Bicyclist killed in North Side crash

Lloyd wrote:

Until drivers stop playing and timing lights so they dont have to slow down and can cross an intersection right at the last second of a red light or a green light, or stop completely at stop signs, or use their turn signals properly, you have no argument against riders making split second decisions and do the same. Matt was an experienced cyclist staying healthy, participating within the community, and loved by many. Open your eyes, 40 riders are not hard to see!!!!!!!!!!

So you admit you are banking on drivers seeing you and stopping as you do your thing. Not only is that dangerous (is there anything wrong with drivers timing lights?) it's inconsiderate of the thousands of other people on the road. I know you have your mission of converting all drivers into biker, but that's not the way the world works...they have equal access to those roads.

I'm also not happy about how drivers treat bikers, as I'm a biker myself, but your actions only hurt my goal to make it easy for drivers and bikers to commingle on the streets. The resulting rage of your actions will only cost lives of bikers, not drivers. I only hope that Matt's death will make you people think twice before continuing your war with drivers...the drivers will win...and I fear that the anger YOU are creating endangers my life and that of my family.

Sooooo sad! Matt was the year behind me in High School, and one of my sisters best friends. He was a highly energetic, fun, sweet guy who always had a ready smile for everyone. Even though I wasn't close, I'm so sad for his family. My sister is devestated and trying to find a flight back to the US for his funeral.
I think this is why this is called a 'tragic accident'- it's hard to stop a bike quickly, especially when in a group, and it's hard to stop a vehicle quickly too. Unfortunately, apparently the driver with the higher vantage point did not look entering the intersection as the light turned green and sadly Matt must not have looked up when keeping up with the other bicyclists when going through the intersection.

This was a very sad event, and I fear that most Chicagoans will eventually forget this ever happened and go about their merry way again. In 2008, we have had numerous accidents involving both cars and bikes along METRA's train tracks, as well as car/bicycle incidents on the road.

All I want is to see something done to change people's attitudes about multi-modal transportation safety. Would it be that horrible if the TVs that entertain you at the Shell gas station while you are filling up gave safety tips instead of more silly celebrity news? Would it be that hard to put safety flyers in bicycle shops, and signs on roads with bicycle lanes simply stating 'bicycles must obey all traffic signals?

peace to you Matt...