I like your idea, and to supplement, we need a solid PSA program targeted at the general public as well. crafting a game plan over the winter with a campaign rolled out in the spring is my current thought. as a race director, i've got a decent database to start with and can engage fellow athletes, rd's, associations like league of american bicyclists etc, to help get a message out.
perhaps we can get together and kick around a few ideas, im in the nyc area on occasion.
SDinhofer wrote:
To my earlier point, I just got this in my email from a friend. Asking me, as a fellow cyclist to write a letter to a judge in a case regarding his friend who was almost killed by a car who left the scene. this sort of crowd sourcing is exactly what is needed.
Hi All,
Please see the email below from one of my close cycling friends Ferhun Ognuc.
Ferhun was one of the first cyclist back in 2010 when I started riding that would come out with me most of the time in all kinds of weather. He coached me on technique and all the little tricks needed to know to become a better cyclist and a safe one.
Ferhun raced on the 1976 Olympic Turkish cycling team and raced professional for some time.
He always has a smile on his face and is always positive no matter what happens.
Ferhun almost lost his life back in June when a careless motorist hit him on Peekskill Hollow Rd in Putnam Valley, sent him about 30 feet down an embankment and left the scene. Fortunately he did not lose consciousness, and with his calf muscle laying on the roadway, 3 fractured vertebrates, fractured ribs and other injuries, he was able to crawl his way up to the roadway,where he was found by a passing motorist. He was airlifted to the Westchester Medical Ctr where he spent 3 weeks, before spending another 3 weeks in rehab.
He is almost fully recovered now and was at my party on Sat.
Having been hit by a car myself 2 years ago, but in my case I was only knocked down, and it didn't workout to well for the driver.
I really could not imagine someone taking off or leaving the scene after seriously hurting someone, so I ask that you PLEASE see the letter below, you can customize it if you want or just sign it send it to the judge as is, to help Ferhun out in his case.
Please pass this to your cycling group or anyone you know who cycles, we need laws that protect us!
Thanks for your help in this Matter!
Regards
John
Encourage a personal anecdote. Has any person ridden with Ferhun before? You should mention it. Do they respect Ferhun's skills as a cyclist? Have they seen Ferhun exercise caution when riding? It should be mentioned. Any variation on this theme is great.
I do not know which judge is hearing Ferhun's case, so address it to Chief Clerk Lisa D'Angelo, and ask her to forward the letter to the judge assigned to your case. The address is 20 County Center
Carmel, NY 10512 Thanks
Johnv
Your Honor:
I have been a cyclist since ________ and have been sharing local roads with cars for all those years. Most motorists are courteous, follow the rules of the road and I make it home safely. Never, though, have I been struck by a vehicle.
I certainly could not imagine being struck by a careless motorist who chooses to keep driving rather than stop. It is the nightmare of many cyclists. When drivers do not have any consequences for their carelessness, it encourages the same behavior in others. It makes the roads less safe for all of us.
Leaving the scene of the accident is serious. It is even more heinous when it nearly cost a man his life. To allow a careless driver to continue on in her life without any responsibility for her actions scares me. It sets a dangerous precedent.
Please keep the roads safe for others by enforcing the laws and holding careless drivers accountable. It could save the lives of bicyclists, pedestrians and others who are vulnerable when they traverse the same roads as cars.
Sincerely,
http://www.PatGriskusTri.com USAT Certified Race Director
2024 Races: USAT State of CT Age Group Championship/State of CT HS Champs/ CT Club Championship - Sat June 15th (Oly/Du/Sprint) Hopkins Vineyard Tri at Lake Waramaug Saturday July 13th
http://www.HopkinsVineyardTri.com