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     /__/   ==       
      /_____/       BICYCLING IN AUSTIN NEWSLETTER
  ___/ \  _/ \___   covering bikes as alternative transportation
 /  /\  \/___/\  \ 
 \___/   &   \___/  bluejay@mail.com  *  michaelbluejay.com/bicycle

  Michael Bluejay, editor                              March 13, 2000
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 W E ' R E   H E R E ,  W E   S T E E R ,  G E T   U S E D   T O   I T
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#### C O N T E N T S :
####
####   URGENT:  Witnesses needed in Ben Clough case
####   
####   TONIGHT:  Police chief to speak at ACA meeting tonight
####
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A very short newsletter today to get these time-sensitive items to you.


======================================================================
 WITNESSES NEEDED IN BEN CLOUGH CASE
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In October 1998, cyclist and Yellow Bike volunteer Ben Clough was 
killed by Lauren Robishaw when she ran a red light at the intersection 
of MLK and Lavaca.  Robishaw was charged with criminally negligent 
homicide, but the case against her is in jeopardy because of a lack of 
credible witnesses.  If you witnessed the collision, or know of anybody 
who did, then please contact me, Michael Bluejay, at 494-9226.  I'll 
pass the information along to the prosecutor.  Time is of the essence 
since the trial is scheduled for this Thursday, March 16th, at 11:00pm.


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 POLICE CHIEF TO SPEAK AT AUSTIN CYCLING ASSOCIATION MEETING TONIGHT
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Austin police chief Stan Knee will be speaking tonight at 7:00 at the 
meeting of the Austin Cycling Association.  The meeting will be held at 
the LCRA building on Lake Austin Blvd. (0.2 miles N. of the Redbud 
Trail traffic light; it's the building is the one with fountains, 
trees, and steps.)  The meeting is open to the general public.

This is an excellent opportunity for cycling citizens to ask the police 
chief what, if anything, is being done about the fact that:

 * Cyclists easily get ARRESTED (not just ticketed) for minor traffic infractions
 * At-fault motorists who injure cyclists are often not cited by the police
 * Over 90% of the no-helmet tickets given to kids are given to black and Hispanic kids

More information about the lack of justice that cyclists suffer can be found at:

   http://michaelbluejay.com/bicycle/justice

And here are a couple of local sites detailing problems with Austin police in general (not cycling-specific):

   APD Hall of Shame:  http://www.onr.com/user/blackdog

   Sunshine Project:   http://www.sunshineproject.org