Posted on Fri, Oct 28, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.
Bicyclist hospitalized after being struck by vehicle
By Lee Higgins
A 50-year-old bicyclist was taken to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital after he was struck by a vehicle Thursday night.
The man, an Ypsilanti resident, was riding on Washtenaw Avenue near Boston in Ypsilanti Township, sheriff's deputies said. The location is near Fountain Square Plaza.
He was seriously injuried at about 7:30 p.m. when a vehicle struck him. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, officials said.
A witness said the man was struck by a Cadillac, but no information on the driver was available Friday afternoon.
Comments
snapshot
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 10:22 p.m.
Law enforcement should put a bike officer out there with a radio and several traffic cops at ready to start ticketing and/or arresting drivers who are endangering lives with their driving behavior. Some drivers intentionally hazard bike riders. Those drivers should see some jail time.
Angela Todd
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 6:39 p.m.
How many more? I believe that there should be a separate are altogether for bicyclists, as I am one. People don't want you on the sidewalk OR the street. I see people constantly texting and doing other distracting things while driving, such as only looking in one direction, instead of ALL directions before entering traffic. Another disturbing trend, I hate to say, is seeing bicyclists holding a cell phone in one hand while steering with the other. People are TOO plugged in. My thoughts and prayers are with this latest victim. Amen. Angela F. Todd, Ann Arbor resident
tdw
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 6:18 p.m.
Where is this path ? have I missed something ? The only path near there is on Packard
swcornell
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
OK everyone, summer is over, it's dark more than half the day and with all the rain, visibility sucks. IT'S TIME TO PUT THE BIKES AWAY!
DBH
Sun, Oct 30, 2011 : 2:10 a.m.
Or don't put away the bikes, eat a normal amount, maintain a healthy weight and die.
Bob Krzewinski
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 11:28 p.m.
Put the bikes away, eat a lot, grow obese, have heart surgery and die.
cinnabar7071
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 12:14 p.m.
I just dont get how a bike rider can ride in the road with 3000-4000 pound cars. I've tried it many times and have found no enjoyment at all, infact its the scaryest and dumbest thing I've every done in my life. Has not one of these bike riders ever payed attention to car drivers and seen how distracted they are. I've watched drivers drive for miles texting and never look up. I've seen people reading books, news papers, maps and magizines. I've seen people eating, changing diapers, clipping finger nails, putting on makeup, and you name it. Never ever will you find me inches away from a car going 45 mph on my bike.
a2cents
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
In more progressive states, vehicles closer than 3' to a cyclist are ticket-able. Furthermore, a majority of readers responded that the adjacent path was a useless boondoggle and waste of money... they would obviously prefer that cyclists be in/on the street.
DBH
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.
Regarding the dangers you cited, I agree 100%. I used to ride my bicycle to work but stopped when I became disgusted with the exhaust of automobiles, buses and trucks. I never had much of a close call with a motorized vehicle, but I respected my lungs too much to continue to expose them to that pollution. It was sadly ironic that I felt healthier driving to work than riding my bicycle.
Davidian
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 3:59 a.m.
Just because it's technically legal to do something doesn't mean that it's smart or it's a good idea. I am an avid cyclist but cycling on Washtenaw or any other major artery, especially at twilight/dark, goes way beyond poor judgment. It's practically suicidal.
BikingJeff
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.
I hope he is ok and the driver is found. Washtenaw is a busy street but as a cyclist that uses the road in the area. We all need to share the roads together.
Marilyn Wilkie
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 12:27 a.m.
I don't believe the article says that this was a hit and run. It also does not explain the circumstances of the collision, so everything is up in the air as to what happened. Not necessarily the driver's fault, in other words.
Tom Joad
Fri, Oct 28, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.
I see a lot of "brave" cyclists riding down Washtenaw, not even utilizing the new multi-million-dollar bike lane that is eminently safer (just watch out for drive ways). I'll give these cyclists credit, but it's something I'd never do again...had my share of road riding in San Francisco and Ann Arbor is way too congested.
Thomas
Mon, Oct 31, 2011 : 12:33 p.m.
Tom, did you stop riding all together or do you ride in rural areas now?
Linda Peck
Fri, Oct 28, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.
This is such a dangerous place to ride. Is there no bike path for people to ride on? I am so sorry for this accident and pray for this man's quick healing.
DBH
Fri, Oct 28, 2011 : 9:09 p.m.
Mr. Higgins, was this a hit-and-run accident?
DBH
Sat, Oct 29, 2011 : 1:17 a.m.
Mr. Higgins, a simple yes or no would suffice.