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2016/06/08 12:57:20
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Our community is dealing with tragedy once again after five people were killed in Kalamazoo County while out on a group bicycle ride.
We're breaking down what we know about the crash, the suspect and the victims Wednesday morning.
"Unfortunately we've seen just months ago a mass casualty incident and I'm at a loss," said Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting. "I have every confidence in Kalamazoo. I have every confidence in Kalamazoo County in support. I just wish we had an opportunity to get our feet under us again before we did it again."
Two tragedies have now struck Kalamazoo in just a matter of months.
Five bicyclists are dead, four others injured after being hit by a truck. Getting says that it looks like they were all struck from behind by the vehicle.
We're learning new information about the driver responsible. We know the suspect is in the Kalamazoo County Jail.
The charges have not yet been released and his name is being held until arraignment, which we understand could be on Thursday.
On North Westnedge near Markin Glen Park, where the crash happened, there isn't much activity, but we can tell you police are still there and have a staging area set-up Wednesday morning.
We're told a group of cyclists were on a group ride across Kalamazoo County around 6:00 Tuesday night when they were set to ride past the park on Westnedge.
Witnesses say the group was riding when a blue pick-up truck mowed several people down.
The victims include five people who were pronounced dead on the scene and four others that were transported to local hospitals.
Prosecutor Jeff Getting tells us the dispatch center did receive several calls about an erratic driver shortly before this crash happened.
"50-year-old male, resident of West Michigan. He is in custody and we'll be looking at as much information as we can develop over the next 36 hours in an effort to determine what charges are appropriate," said Getting.
"I seen a Dodge Ram fly past me coming past my house and I seen a blue truck spin around and land in someone's yard. It hurts me hearing about this stuff. I live right down the road and it hurts me. It's not good. I'm glad they got the guy. They caught him from running and I hope all the others ones live," said witness Markus Eberhard.
The driver was caught a few yards away from the scene of the crash.
Four victims are in the hospital Wednesday morning after the deadly crash.
We know two of the survivors were taken to the emergency room at Borgess and were both evaluated by a trauma surgeon. Two others were taken to Bronson Hospital. Their conditions are not known.
We talked to the emergency room doctor who was working on them. He tells us one of the cyclists was in critical condition. The other was stable, but in really rough shape.
"I was with the patient that was stable but very guarded we were able to stabilize him enough that we could actually send him safely to the ICU. The other patient is in critical condition still but will go to the ICU as well," said ER Doctor Justin Knight.
Multiple sources tell Newschannel 3 that a group of cyclists that calls themselves "The Chain Gang" is the group involved in Tuesday night's crash.
That group left at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday from the Kalamazoo County Health Services parking lot and the route would have taken them in the area of the crash.
Police have not released the identities of the victims or the survivors at this hour.
According to AAA, each year approximately 2000 bicyclists are injured in crashes in Michigan.
Wednesday morning the Director of Road Safety for the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club Pul Selden has this reaction:
"I know from working closely with area leadership that we are working to make our community even more bicycle friendly. This senseless tragedy -- in my memory, the worst of its kind in Kalamazoo County, and possibly in Michigan -- underscores that we can do much more. Motorists and bicyclists need to share the road safely throughout the year, but especially during peak bicycling season.
The Kalamazoo Strong organization now has a crisis fund set up for the victims of Tuesday night's crash and their families.
The organization was started following February's mass shooting spree.
Anyone wanting to help the nine victims and their families can click here: http://www.kalamazoostrongorganization.org/. We will continue to follow this story and bring you the latest on-air and online at wwmt.com.
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2016/06/08 14:19:58
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
This is why I don't ride bikes on the road, and when I see a bike on the road, I won't come anywhere close to them, or pass them unless I can change a full lane.
Also, many road cyclists are flagrant law-breakers. I have been run over as a pedestrian in a crosswalk by a cyclist splitting lanes and blowing through a red light.
I'll be curious to see what the cause was. There is a phenomenon where the brain 'ignores' things it doesn't expect to see, so it can just blot out non-cars even though they are in plain sight. Zoned out people react to cars because we expect to see them, but will totally ignore bikes, motorcycles and pedestrians.
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2016/06/08 22:35:44
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
nkelsch wrote: This is why I don't ride bikes on the road, and when I see a bike on the road, I won't come anywhere close to them, or pass them unless I can change a full lane.
Also, many road cyclists are flagrant law-breakers. I have been run over as a pedestrian in a crosswalk by a cyclist splitting lanes and blowing through a red light.
I'll be curious to see what the cause was. There is a phenomenon where the brain 'ignores' things it doesn't expect to see, so it can just blot out non-cars even though they are in plain sight. Zoned out people react to cars because we expect to see them, but will totally ignore bikes, motorcycles and pedestrians.
Agreed. I saw a cyclist get hit and killed as I sat at a red light in Las Vegas. She hit the road with multiple broken bones and tumbled like a sack of old laundry.
2016/06/08 22:51:11
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
nkelsch wrote: This is why I don't ride bikes on the road, and when I see a bike on the road, I won't come anywhere close to them, or pass them unless I can change a full lane.
Also, many road cyclists are flagrant law-breakers. I have been run over as a pedestrian in a crosswalk by a cyclist splitting lanes and blowing through a red light.
I'll be curious to see what the cause was. There is a phenomenon where the brain 'ignores' things it doesn't expect to see, so it can just blot out non-cars even though they are in plain sight. Zoned out people react to cars because we expect to see them, but will totally ignore bikes, motorcycles and pedestrians.
Agreed. I saw a cyclist get hit and killed as I sat at a red light in Las Vegas. She hit the road with multiple broken bones and tumbled like a sack of old laundry.
I've seen a few ignore some temp local traffic lights..
Umm cars ... They are coming down that way and its one lane...
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2016/06/08 23:06:37
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
Nostromodamus wrote: Can't imagine going for a nice bike ride with friends and having some tool in a truck plow through everyone.
Hopefully the survivng victims and families can recover and this idiot gets appropriate punishment.
Wait so the details of the event have been released and we know for a fact that this truck driver was at 100% fault?
Going by the story above there were nine cyclists that were hit from behind by a truck. I see nothing indicating the cyclists were doing anything wrong, and witnesses report erratic driving and a truck "flying" by and ending up in someone's yard. Police arrested the driver and have him in custody while they consider appropriate charges.
Seems to me the truck driver was in the wrong, but apparently everyone seems intent on gaking all over cyclists for some reason.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/06/08 23:16:59
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2016/06/08 23:18:22
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
Nostromodamus wrote: Can't imagine going for a nice bike ride with friends and having some tool in a truck plow through everyone.
Hopefully the survivng victims and families can recover and this idiot gets appropriate punishment.
Wait so the details of the event have been released and we know for a fact that this truck driver was at 100% fault?
Going by the story above there were nine cyclists that were hit from behind by a truck. I see nothing indicating the cyclists were doing anything wrong, and witnesses report erratic driving and a truck "flying" by and ending up in someone's yard. Police arrested the driver and have him in custody while they consider appropriate charges.
Seems to me the truck driver was in the wrong, but apparently everyone seems intent on gaking all over cyclists for some reason.
The driver might have had a stroke or seizure.
2016/06/08 23:20:14
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
Ah well then yeah still gonna wait for a full report before designating victims and crime enabled peoples.
Now as to cyclists not gona lie they really shouldn't be on the roads as much as possible. if only because its dangerous for everyone involved and there is a perfectly good side walk right there. besides no one walks anymore. (this is partial sarcasm)
Nostromodamus wrote: Can't imagine going for a nice bike ride with friends and having some tool in a truck plow through everyone.
Hopefully the survivng victims and families can recover and this idiot gets appropriate punishment.
Wait so the details of the event have been released and we know for a fact that this truck driver was at 100% fault?
Going by the story above there were nine cyclists that were hit from behind by a truck. I see nothing indicating the cyclists were doing anything wrong, and witnesses report erratic driving and a truck "flying" by and ending up in someone's yard. Police arrested the driver and have him in custody while they consider appropriate charges.
Seems to me the truck driver was in the wrong, but apparently everyone seems intent on gaking all over cyclists for some reason.
The driver might have had a stroke or seizure.
Then he would have been taken to a hospital, not the jail.
"The Omnissiah is my Moderati"
2016/06/09 02:06:00
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
Nostromodamus wrote: Can't imagine going for a nice bike ride with friends and having some tool in a truck plow through everyone.
Hopefully the survivng victims and families can recover and this idiot gets appropriate punishment.
Wait so the details of the event have been released and we know for a fact that this truck driver was at 100% fault?
Going by the story above there were nine cyclists that were hit from behind by a truck. I see nothing indicating the cyclists were doing anything wrong, and witnesses report erratic driving and a truck "flying" by and ending up in someone's yard. Police arrested the driver and have him in custody while they consider appropriate charges.
Seems to me the truck driver was in the wrong, but apparently everyone seems intent on gaking all over cyclists for some reason.
As a cyclist, I can tell you flat out that if you are riding in a group, there are provisions in numerous traffic laws to accommodate the group. I hope the driver gets due punishment for this.
As for why people here are all against cyclists... clearly, it's because we're all such badass rebels, flagrantly ignoring ALL of the laws.
2016/06/09 02:16:49
Subject: Re:5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
Desubot wrote: Ah well then yeah still gonna wait for a full report before designating victims and crime enabled peoples.
Now as to cyclists not gona lie they really shouldn't be on the roads as much as possible. if only because its dangerous for everyone involved and there is a perfectly good side walk right there. besides no one walks anymore. (this is partial sarcasm)
If you're on a bike, you shouldn't be riding on the sidewalk.
Basically, it is very likely this guy. News was unable to get comment from family who then went backwoods crazy on the news crew. Police are doing a toxicology report.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/06/09 02:25:44
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2016/06/09 02:32:22
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
If you're on a bike, you shouldn't be riding on the sidewalk.
Basic rules for cycling:
Ride with the flow of traffic.
Stick to bike lanes, or shoulder as much as possible. If not possible, and the speed limit is low enough, get in traffic and become a vehicle. Everywhere that I have lived and ridden (Oregon, Colorado, Tennessee) have provisions in traffic laws that state that if you are in traffic, because it's the only option for riding, you are to be treated exactly the same as a motorized vehicle.
You being treated as a motorized vehicle is supposed to work both ways though. By that I mean that while cars are supposed to make legal passes around you, you are also to follow all street markings, lights and signals, etc.
2016/06/09 02:43:36
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
If you're on a bike, you shouldn't be riding on the sidewalk.
Basic rules for cycling:
Ride with the flow of traffic.
Stick to bike lanes, or shoulder as much as possible. If not possible, and the speed limit is low enough, get in traffic and become a vehicle. Everywhere that I have lived and ridden (Oregon, Colorado, Tennessee) have provisions in traffic laws that state that if you are in traffic, because it's the only option for riding, you are to be treated exactly the same as a motorized vehicle.
You being treated as a motorized vehicle is supposed to work both ways though. By that I mean that while cars are supposed to make legal passes around you, you are also to follow all street markings, lights and signals, etc.
Michigan law is basically the same, though riding on the sidewalk is not illegal. It is discouraged in the guidelines, however.
"The Omnissiah is my Moderati"
2016/06/09 03:03:37
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
If you're on a bike, you shouldn't be riding on the sidewalk.
Basic rules for cycling:
Ride with the flow of traffic.
Stick to bike lanes, or shoulder as much as possible. If not possible, and the speed limit is low enough, get in traffic and become a vehicle. Everywhere that I have lived and ridden (Oregon, Colorado, Tennessee) have provisions in traffic laws that state that if you are in traffic, because it's the only option for riding, you are to be treated exactly the same as a motorized vehicle.
You being treated as a motorized vehicle is supposed to work both ways though. By that I mean that while cars are supposed to make legal passes around you, you are also to follow all street markings, lights and signals, etc.
Michigan law is basically the same, though riding on the sidewalk is not illegal. It is discouraged in the guidelines, however.
Right. You can do it...but c'mon, don't be that person.
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2016/06/09 03:23:24
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
If you're on a bike, you shouldn't be riding on the sidewalk.
Basic rules for cycling:
Ride with the flow of traffic.
Stick to bike lanes, or shoulder as much as possible. If not possible, and the speed limit is low enough, get in traffic and become a vehicle. Everywhere that I have lived and ridden (Oregon, Colorado, Tennessee) have provisions in traffic laws that state that if you are in traffic, because it's the only option for riding, you are to be treated exactly the same as a motorized vehicle.
You being treated as a motorized vehicle is supposed to work both ways though. By that I mean that while cars are supposed to make legal passes around you, you are also to follow all street markings, lights and signals, etc.
Michigan law is basically the same, though riding on the sidewalk is not illegal. It is discouraged in the guidelines, however.
Having grown up, and ridden a lot in Oregon, it isn't illegal to ride on the sidewalk, however signs placed by a government agency can make it illegal.
But frankly, if you are riding something faster than a BMX bike, you should be on the shoulder as much as possible
2016/06/09 06:13:31
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
Desubot wrote: Ah well then yeah still gonna wait for a full report before designating victims and crime enabled peoples.
Now as to cyclists not gona lie they really shouldn't be on the roads as much as possible. if only because its dangerous for everyone involved and there is a perfectly good side walk right there. besides no one walks anymore. (this is partial sarcasm)
If you're on a bike, you shouldn't be riding on the sidewalk.
OK, so some cyclists got killed by a pick up driver from behind. And discussion in this forum is about a) what some cyclists do wrong, and b) where cyclists should go not to bother car drivers.
Seriously, people, you are fethed up.
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2016/06/09 08:27:53
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
Then he would have been taken to a hospital, not the jail.
I remember the guy who said that a person having a stroke/seizure and causing a crash should be executed.
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2016/06/09 08:53:12
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
Desubot wrote: Ah well then yeah still gonna wait for a full report before designating victims and crime enabled peoples.
Now as to cyclists not gona lie they really shouldn't be on the roads as much as possible. if only because its dangerous for everyone involved and there is a perfectly good side walk right there. besides no one walks anymore. (this is partial sarcasm)
Is it legal to ride your bike on the "sidewalk" in the US? It's illegal in the UK and Japan.
Desubot wrote: Ah well then yeah still gonna wait for a full report before designating victims and crime enabled peoples.
Now as to cyclists not gona lie they really shouldn't be on the roads as much as possible. if only because its dangerous for everyone involved and there is a perfectly good side walk right there. besides no one walks anymore. (this is partial sarcasm)
Is it legal to ride your bike on the "sidewalk" in the US? It's illegal in the UK and Japan.
Depends on state. Like I said, it is not illegal in Michigan, but it is discouraged.
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2016/06/09 11:10:44
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
As a cyclist, I can tell you flat out that if you are riding in a group, there are provisions in numerous traffic laws to accommodate the group. I hope the driver gets due punishment for this.
I would be interested to see these provisions. They did not have them in Cali when I lived there (now that would have been fun to see bikers appear in the barrio...well until we rolled 'em) nor in Texas. I've not heard of bikes having preferential treatment, so I would like to see where bicyclists suddenly become special snowflakes and can ignore the law.
Desubot wrote: Ah well then yeah still gonna wait for a full report before designating victims and crime enabled peoples.
Now as to cyclists not gona lie they really shouldn't be on the roads as much as possible. if only because its dangerous for everyone involved and there is a perfectly good side walk right there. besides no one walks anymore. (this is partial sarcasm)
If you're on a bike, you shouldn't be riding on the sidewalk.
Indeed, riding a Harley on a sidewalk is bad form. Bicycles, well unless your a kid of course.
Living split between Houston and Austin its interesting. In Austin there is the whole Armstrong cult going on with a major entitlement. However I don't have much interaction on The Wall (Williamson County). I treat bicycles like drunk bikers (because they are self powered and things happen) and give them wide berth. While I can't stand the entitled ones who do stupid things, I really hate the cars that get right on them or breeze by close playing "I'm a douche lets play chicken." Both sides forget this is a life and death situation.
Houston, well, literally no one gives a for anyone else and its up to you to stay alive amongst the angry pick up drivers, small old Asian ladies, and lots of persons of "unclear legal status" who bring their own driving habits here. Sometimes Mad Max would feel right at home here.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2016/06/09 11:42:21
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2016/06/09 11:38:49
Subject: 5 killed, 4 injured after bicyclists hit by pick-up driver in Kalamazoo, Mi
~1.5k
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for anyone else and its up to you to stay alive amongst the angry pick up drivers, small old Asian ladies, and lots of persons of "unclear legal status" who bring their own driving habits here. Sometimes Mad Max would feel right at home here.