon,
As this conversation has progressed there have been a few questions asked and I wanted to jump in and offer some information.
Regarding the issuance of citations: The way the citation process works is that for an officer to write a citation at the time of the infraction, the officer must witness it. In cases like Tuesday’s accident, where the officer did not witness it, an investigation must be conducted before any charges can be filed or arrests made.
And in cases where a serious injury or fatality occurs, the investigation must be conducted and then the case referred to the District Attorney’s office for review and possible charges.
Regarding bike lanes: Bike lanes on El Cerro. There is currently a gap in the lane between La Gonda Way and I-680, and that gap will be filled in the near future when bike lanes are installed there as part of a pavement rehabilitation project.
On Railroad Avenue, one block (between Linda Mesa and Prospect Ave) was reclassified to a bike route during the Clock Tower Parking lot expansion. “Share the Lane” pavement markings will be installed on the roadway at the end of the Railroad Avenue Beautification Project. Additionally, there is an alternate route (Iron Horse Trail) nearby to help with bicycle safety through that area.
Streets in Danville (which includes the bike lanes) are swept regularly. Downtown streets are swept once per week, arterials such as Sycamore Valley Road and San Ramon Valley are swept twice per month and residential streets are swept once per month. On top of that, maintenance staff routinely respond to reports of debris in the roadway.
We encourage all our residents and visitors to download the Danville Connect app to your phones. Using the app, if you see an area of the roadway or bike lanes that has debris in it, or that poses a hazard, you can report it directly to our maintenance department. With the app you can take a picture of the hazard and the GPS on the phone will tag it to make it easier for crews to find and remove it.
We do the best we can to keep our roads clean and safe, and working in partnership with the community (using Danville Connect etc) we can do even more to promote that safety.
Hope this helps.
Thanks
Geoff
Geoff Gillette
Public Information Coordinator
Town of Danville
(925) 314-3336
email - [email protected]
Alamo
on May 8, 2015 at 7:29 am
on May 8, 2015 at 7:29 am
I was hit by a car while riding my bike on Stone Valley Road last July. The driver was cited. It took me three months of recovery to get back on the road and ride again. During my first ride which lasted about an hour I noted 11 people driving with their cell phones pressed to their ears. 10 years ago this was a very rare thing to see. It would seem to me that if drivers can't keep their hands off the phone when they drive, perhaps the phones should switch off automatically when they are moving 5 miles an hour. I wish MADD would get behind this idea.
Blackhawk
on May 8, 2015 at 8:40 am
on May 8, 2015 at 8:40 am
Joe Combs - I do think many accidents today involve smart phones somewhere in them. MADD has their hands full with the drinking/driving issue, but maybe there should be a new organization started. Have YOU ever thought about starting one, especially since you have first hand experience?
Also, there are apps that parents can put on their kids cell phones to prevent texting while driving, but sadly there are so many parents who think their Jack/Jill would not break the law so they don't use them. Unfortunately, there are also those parents who think the law doesn't apply to them.
The bike-car issue just comes down to the people on or in them. The group mentality can be a dangerous thing weather is it the group of drivers headed to work, school, event, etc. or the group of cyclists on their weekend ride, bike race, etc. Sadly, in this case there was the "group" driver mentally as she was not the only driver on the road, but the cyclist was an individual, and quoting my favorite line from Men In Black, "A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it..."
Either way, my prayers go out to both families as obviously there was no intent to cause harm let alone a death that will take its toll on both of them.
Danville
on May 8, 2015 at 9:48 am
on May 8, 2015 at 9:48 am
First, I think it needs to be changed from a cyclists killed in a crash to "a man riding a bike" was killed. I cyclists is sadly thought of as an object. Cyclists are not "objects", we are humans: moms, dads, children, friends, sisters, brothers (you get the idea). I am an "old" lady by some people's standards and I only started riding a bike 5 years ago for health reasons. Until a "motorist" gets on a bike and rides in our shoes, they have no understanding of what our challenges often are on the road. Granted, I see some cyclists do stupid things, but that's only 1% of the riders. Oh, and there is a reason you see a riderr take the lane. It's safer and often it's also legal. By law, a motorist must slow down and not pass until it's safe. Remember, the new law is leave 3 feet.
We as a society need to take a look at several of the European countries and see why bike deaths are lower there. Bicycle advocacy groups are asking for dedicated and protected bike lanes and roads here. On major routes, bikes and cars need to be separated. The percentage of individuals commuting, exercising and socializing on bikes is only going to increase. Bike share programs are not only in big cities like SF but are now in places like Bishop Ranch in San Ramon.
This issue is so much bigger then just "people" on bikes versus "people" in cars. I also feel our society has many more issues that are leading to distracted drivers and angry cyclists. You don't know what kind of day the other guy is having, what kind of baggage (ball and chain) are they dragging behind them. Everyone has a story to tell: bad day at work, long hours, family illness, relationship issues, mental health concerns .... no one is leading a "perfect" life, show some compassion, slow down. Life is not a race, it's the journey. Enjoy every moment and "notice", be observant, you'll be surprised what you see.
My heart breaks a little more every time I hear of another man, woman or child on a bike being killed by a car in our community. And sadly, I'm hearing this news more and more often.
Danville
on May 8, 2015 at 10:32 am
on May 8, 2015 at 10:32 am
Bike Commuter - For the most part you are right on, this is incredibly sad for all involved. And I supported everything you said -- right up until you said that all that happens to a driver that hits a cyclist is they lose some paint on your car. I think that poor girl that hit this cyclist would disagree with you on that. Even though it sounds like it may have been her fault, she has lost much more than some paint on her car and it's incredibly sad for her as well.
I don't have a problem with bikers sharing the road, or riding in the middle, or changing lanes. My problem is that they do it without looking first!! Yes, you can change lanes, but not if there's already another vehicle in the lane!! How stupid do you have to be to cut in front of a faster moving vehicle that is 10 times your weight?
The other day on Diablo Road, I had a young boy in a bike race outfit (who should know better) leave the bike lane and cut all the way across to the left turn lane (just like I've seen a thousand cyclists do), only he was only going half my speed so I had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting him -- and I wasn't on the phone. When it happened, I didn't get upset because it was inconvenient to slow down -- I got upset cause I don't want to kill a kid!!!!
I wish bicyclists would stop saying car drivers get upset about unsafe bicyclists because we are being inconvenienced -- that's not it at all. It's actually terrifying to have someone doing something unsafe around you when you know that your car could kill them in an instant through no fault of your own, and my life would be changed forever too -- I would lose much more than some paint on my car.
I am grateful that you know the law. Many cyclists don't. I talked to a cyclist last month that was really upset that he got a ticket for not stopping at a stop sign because he didn't think bikes had to stop at stop signs. Really? People -- learn the laws before you ride because your mistake could be fatal for you, and much, much more than inconvenient for me.
Walnut Creek
on May 8, 2015 at 3:22 pm
on May 8, 2015 at 3:22 pm
Julie- You're absolutely right. My apologies for coming out of the gate a little hot yesterday, I was just upset at how crass and ignorant some people were being. If you're not sure of the law, don't complain about it, especially on this forum. They were exploiting this tragedy to stand on a soap box and talk out of well... their rear ends. It is not the time, or the place to do it. We need to show compassion and empathy for the family of the victim.
It's easy to get caught up in an "us" vs "them" mentality, but the fact is, everyone on a bike has been driving a car, (probably that same day), and almost everyone driving a car has ridden a bike on the road. Little annoyances like getting held up by a group ride, or getting cut off by some Barbie in a SUV chatting away on her pink phone, start to wear on you. Especially in a day in and day out grind. We should all just take a breath, or vent our frustrations on another forum, because doing it here is in bad taste.
You're right though, even though the lady was at fault in this incident, she definitely has much more to deal with mentally and legally than some scratched paint.
I was hit recently in Pleasant Hill. I was in an established bike lane, but in this instance I was moving slightly faster than traffic, and a lady in a white BMW cut across the bike lane to make a right turn into a shopping center and took me out in spectacular fashion. She didn't pass a bike so she didn't expect one to be there, her only mistake was not checking her blind spot before the turn, just a little look over the shoulder. We've all done that. I've done that. She stopped, made sure I was ok, gave me her information etc. I came out of it with just a few bruises and a front wheel out of true, but all I could think of while the police were getting our statements was how bad I felt for her! She was beside herself, poor thing was more traumatized than me. Kudos to anyone who sticks around and does the right thing, it takes courage.
Riders have to understand that the laws aren't force fields, just like a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk, you still have to look. And drivers need to be patient with cyclists. Yes in most cases cyclists will be slower than you, but just like a slow moving truck, they're not doing it to spite you, and they're ...we're not going away any time soon.
Danville
on May 8, 2015 at 4:23 pm
on May 8, 2015 at 4:23 pm
Reading the comments and blaming cyclists for being on the road, the only thing that matters is that someone does not get to go home the their family.
Danville
on May 8, 2015 at 5:20 pm
on May 8, 2015 at 5:20 pm
Lots of good points being made. The fact is that a cyclist is much more exposed and vulnerable than someone in a car or truck. The car driver or truck driver has a lot of metal protecting them in case of a collision accident. Many are missing this point. Cyclists must be much more vigilant and careful. It would be nice if all driving cars were more careful and patient too when on the road. Just like those on motorcycles have to be more aware of what is going on, so do those on riding bicycles. We all have to share the roads, but it doesn't work always as noted by all the accidents.
Alamo
on May 9, 2015 at 7:54 am
on May 9, 2015 at 7:54 am
STOP DRIVING CARS! Cars kill human beings and the exhaust causes global warming which is killing our planet! Ride a bicycle instead, and protest US oil wars! Even a small reduction in the amount of time spent driving can make a big difference in saving someone's life and saving the planet! Bicyclists are the angels, martyrs, and saints watching over the madness of motorists who stray from Christ's narrow way.
Danville
on May 10, 2015 at 5:19 pm
on May 10, 2015 at 5:19 pm
Marrushi,
As my name says, I'm a cyclist. I ride for exercise, recreation and the social aspect. I'm not saving the planet. I often drive many miles to ride my bike. I think the majority of cyclists fit in this category.
Kudos to the bike commuters.
Danville
on May 11, 2015 at 1:51 pm
on May 11, 2015 at 1:51 pm
Why can't people obey the rules of the road? Do they forget where they are or do they have some entitlement to just get away with something?
Even after the bicyclist was killed on Highland Road a few months ago, the same group of racers are back again.
Taking over the whole road in a pack again, I guess they haven't learned from one of their own being killed. it can happen again.
Everyone needs to be considerate and alert. More people live out here.
This is not an isolated area anymore.
There are rules for the road ....for everyone.
Danville
on May 11, 2015 at 2:29 pm
on May 11, 2015 at 2:29 pm
@ 'rules' :
Are you stating that the gentlemen killed last week 'broke the law' and is partially or totally responsible for his own death ?
Walnut Creek
on May 11, 2015 at 4:36 pm
on May 11, 2015 at 4:36 pm
@ rules-
Wow you are a top notch class-less idiot.
What 'rules' are you even referring to??? Are you talking about an actual law or just some arbitrary "rule" you're making up in your head?
"taking over the whole road in a pack" -- is not illegal. There is no law against riding in groups, moron. The fact someone was killed will probably make cyclists ride in larger groups, because it's safer.
"I guess they haven't learned from one of their own being killed. It can happen again" -- Is that a threat??? should we find out who posted this?
I got news for you buddy, you own a car, not the road. I hope you get stuck behind "the same group of racers" every day. I hope they haunt you. They have every legal right to be there and aren't breaking any 'rules' by riding in packs.
Seriously, did you think everyone was just going to hang up their bikes and call it quits? Drivers with your mentality are the biggest threat to me getting home safely to my wife every day. I really hope you're not planning on teaching anyone a lesson anytime soon, psycho.
San Ramon
on May 11, 2015 at 7:03 pm
on May 11, 2015 at 7:03 pm
I've read the posts above and see that everyone wants to blame the other. As a member of the SRVUSD team, I personally knew and have worked this gentleman, knew his habits, his caring and what he gave back to the community. As I travel to the schools in the District, I am BLOWN away by how many people are speeding, "using" their phones- driving down the street, at the RED stoplight, pulling into our school parking lots where YOUR kids attend.
Get serious people. I have seen the bikes that push the limits but agree with the above statement the "if the drivers were NOT speeding, paying attention, looking ahead at the situations developing and STAYING OFF their phones, I believe there would be fewer accidents.
Take responsibility for YOUR actions and don't blame others!
San Ramon
on May 11, 2015 at 8:24 pm
on May 11, 2015 at 8:24 pm
When I see 90 % of the drivers speeding, weaving in an out of traffic, texting, talking on their phones and maybe 1 % of the bike riders pushing the limits, let the numbers speak for themselves.
Danville
on May 11, 2015 at 8:51 pm
on May 11, 2015 at 8:51 pm
The state and local communities cry over money, continually spinning why the next tax increase will solve everything.
Dumb drivers are a profit center--we see them all the time--where is law enforcement?
Drivers on cell phones, looking down--we see them a mile away--slow, fast, run a few red lights, swerving within their lane and sometimes the lane next to them.
We see people cheat in the car pool lanes on 680.
If only law enforcement would camp out on Crow Canyon Road and 680 it would be like fishing out of a bucket. While the state and municipalities cry poverty, they could be making a mint out of dumb drivers who think they are above the rules. Yeah-- text, call, cheat the car pool lanes, roll the dice. Voila--end of budget deficits when you get your sorry self caught finally and fined.
Fines, consistent enforcement unfortunately have to solve the problems of distracted, self absorbed drivers. To blame bikers, pedestrians (Think of the poor Pak children) for drivers' issues is ridiculous. There are alot of distracted, impaired people on the road and its time they are accountable for their lack of judgement when they chose to get behind the wheel.
Danville
on May 12, 2015 at 8:52 am
on May 12, 2015 at 8:52 am
Budget gap-
I have posted the same message a dozen times, but it's time we pester our lawmakers (if we can pull them away from their lobbyists for five minutes). These fines need to increase to drunk driving levels, because there is absolutely no difference in terms of the mayhem distracted dopes cause on our roads.
Danville
on May 12, 2015 at 12:35 pm
on May 12, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Oh 'rules'please ! How many times do you exceed the speed limit EVERY DAY!!!? Have you ever received a ticket? Do you stop for a complete 3 SECONDS at stop signs or do the 'California Roll?. Have you ever used your phone while driving?
I'm going to guess with 110% certainty the answer is YES to most if not all of my questions. That goes for all the soap box hypocrites on this thread who are criticizing cyclists as though their the worst thing in your lives...and on a thread that has to do with a poor man who was killed by a reckless driver.
So GET OFF YOUR SOAPBOX about cyclists breaking the 'rules' and laws ! Look in the mirror. You all break laws EVERY DAY. So stop and have sympathy for this man.
And is saddens me to see we have apparent sociopaths living in our neighborhoods. Some of these comments are vicious and just pure evil. My suggestion to Law Enforcement is to read these threads and track down some of these people when there are cyclists or pedestrians hit by vehicles.
And 'Bike Commuter'...I'm fully aware that people like 'rules' who likely side swipe, cut off and break multiple driving laws EVERY DAY would never have the courage, conviction, manhood or guts to face a person who lost a loved one and make those statements. They hide behind a keyboard just as they hide behind a 1 ton vehicle. Pathetic.
Danville
on May 12, 2015 at 5:20 pm
on May 12, 2015 at 5:20 pm
My heartfelt condolences to the man, his family and friends... I hear about these tragedies and hold out hope for the future that is fast coming our way. It's called driverless cars. I can't wait for this to be commonplace to the point that it is required by the law. And on the way there to full automation, adding safety features like accident avoidance overrides will be a great help. And most certainly government can start adding speed control, as set by the road you are on and the car controlling the speed, perhaps even Stop Light and Stop Sign controls. This will be a great day for all of the tens of thousands of car drivers, pedestrians and cyclists that are killed and injured every year. This will happen... it makes too much sense to be able to hop in a car and work on a computer, talk on a phone, sleep, site see, send your kids somewhere or pick them up.
another community
on May 12, 2015 at 6:19 pm
on May 12, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Maybe everyone just needs to slow down! Bicyclists and pedestrians should also be able to safely utilize the road. When I go the speed limit I encounter people tailing me and people swerving around me. If it was your loved one who was hit you wouldn't be responding in a way that blames them everyone needs to remember that a car can kill someone, drive them with caution. I am so sorry to the family who has to suffer with this loss and to the man who lost his life. My prayers and thoughts go out to them whenever I drive by this corner. I promise to drive more cautiously.
Danville
on Jun 7, 2015 at 8:41 am
on Jun 7, 2015 at 8:41 am
Hello,
Does anyone know whether the Danville Police investigation has finished.
Jus emailed Geoff (Danville Public Information Officer) and will post his reply when I receive it.
Dave
Registered user
Danville
on Jun 8, 2015 at 10:38 am
Registered user
on Jun 8, 2015 at 10:38 am
Good morning,
I'll save Dave the trouble of reposting. We have gotten a few requests for an update. Unfortunately, there's not much of one to give. PD has finished the preliminary investigation, but are awaiting results of toxicology tests and some off-site vehicle analysis.
Once those have been received, the case will be delivered to the District Attorney's office, to determine if charges will be filed.
I appreciate all the concern in the community and as soon as we have a definitive answer I'll try to get it out to the community.
Thanks again, and have a great day!
Geoff
Geoff Gillette
Public Information Coordinator
Town of Danville
(925) 314-3336
[email protected]
Danville
on Sep 8, 2015 at 6:40 pm
on Sep 8, 2015 at 6:40 pm
Geoff,
What's the status of the toxicology tests and some off-site vehicle analysis and whether or not the case has been forwarded to the CC DA and if yes, whether charges have been filed?
Dave
Registered user
Danville
on Sep 10, 2015 at 5:48 pm
Registered user
on Sep 10, 2015 at 5:48 pm
Good evening,
Thanks to Dave for checking in and apologies for the slow reply. After seeing the question, I checked in with Lt Shields and was able to get confirmation that a charge has been filed. We have sent out an updated press release with the information.
Alyssa Densmore, 26, Manteca, was the driver in the May 5, 2015 incident on Crow Canyon Rd. The DA's office filed a charge of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter against her.
As I've mentioned, the case is with the DA now, so that is pretty much what I know.
Hope this helps. We appreciate everyone's patience as this has worked its way through the investigation process.
Have a good night.
Geoff
Geoff Gillette
Public Information Coordinator
Town of Danville
(925) 314-3336
[email protected]