I can't say how important what David writes is. The driver was reported to
be distraught at the scene. I'd like to think he was mourning Brett, not his
rapidly changing life. My father was a professional Driver for years. He
still holds his CDL, and except for his health he would be driving today. I
think the actions of both riders and drivers in the last two weeks, set up
the tragedy. Defensive driving works. Expect that the other guy does not see
you.
Unfortunately, I see too many cyclists riding in a manner that put them
selves in danger. I would guess that many don't even realize what they do
in traffic create unrest amongst the car drivers.
I'm lucky to have only had one run in with a car, but I've had plenty of
close calls. I'm sure every one else reading this can name a few heart
stopping moments.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, Ride like you expect to be hit. The life you will
save is your own.
Thomas Hoffman
503-475-3417 Cell
-----Original Message-----
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of David Auker
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:53 AM
Cc: OBRA list; shift@lists.riseup.net
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] [shift] Remembering Brett Jarolimek: The
Oregonian's tribute
Tragic loss...hard to say "even more tragic" when someone is valued so
highly, as any loss is tragic. The truck is villain, but I withhold
judgment on the driver...however, those guys in their big trucks
sometimes have an air of invulnerability at the expense of smaller,
lighter users of the road. Case in point: I was passed on twisty,
narrow Dosch Rd by a huge tow truck, blind curves and all. To make it
even scarier, the driver was chatting on a phone as he passed. This was
downhill, and the amount of potentially ill-directed momentum he carried
was spectacularly frightening. All users of the road need spectacular
patience, not indifference!
David
Curt Dewees wrote:
> "Cyclist cruised through life with smiles and skill, pals say.
>
> "Friends recall Brett Jarolimek's gifts as an experienced rider and as
> a friend "
>
>
> Wednesday, October 24, 2007
> HELEN JUNG The Oregonian Staff
>
> "Brett Jarolimek was such a skilled cyclist, friends say, that he made
> steering down steep mountain bike trails or handling messy cyclocross
> courses look easy.
>
> "But it was a short paved downhill stretch on Portland's North
> Interstate Avenue where the 31-year-old lost his life. The longtime
> cyclist was killed Monday by a garbage truck that crossed the bike
> lane as it made a right turn in front of him."
>
> ...
>
> [link to the full story]
>
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/11931945081000
60.xml&coll=7
>
> _________________________________________
>
>
>
>
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