Motorcyclist killed after losing control on curve in roadway in Waterloo Township near Chelsea
Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct the direction in which the motorcyclist was traveling.
A motorcyclist was killed today when he lost control of his bike on a curve on Clear Lake Road in Waterloo Township, just inside Jackson County, at about noon today, according to the Chelsea Area Fire Department.
The man was riding his BMW cruiser south on Clear Lake Road just south of Loveland Road — about a half-mile outside of Washtenaw County — when he crashed, Fire Capt. Sam Norton said.
He was navigating an "S" curve in the road and was at the tail end of the last large curve going south when he lost control of the motorcycle, Norton said. It went off the roadway, struck a sign and the man was thrown into a nearby field, Norton said.
Other drivers who witnessed the crash called for help, Norton said. The University of Michigan's Survival Flight helicopter was called to the scene, but the motorcyclist was pronounced dead, Norton said.
The man's name and hometown have not been released. Norton said he was in his mid-40s.
Michigan State Police troopers, who are investigating the crash, were not immediately available for comment this afternoon.
Comments
Paul
Tue, Feb 19, 2013 : 4:54 a.m.
Why are motorbikes still legal ? New cars need around $8,000 in safety equipment-air bags, anti lock brakes, crash cages built in to the frames. All drivers need to wear seat belts, Yet motorbikes that are more dangerous in a crash then a model T car are still legal to buy and ride on the streets. Maybe cause the police still used them ? I don't know but you could not pay me to ride a motorbike on the streets..and I rode dirt bikes as a teenager and had a blast on them but they are just too dangerous..I don't care how safe you try to be. Too much can go wrong, potholes, deer crossing the roads, idiot car drivers..even the wind can knock your bike over...yeah it all can happen in a car too but least you have a chance on living if you crash.
stunhsif
Mon, Oct 18, 2010 : 6:48 a.m.
@DFSmith, I believe you are correct in stating this was the second death on a BMW bike in just over a week. Think the first accident did not involve another vehicle as well. I gave up motorcycling 24 years ago just before my first son was born. I missed it at first but like anything else, over time the desire faded. It is good to see rider's posting below that they are concerned about their saftey. Problem is, you can be safe and drive defensively but the average driver is not worth trusting. Your exposed on a 600 pound bike and they are in a 4000 pound car.
Inspector
Sun, Oct 17, 2010 : 7:59 p.m.
Prayers and condolences to the family and friends. I also ride and know the dangers of the road So sorry for the loss of another life.....
Jim Clarkson
Sun, Oct 17, 2010 : 7:22 p.m.
Actually he was headed south on Clear Lake rd. and missed the turn, he was a good friend of mine and will be missed.
Phil
Sun, Oct 17, 2010 : 7:17 p.m.
I drove by this scene shortly past 1 pm and witnessed the investigation process and had shivers go down my spine. We were on our way home from a wonderful camping trip at sugarloaf campground and came across this tragedy shortly after leaving the park. My wife and I were making plans of going out on the Harley after getting home, since we only live 15 minutes away, seeing this changed our mind, we were both so upset about this terrible sight, that we just couldnt stop thinking about how fragile we all really are and that our beloved sport of motorcycling does indeed come with certain risk's. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and god's speed to the rider.....
DFSmith
Sun, Oct 17, 2010 : 6:57 p.m.
I think this is the second fatal accident involving a BMW motorcycle in about a week or a week and a half's time.
doctrsnoop
Sun, Oct 17, 2010 : 3:26 p.m.
Isn't this the second of the weekend? I would think that the leaves on the ground would be a very dangerous thing for motorcycles.
5c0++ H4d13y
Sun, Oct 17, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.
My condolences to the family's loss. Gear may not have helped in this case but gear up people. You never know what the road holds for you.
Matt Cooper
Sun, Oct 17, 2010 : 2:04 p.m.
My prayers go out to this man's family. I myself am an avid motorcyclist and know all too well the dangers of being on the open road. Just a week and a half ago I took a spill on my Honda VTX and ended up with 2 broken ribs and a wrist that's fractured in 3 places. To my motorcyclist brothers: Please, please, please!!! Be careful on the road. Your families need you.