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Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone

followmybliss

Apr 14, 12 5:16

Post #1 of 17 (2603 views)

Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone	Quote \| Reply

Earlier this week, a cyclist was hit and killed by a taxi while riding with his son in Cozumel. Here is the link to the account by his son:

http://ireport.cnn.com/...6?ref=feeds%2Flatest

I'm staying in Cozumel right now and finding out about this gave me chills. I've been cycling around and around the island and hearing this is like a punch in the gut.

My condolences to his family.

Everyone ride safe!!
http://www.runningwithdoggies.blogspot.com
http://www.trivlogger.blogspot.com

Robert

Apr 14, 12 7:16

Post #2 of 17 (2486 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [followmybliss] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Good luck to him finding justice. It's a small, tight knit community, and is no different than most places in the USA. Plus, it sounds like his father (who is my age) probably made a couple of serious mistakes. Once you get into your sixties your hearing goes, your eyes go, your reflexes go and the rest of you won't go. ;)

-Robert
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank

Donzo98

Apr 14, 12 15:39

Post #3 of 17 (2318 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [Robert] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Robert wrote:

Plus, it sounds like his father (who is my age) probably made a couple of serious mistakes. Once you get into your sixties your hearing goes, your eyes go, your reflexes go and the rest of you won't go. ;)

-Robert

What mistakes do think he made?? I read the story... and don't see how you could possibly come to that conclusion.

tury

Apr 14, 12 16:40

Post #4 of 17 (2231 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [Donzo98] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Well one mistake is to assume that the taxi was going to stop. He either didn't see the taxi or he assumed the taxi saw him and was going to stop for him. I don't know if the pedestrians(even though he was riding his bike) have the right of way in Mexico or not. I know they do here. I think that causes most of the accidents. If you are a pedestrian and you have the right away they always assume the car is going to stop. But if the driver doesn't see you then you get hit. If the Cars have the right away then you will take more precaution and only cross when it is safe. When riding my bike I will always yield to a car and only go after they acknowledge me and wave me across. As I don't want to get hit. I have had many close calls and had many friends hit by cars.

Like T says, "Remember it is all about the Bike because it is all about the Run!"

SWoo

Apr 14, 12 16:59

Post #5 of 17 (2191 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [tury] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In California, as a pedestrian I have the right of way and painted crosswalks but I do not enter them until I see the cars have stopped!

Robert

Apr 14, 12 17:31

Post #6 of 17 (2145 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [Donzo98] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

In addition to that mentioned below, he missed the turn with his son. And, I hate to say it, but as we get older it IS very helpful to have a younger person riding with you. I am not justifying the taxi driver's actions, but I suspect the cyclist was contributorily negligent, which may well be a bar to recovery from the taxi driver's insurance company. It is very sad that we worship at the Auto Temple, and not the Bike Temple, assuming one must worship. America was built on gasoline and will die in the fires of gasoline. Mexico is no different.

Just my humble opinion. I do feel very sorry for the young man and his family. Tragic....

-Robert
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank

MarvinTPA

Apr 15, 12 14:01

Post #7 of 17 (1965 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [Robert] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

People who have never been to Mexico don't realize how the taxis drive in some regions there.
The things they do on a daily basis boggle the mind.
And yes, the taxi companies appear to be well connected.

I wish this family the sincere best of luck with their struggles for justice. Unfortunately, they will need that, and likely much more.

jkahan

Apr 15, 12 15:04

Post #8 of 17 (1907 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [tury] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

in NH pedestrians only have the right of way when crossing in a cross walk. they do not have the right of way while walking on the road.
bikers have different rights as specified in various RSAs (NH State statutes).
******************************************
Have Fun ** Tri Hard ** Be Kind
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Francois

Apr 15, 12 15:17

Post #9 of 17 (1890 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [SWoo] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

It's a tragic event. However, when riding, running, or walking, wherever I am, whatever the rules are, I never assume that I have the right of way when cars and
other motor vehicles are involved. And no one should assume they have the right of way honestly.
-------------------------------------------------------
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Longboarder

Apr 15, 12 16:32

Post #10 of 17 (1813 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [Robert] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Good luck to him finding justice. It's a small, tight knit community, and is no different than most places in the USA. Plus, it sounds like his father (who is my age) probably made a couple of serious mistakes. Once you get into your sixties your hearing goes, your eyes go, your reflexes go and the rest of you won't go. ;)
-------
I'll be sixty next month. Sounds like I'm going to shit, time to sell my tri gear, snowboard, surfboards, and take up golf.

Sad story I feel for the family,

Train safe & smart
Bob

(This post was edited by Longboarder on Apr 15, 12 16:34)

david

Apr 15, 12 16:44

Post #11 of 17 (1789 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [followmybliss] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Godspeed to the family. Tragic.
David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Be satisfied with your very best, Never give up, Do unto others....

Robert

Apr 15, 12 17:55

Post #12 of 17 (1707 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [Longboarder] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I'm almost 70! I'll probably flame out at a race one day. ;)

-Robert
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank

Cmikul

Apr 15, 12 17:58

Post #13 of 17 (1702 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [tury] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Pedestrian's do NOT have the right of way in Mexico.

Sounds crazy but it is the law.

You will get hit and it is not their fault

undrh20

Apr 16, 12 5:14

Post #14 of 17 (1516 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [followmybliss] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

This is a tragic story.
Sympathies go out to the family involved.

Perhaps others can learn something from this incident.

Cozumel is not a good place for cycling period.
I'm sure its fine during organized races, but it holds obvious dangers otherwise.
I love Cozumel and love cycling, but I wouldn't dare mix the two under normal conditions. Although many locals use bikes regularly, the risks are obvious. The streets are not bike friendly. When I'm there, its swim and run only. And run early.

followmybliss

Apr 16, 12 5:48

Post #15 of 17 (1485 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [undrh20] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I totally respect your comfort level...

I have had no problems since I have been here -- aside from the usual traffic and near misses that I experience in other places. I like that Middle Island Road especially -- once you are on that (it is big and wide and doesn't have as much traffic) it's a straight shot to the other side of the island where there is even less traffic. I typically ride south and then go around and around the island -- going through town can feel a bit hairy, but since I've been here, I've gained more confidence and don't feel that sense of unholy terror I first felt.

It's just so different from what I was used to. At home, cars/trucks give you a wide berth if you are in a lane. Here on the main drag, there is pretty much only one lane of traffic because all these taxis/vehicles are parked in the other lane. And cyclists here (the old guys on mountain bikes or even those huge contraption things that can carry a family and groceries in the front) don't veer off away from parked vehicles. They drive as close as possible to them.

Which is so weird for this chick to do -- Riding by parked vehicles really close to them. People are always looking before they open car doors though! To add to the madness, there is this vertical line/gap thing that sort of divides the lanes -- and I am always leery of getting my tire in there and skidding off into oblivion. (This is an irrational fear and I am aware of that!)

Once I get out of town though, it is completely awesome. I stay on the main highway and traffic virtually disappears and I'm out there for long stretches by myself.

Since I've been here, I have found that drivers here are better than the ones at home. It's just so different than what I am used to -- motorists here are used to all types of cyclists, pedestrians, scooters -- but they don't faff around. They whizz on by and expect you to hold your line. I actually feel safer here than at home. I know that sounds ridiculous! But, the motorists here deal with all speeds of cyclists/scooters/pedestrians all the time.

That being said, hearing about the horrific tragedy was like being kicked in the gut. My rule of thumb when riding is, "Always assume that a vehicle does not see you." I drive defensively and philosophically look at stopping and starting on my bike as an opportunity to work on my bike skills. Even still, accidents can happen, they can happen to anyone. Even if you are the most alert/attentive rider, accidents can happen! This realization makes me queasy -- and my heart goes out to his family.

Such a tragedy...

Please ride safe everyone!!!
http://www.runningwithdoggies.blogspot.com
http://www.trivlogger.blogspot.com

kathy_caribe

Apr 16, 12 7:31

Post #16 of 17 (1408 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [Cmikul] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Cmikul wrote:

Pedestrian's do NOT have the right of way in Mexico.

Sounds crazy but it is the law.

You will get hit and it is not their fault

Actually, in some places they do (Merida comes to mind) and fines are posted (10x minimum wage, etc.). But in general Everyone knows never to step out in front of a taxi. The son posted on our local Cozumel forum and I'm not sure if the accountign is different from teh CNN article but it didn't sound like his father really made a huge mistake. http://www.cozumelmycozumel.com/...x.php?showtopic=3116 Our local community (from Cancun to Cozumel) is outraged about this death.
http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com

Miguelon

Apr 16, 12 9:45

Post #17 of 17 (1286 views)

Re: Cyclist killed in Cozumel -- Ride safe everyone [Cmikul] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Cmikul wrote:

Pedestrian's do NOT have the right of way in Mexico.

Sounds crazy but it is the law.

You will get hit and it is not their fault

I visited Mexico a few years ago and this was the first thing the Tour Guide said. Bienvenido a Mejico.