Rollerbladers Count Too!

Some are aware of Hains Point, or East Potomac Park, and its well known grounds for local cycling teams, runners, and the occasional citizen washing his/her car in tranquility. Hains point is also common grounds for local roller-bladders.

The park is an escape for active residents because of its low traffic volume, and for what traffic exist drivers are mostly courteous. As safe of a place its, accidents do occur. A third-party source revealed of a rollerblader accident at "the point" this afternoon. All the details have yet to be defined, but an ambulance was involved. Anyone who saw this happen, feel free to comment. To all who use "The Point", be careful and look out for each other.

Don't Multi-Task While Driving

Pedestrian Hit by Novak this Morning

This morning columnist Robert Novak hits a pedestrian on the corner of 18th and K street during his commute to work. Novak hit the 66 year old man and kept on driving until a cyclist, David Bono, stopped him a half a block away. Novak stated that he didn't know that he hit the man, but Bono says that it was obvious since the man was splayed across Novak's windshield.

Robert Novak was not arrested, however he was ticketed with failure to yield right of way.

My question is, "Why aren't authorities doing more than just handing out tickets?"

Earlier this month William K. Johnson was acquitted of the deaths of two Jackson County cyclists. The two cyclists, Larry Gaunt 54 and Sierra Gaunt 14, were out training for the MS-150 when Johnson slammed into them while speeding. He killed two people just because he didn't want to move over to the other lane. Just think about it.

It is never too late to learn how to ride a bike

The Tragedy Was Not In Vain

Yesterday I was riding through Court House on Wilson. I noticed something different on how the drivers were driving. I would see people turn on their signals early then gradually make their right hand turn. I also saw a lot of drivers being more observant by looking around while crossing an intersection. I am cannot be for certain if this is because of Alice Swanson or other wise. All I must say is that for at least one day drivers are being more cautious. The next time I ride on Wilson, or any road, I hope I see the same thing. Keep it up drivers!

Alice Swanson

We all have heard of Alice Swanson tragic cycling death that occurred early this week. Here is an article that The Boston Globe had written. It will give you a little more of a better perspective on Alice Swanson and the issue we have at hand.

Please refer to GhostBike for more info.

And I quote from her father,

"I just feel that she had so many things that she wanted to do - to help people. Now it's not going to happen."



Courtesy of John M. Guilfoil Globe Correspondent / July 9, 2008

Welcome to The Cyclist and Pedestrian Accident Awareness blog. The goal of this blog is to compile reports of cyclist and pedestrian accidents that have occurred in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. This is an issue I have wanted to take an initiative on for some time. After 22 year old, Alice Swanson, had been struck down and killed by a trash truck on her commute into work on the 8th of July this year it is time for things to be done.

Providing cyclist and pedestrian safety awareness to the public is only one of the many things to come out of this initiative. The accident reports from this blog will be used for driver educational programs, other advocacy outlets and proactive measures.

I strongly encourage reports of accidents, as well as feedback and emails. Together we will achieve a safer world for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Ride and walk safe!