Investigators continue probe of fatal bicycle accident in Pittsfield
Investigators have interviewed more than six witnesses and some are being re-interviewed, said Gordy Schick, the township's deputy director of police services.
Tim Pincikowski was riding his bicycle north on Maple Road south of Ellsworth Road when the rear end of it was struck by the front passenger side of a 2002 Dodge Caravan that was traveling in the same direction, police said.
Pincikowski was rushed to University of Michigan hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later, police said.
The driver of the van - a 20-year-old Clinton man - was not injured in the 5:07 p.m. accident, Schick said.
Police have said there's no indication speed, wet roads or alcohol were factors.
A memorial service for Pincikowski is being held Saturday in Racine, Wis.
Photo by Melanie Maxwell of AnnArbor.com: A bicycle has been chained to a "No Passing" sign on Maple Road as a memorial for bicyclist Timothy Pincikowski.
Comments
mrs_samuelson
Thu, Aug 13, 2009 : 11:12 a.m.
I would like to know where we can find this police report. Will it be made public?
Sally
Tue, Aug 11, 2009 : 8:15 p.m.
So, is there still no police report?
Tom
Sun, Aug 9, 2009 : 9:16 a.m.
I basically agree with Lisa. We shouldn't speculate. We do need to have a discussion about how to act on what we learn. Probably the best, long-term strategy is a comprehensive one, including building safer roads, driver education, and effective law enforcement. I mentioned in an earlier post, more cyclists on the road would be a good thing, too. Drivers would become accustomed to having us there and that experience alone should lead to safer behavior. This incident may have the opposite effect of scaring cyclists away and that would be unfortunate.
Barb
Sat, Aug 8, 2009 : 6:42 p.m.
Excellent points, Lisa. I think it's very important to *inform* everyone about the laws so there are no questions about what to do in certain situations.
Lisa Klopfer
Sat, Aug 8, 2009 : 2:43 p.m.
I wish people wouldn't speculate about driver or victim until the report comes out - it just fuels rumors and demonstrates where your knee jerks. The question for all of us in this community, however, is not the cause of this particular incident. The question is, how are we going to ride down the road together? The need here is for 1) sustained, informed discussion of how we want our streets designed - all kinds of streets, from residential to arteries; 2) factual, informed discussion of traffic law in Washtenaw county. I myself am uncertain about some laws concerning yellow lines, fog lines, bike lane lines, etc., not to mention rules about operating or passing slow vehicles (bikes, but also tractors). I know that other people have stated or posted completely inaccurate claims about the law. I think we are capable of having reasonably respectful discussions, and this most reason death tells me that we desperately need to do it. I am hoping that an organization, perhaps the County or a district library or a traffic safety group, perhaps the police or the Sheriff's office would convene some community meetings on these two topics.
Ryan Munson
Sat, Aug 8, 2009 : 12:03 p.m.
This comment is more of a add-on to nonyo's. There could have been multiple distractions as we see people today listening to their iPods (earphones in ear) in the car too, which shocks me more than anything.
nonyo
Sat, Aug 8, 2009 : 10:56 a.m.
I have to echo Tom's comment. From the statements of eyewitnesses who pasted here, it would seem that the driver was extremely distracted, texting perhaps?
Tom
Sat, Aug 8, 2009 : 9:55 a.m.
I appreciate that A2.Com is following up on this story. As a cyclist who rides this way all the time, I have a number of unanswered questions with this incident. It is important for the public to know what led a bicyclist and a motorized vehicle to get into a fatal collision on a straight, relatively wide road, one with a paved shoulder.
PineyWoodsGuy
Fri, Aug 7, 2009 : 11:20 p.m.
It has been established that young Ms. Murray is the WebMASTER of this site. She is working diligently to do the job assigned her. I agree that postings that might subject her employer to a lawsuit for libel should be deleted. Further, I agree that a post that uses four letter words should be deleted. But what about Fair Comment About a Public Figure? Her employer has ordained to PROTECT Public Figures from ridicule. Therefore, why should ANYONE bother to read the Vanilla Pablum that has, thus far, been spread upon this website? Thinking Minds should like to ken. I say this to yins hooners: It appears the management has incorrectly targeted those over the age of 50 to peddle their product to. Most over the age of 50 just dont get the Internet and 21st Century communication. Management will LOSE!! As Warren Buffett said: I only have two eyeballs and 16 hours a day to use them. He also said: Even from my own reading habits, I see the effects of print newspaperslosing moreeyeballs with each passing year. My local paper continues to shrink in both size and coverage. For the first time in my life, I am considering canceling my subscription. So (Ms. Murrays bosses), go ahead and Delete Fair Comment on Public Figures from yer wee website. Dish up the Vanilla Pablum from yer reader toadies. See how many readers ya git to pay actual money fer yer tepid product. East Syracuse will pull the plug on yins before the New Year dawns.