Bicycle Austin forum

MichaelBluejay

Webmaster

From: Austin, TX

Registered: 2008-05-26

Posts: 1,455

Website

13-year-old cyclist Pete Valdez struck from behind and killed

The press dutifully reports that he wasn't wearing a helmet but makes no mention of whether he had front or rear lights while biking at 10:30pm on a road with 60mph traffic and no streetlights.

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/aust … ike-killed

http://www.kvue.com/home/Cyclist-killed … 42376.html

Adriel

Member

Registered: 2008-05-27

Posts: 91

Re: 13-year-old cyclist Pete Valdez struck from behind and killed

I looked it up just to see where he was and it does not look like a good road to be riding on at 10:30pm, but it also does not look like the city provided any alternatives for bicycle transportation there.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=8008+Far … 8,,0,11.09

MichaelBluejay

Webmaster

From: Austin, TX

Registered: 2008-05-26

Posts: 1,455

Website

Re: 13-year-old cyclist Pete Valdez struck from behind and killed

Hi Adriel, it's good to see you here again!

Yes, most of the commenters on the news article pages said the same thing, that riding on an unlighted 60mph road with no shoulders at 10:30pm at night (possibly without lights) is just asking for trouble, but at the same time, we see the consequences when governments fail to provide a safe alternative.  Something as simple as a 3-foot shoulder probably would have prevented this tragedy.

bizikletari

Member

Registered: 2009-03-18

Posts: 223

Re: 13-year-old cyclist Pete Valdez struck from behind and killed

we see the consequences when governments fail to provide a safe alternative.  Something as simple as a 3-foot shoulder probably would have prevented this tragedy.

Indeed.
It is also sad because if anyone goes and attempt to paint a line on the road, without official approval s/he will be jailed for vandalizing the street.  A real catch 22 with children dying in the meantime.

ch3ster

Member

Registered: 2012-08-29

Posts: 11

Re: 13-year-old cyclist Pete Valdez struck from behind and killed

A prayer for his family and friends.
Q:  Is there a white bicycle committee to memorialize this lost rider?