BVC-CHAT vehicle/cyclist accident in Dallas

[Layne Westover]

My oldest son, Arthur, who lives in Dallas, called me last night and told me about one of his club members up there (a young racer around 17 years old) who was struck by a van while cycling alone on a roadway.

Apparently the driver was distracted and was reaching down to pick up something that had fallen to the floor.  The cyclist went through the window of the van, partically severing his arm (which had to be reattached by surgery) and also had head injuries and internal abdominal injuries that required surgery.  So far as I know, he is recovering, but he won't be cycling for a while.

My son (concerned for my safety and welfare, of course) reiterated the importance of being careful where we choose to ride, (some roadways may be too dangerous to ride on because of the amount of traffic and high speeds of the traffic), when we choose to ride (during times when there is less traffic), and whether we ride alone or with a group (group rides are generally safer from a traffic standpoint because vehicles are more likely to see a group than they are an individual), and whether we ride on the shoulder or in the roadway.  I will not stop cycling, but I will continue to try and use good judgement and be as careful as I can.  I don't want to end up being a story that other people talk about as an object lesson.  

Let's be as safe as we can and not take foolish chances when cycling.

Layne Westover