Another cyclist is killed

This is an email I sent out to some of my friends, and figured I would share it here.

Last weekend a cyclist that was a member of the cycling club I belong to was killed on the club ride that is called the Saturday Signature Series. Here is the news story http://www.katu.com/news/local/7928067.html. Not only is Tim someone I have met, he is also a good friend of my neighbors Steven and Maria. The Saturday Signature Series is a ride I try and join every Saturday that I can, but this Saturday it did not work out. I ended up riding on that exact road with Weaver the next day (we did not know about the accident at the time). It really brings to light for me how dangerous cycling can be, and even if I have the right of way, does not mean I will win against a 4,000 pound car and I could end up dead. Even though I don't ride aggressively, nor do I think Tim was being aggressive, stuff happens.

Below is what our club has sent out, and some information about the accident, in addition some information about the legal process. It is amazing to me that you can kill someone, while having a suspended license, and driving carelessly and you still don't get charged with homicide! Even though this was a cyclist, the same is true for pedestrians, kids on their way to school, other drivers, etc.

I am emailing all my friends in the Portland area that may be interested in what is going, and who may be willing to write our polititians (info below).

Please keep Tim's friends and familly in your prayers.

Thanks,
Nick

Remembering Tim O’Donnell

On Saturday, 6/9/07, Portland Velo member Tim O'Donnell was struck and killed by a motorist while riding with the A17 group on our Saturday Signature Series ride. Portland Velo members Martin Obando, Michael Forester, Leslie Louis and Alan Jeddeloh were riding with Tim. A celebration of Tim’s life will be held on Friday, June 15 at 3:00pm at St. Patrick’s Church, 1623 NW 19th Street. Please come and support the family and your fellow club members who were with Tim. Please send your cards and condolences to Mary O’Donnell and Family, 17725 SW Sugar Plum Lane, Aloha, OR 97007.

Tim’s tragedy has struck us to the core; we have lost a friend and fellow cyclist. Tim was already an avid cyclist when he joined Portland Velo, but he really took to the sport last year when he joined our first (and only) development squad ride. John Ohnstad introduced Tim to the club, as Tim was a regular at John's spin class. Tim went from barely being able to keep a 12 MPH pace for 10 miles to riding regularly with the A19's. Along the way many of us got to know him as a super-friendly guy with a hearty laugh who would never give up on a ride, even the rainy, miserable ones. We will miss his infectious smile and his dogged determination!

Tim is survived by his wife Mary, his two sons and daughter and 5 grandchildren. And also by his friends and his cycling club. In the coming days you will hear our plans to keep Tim in our memory, and the steps we will take to ensure that this never happens again.

Write Your State Senator - NOW!

The driver in this weekend’s incident was cited for driving with a suspended license, passing in a no-passing zone and careless driving. Under Oregon State Law, vehicular homicide is only applicable in cases where a felony has been committed. Believe it or not, the above citations do not amount to a felony! We’ve seen this too often over the past 3 years!As cyclists, we have the right to ride our bikes safely and securely. One way to raise awareness is to write to your state senator immediately and urge them to pass HB3314, the Vulnerable Roadway Users Bill. While this does not address the vehicular homicide dilemma, it does raise the penalties for careless or reckless drivers who seriously injure or kill cyclists, pedestrians, or other vulnerable roadway users. It may seem small in comparison to what has just happened, but it is a start and we as cyclists need to support it. For more information contact the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA).
There have been starts and stops in efforts to change the vehicular homicide statutes and we are one of four states that do not protect cyclists under these statutes. This needs to be changed! Over the coming weeks we will be looking for ideas for how we can unify with the rest of the Portland cycling community and raise our voices to change the law.

In the meantime, House Bill 3020 seeks to get memorial signs put up at crash sites where riders were lost. It is a great way for us to memorialize fallen cyclists and remind the public of how vulnerable cyclists are on the road. For more information, please contact Lorna Kautzky, the wife of Eric Kautzy who was killed on his bike by another careless driver. You can contact our local representatives and senators as well – here are a few names: sen.kurtschrader@state.or.us, rep.marynolan@state.or.us,
sen.betsyjohnson@state.or.us, and rep.jerrykrummel@state.or.us.

You CAN make a difference!