Sierra, a blue-eyed eighth-grader at Pleasant Lea Junior High, played violin in her school's orchestra and sang in the choir. For her, cycling was a new hobby. The grandfather-granddaughter duo was training for the MS 150 — the annual fundraising ride to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Gaunt had been a top fundraiser and early finisher for the past 11 years, and he hoped to complete his 12th effort with his new cycling companion.
A couple of weeks later, on the evening of August 6, the Gaunts were riding on the wide shoulder of a road circling Longview Lake. Often traveled by cyclists in training, this stretch is straight and flat. The sky was clear and the pavement dry.
A 1985 Chevy pickup approached from the south.
The driver, William Johnson, had been cited two weeks earlier for driving 95 in a 70-mph zone. Police believe that as he neared the cyclists, Johnson was driving nearly 10 miles an hour faster than the 45-mph zone allowed.
There are conflicting accounts of what happened at 6:14 p.m. Johnson told Grandview police that he saw the two cyclists on the right shoulder but, at a second's notice, one of the bikes swung into his lane. His brakes locked as he tried to stop, he said. He panicked and swerved to the right, striking one of the Gaunts from behind with his front bumper. As he skidded to a stop, he acknowledged, he hit the other cyclist.
But three witnesses told the police that the Gaunts were traveling on the shoulder — not veering into traffic — when they were hit. The investigation concluded that "Johnson's vehicle drifted off the roadway due to inattention and that Johnson overcompensated, causing the truck to skid before impact with the bicycles."
Larry Gaunt died at the scene; Sierra was rushed to Overland Park Regional Medical Center, where her organs were donated before she died. "The threads of our close-knit family have been shredded," Larry's oldest son, Brad, said in a statement.
Ten days after the crash, cyclists gathered near Longview Lake to ride the loop that Larry and Sierra Gaunt never completed. More than 600 supporters showed up, some sporting racing Spandex and breezing along on expensive road bikes, others wearing gym shorts and puffing up the hills on old 10-speeds. At the spot where Johnson's blue Chevy struck the Gaunts, members of a group called Kansas City Ghost Bikes (part of a national effort to honor fallen bikers) had tethered a white, battered old bike to a tree to serve as a wake-up call to passing drivers. The group stopped there. For several moments, the mass of hundreds stood silent, except for the soft clatter of cycling shoes being unclipped from pedals and the staggered breath of those who were crying.
Brent Hugh, director of the Missouri Bicycle Federation, told the crowd at the start of the memorial, the ride was as much about making a statement as honoring the victims.
"We have a serious traffic-safety problem in America and Kansas City," Hugh told the crowd.
As of October, four cyclists have died in the metro this year. According to the Mid-America Regional Council, 18 cyclists were killed and 1,262 injured on the area's roads from 2000 to 2006. Advocates such as Hugh acknowledge that some of those fatalities and injuries were the fault of careless cyclists. But many cyclists say they're routinely targeted and harassed on the streets.
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The Today Show has just run a spot about a popular furniture catalog and store, Boyle's Furniture. Boyle's Furniture has high end furniture items, from bedroom sets, living room furniture and so forth, and is a discount outlet for high end items, offering deep discounts. The term discount is at best deceptive � this stuff is expensive, as a bar stool from this company will run you over $500. (That's right, a bar stool for over $500.) Granted, this stuff is higher end than IKEA, but still costs a lot. However, if you want furniture that ordinarily costs more than a few cheap loans for about half the price (still steep, though), Boyle's Furniture might be right up your alley.
http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/10/05/boyles-furniture-outlet-americas-favorite/
The Today Show has just run a spot about a popular furniture catalog and store, Boyle's Furniture. Boyle's Furniture has high end furniture items, from bedroom sets, living room furniture and so forth, and is a discount outlet for high end items, offering deep discounts. The term discount is at best deceptive – this stuff is expensive, as a bar stool from this company will run you over $500. (That's right, a bar stool for over $500.) Granted, this stuff is higher end than IKEA, but still costs a lot. However, if you want furniture that ordinarily costs more than a few cheap loans for about half the price (still steep, though), Boyle's Furniture might be right up your alley.
It is so appalling to me that cyclists are actually targeted and singled out as if they were some terrorists group that needs to be eliminated. There is a need for tougher laws and vigorous enforcement, hit the offenders where it hurts the most, their pockets. As a driver, I get a little annoyed at having to slow down my car due to a cyclist's right to be on the road at whatever speed he can muster, but I would never think of assaulting and taking that annoyance out on them! Unbelievable!
My older daughter lived in Sweden for a couple of years and they are cycle friendly over there. The pathways are not shared by cars and cyclists at all, they have their own "roads" and only encounter cars at some intersections. That country is cyclist's Heaven and ahead of the times in conservation and social consciousness. Shame on the US!
It is so appalling to me that cyclists are actually targeted and singled out as if they were some terrorists group that needs to be eliminated. There is a need for tougher laws and vigorous enforcement, hit the offenders where it hurts the most, their pockets. As a driver, I get a little annoyed at having to slow down my car due to a cyclist's right to be on the road at whatever speed he can muster, but I would never think of assaulting and taking that annoyance out on them! Unbelievable! My older daughter lived in Sweden for a couple of years and they are cycle friendly over there. The pathways are not shared by cars and cyclists at all, they have their own "roads" and only encounter cars at some intersections. That country is cyclist's Heaven and ahead of the times in conservation and social consciousness. Shame on the US!
I'd have to say that first off, how sad it is to hear about all of the mangled lives that accidents like these leave behind.
Second, midtown miscreant is just the type of lame ass redneck troll that you'd expect to dredge up from the sewer after a story like this. Unfortunately there are way to many of her ilk in the Kansas City, hell, any red state for that matter.
My folks for instance, will bitch all day about cyclists on the road, but get pissed when someone flips them the finger while they're holding up traffic hauling their 35' fifth wheel trailer around the 2-lane backroads. That's just fkin' dumb....no other way to put it. They just don't see a bicycle as a means of transportation. I guess that when you're 60 years old and possibly that many pounds overweight, it's not really factored in as a viable option and therefore falls outside of the realm of possibility.
I wonder if Kansas City will ever be hospitable for cyclists. The roads are usually in poor condition, there are almost as many orange cones around town as people, and there's no easy way to fix either of these problems without a great deal of public willpower. Hell, if you can't get schools accredited, how the heck can you reasonably expect elected officials to actually put down bike lanes in concrete.
Reading the surgeon's post was interesting. The only way to be safe is to be out of the street eh? Well, that makes it pretty tough to get somewhere without cutting across a few lawns now doesn't it? He sounds like a nice enough fella and probably does get tired of putting folks back together, but most, not all, of the surgoens that I've met, don't do anything more dangerous than ordering hot coffee at McDonald's. Heaven forbid that someone should actually ride a motorcycle or bicycle...oh my!
Compared to KC, Tucson is a bit more hospitable to cyclists, but that's just because there are bike lanes/routes and a lot of folks who ride them all year round. Even with that said, there are still people who get injured and killed here all of the time and the same crap happens. Cyclists get hit...in some cases on purpose... and nothing (a $50 ticket at most) happens. We have a local attorney (Erik Ryberg) who has been trying to change things in town, but he's fighting an uphill battle.
I'd have to say that first off, how sad it is to hear about all of the mangled lives that accidents like these leave behind. Second, midtown miscreant is just the type of lame ass redneck troll that you'd expect to dredge up from the sewer after a story like this. Unfortunately there are way to many of her ilk in the Kansas City, hell, any red state for that matter. My folks for instance, will bitch all day about cyclists on the road, but get pissed when someone flips them the finger while they're holding up traffic hauling their 35' fifth wheel trailer around the 2-lane backroads. That's just fkin' dumb....no other way to put it. They just don't see a bicycle as a means of transportation. I guess that when you're 60 years old and possibly that many pounds overweight, it's not really factored in as a viable option and therefore falls outside of the realm of possibility. I wonder if Kansas City will ever be hospitable for cyclists. The roads are usually in poor condition, there are almost as many orange cones around town as people, and there's no easy way to fix either of these problems without a great deal of public willpower. Hell, if you can't get schools accredited, how the heck can you reasonably expect elected officials to actually put down bike lanes in concrete. Reading the surgeon's post was interesting. The only way to be safe is to be out of the street eh? Well, that makes it pretty tough to get somewhere without cutting across a few lawns now doesn't it? He sounds like a nice enough fella and probably does get tired of putting folks back together, but most, not all, of the surgoens that I've met, don't do anything more dangerous than ordering hot coffee at McDonald's. Heaven forbid that someone should actually ride a motorcycle or bicycle...oh my! Compared to KC, Tucson is a bit more hospitable to cyclists, but that's just because there are bike lanes/routes and a lot of folks who ride them all year round. Even with that said, there are still people who get injured and killed here all of the time and the same crap happens. Cyclists get hit...in some cases on purpose... and nothing (a $50 ticket at most) happens. We have a local attorney (Erik Ryberg) who has been trying to change things in town, but he's fighting an uphill battle.
ROCK ON # 25!!!!
Thank you. Finally somebody made some sense here. Take it easy. I will be praying for your safety on the roads.
RIP Dad. We love you!!
ROCK ON # 25!!!! Thank you. Finally somebody made some sense here. Take it easy. I will be praying for your safety on the roads. RIP Dad. We love you!!
After reading these tragic stories, and then surveying the comments posted here I'm just shocked. The logic these automobile users employ is simply astonishing, even a scientifically trained surgeon, who should rationally know better is apparently not exempt.
-Biking on the roads is dangerous, therefore bikes don't belong.
-Because biking is dangerous cyclists deserve their fates.
-Bikes cut seconds off motorists� commutes; therefore they should be outlawed on the roads.
Why doesn't the logic extend to their own vehicular usage? Auto accidents are the leading killer of people under the age of 45, so isn't it therefore logically sound to take the train? Bus? Or outlaw vehicles all together? Perhaps we should also abolish laws against rape, and assault because those victims must have done something to instigate their attacks.
As an individual who commutes everywhere by bike I feel for you Kansas City cyclists. The selfish, redneck, cavalier attitude you guy have to deal with daily is the reason Americans are becoming despised the world over.
After reading these tragic stories, and then surveying the comments posted here I'm just shocked. The logic these automobile users employ is simply astonishing, even a scientifically trained surgeon, who should rationally know better is apparently not exempt. -Biking on the roads is dangerous, therefore bikes don't belong. -Because biking is dangerous cyclists deserve their fates. -Bikes cut seconds off motorists’ commutes; therefore they should be outlawed on the roads. Why doesn't the logic extend to their own vehicular usage? Auto accidents are the leading killer of people under the age of 45, so isn't it therefore logically sound to take the train? Bus? Or outlaw vehicles all together? Perhaps we should also abolish laws against rape, and assault because those victims must have done something to instigate their attacks. As an individual who commutes everywhere by bike I feel for you Kansas City cyclists. The selfish, redneck, cavalier attitude you guy have to deal with daily is the reason Americans are becoming despised the world over.
I wonder how many cyclists have recieved a ticket for running a stop sign ? All to oftne I'm required to come to a complete stop, either at a sign or traffic light and bicyclist comes whizzing past me without any regard for te traffic laws or their own safety. A terrible spot is in Leawood, at 105th and Lee Blvd, right next to Leawood Park. It's enough to keep an eye on children, other vehicles, etc, but people on bikes don't seem to acknowledge that the laws are meant for them as well.
I certainly don't want an accident, or death, on my mind at all. But he biking community needs to do a better job of sending the message that if you'e going to share the road with cars, you damn well better observe the traffic laws too
So, any police stats on the number of tickets issued bicyclists ??
I wonder how many cyclists have recieved a ticket for running a stop sign ? All to oftne I'm required to come to a complete stop, either at a sign or traffic light and bicyclist comes whizzing past me without any regard for te traffic laws or their own safety. A terrible spot is in Leawood, at 105th and Lee Blvd, right next to Leawood Park. It's enough to keep an eye on children, other vehicles, etc, but people on bikes don't seem to acknowledge that the laws are meant for them as well. I certainly don't want an accident, or death, on my mind at all. But he biking community needs to do a better job of sending the message that if you'e going to share the road with cars, you damn well better observe the traffic laws too So, any police stats on the number of tickets issued bicyclists ??
I would like to go on and say that as a cyclist I too wish that all riders would obey the rules of the road. I make every effort to be a considerate rider. I realize that I am at a disadvantage in speed, size and visablility on the road. I ride defensively because I am my greatest protection. I to though have been a recipient of aggression from ignorant drivers.
In response to the comments about riding on the sidewalk, for someone who commutes by bike to and from school/work, the sidewalk is even more dangerous than the street. If I'm crusing at 20 mph across poorly maintained sidewalks with sharp turns, and obsticles (parked cars, trash cans etc.) I am putting myself at a great deal of risk. Secondly, Drivers pay even less attention to the sidewalks than the road. This increases the likelyhood that someone might pull out in front of me, or back into me.
I would like to go on and say that as a cyclist I too wish that all riders would obey the rules of the road. I make every effort to be a considerate rider. I realize that I am at a disadvantage in speed, size and visablility on the road. I ride defensively because I am my greatest protection. I to though have been a recipient of aggression from ignorant drivers. In response to the comments about riding on the sidewalk, for someone who commutes by bike to and from school/work, the sidewalk is even more dangerous than the street. If I'm crusing at 20 mph across poorly maintained sidewalks with sharp turns, and obsticles (parked cars, trash cans etc.) I am putting myself at a great deal of risk. Secondly, Drivers pay even less attention to the sidewalks than the road. This increases the likelyhood that someone might pull out in front of me, or back into me.
I personally don't have a problem with someone wanting to ride their bike, responsibly. My problem is with the people who think because they are on their bikes they can cruise through red lights or stop signs, not let the people behind them know when they are going to turn, ride in the middle of the street. Those are the bikers that upset me. If they want me to give them the same respect that I give fellow drivers then they should follow the same laws that I do.
I personally don't have a problem with someone wanting to ride their bike, responsibly. My problem is with the people who think because they are on their bikes they can cruise through red lights or stop signs, not let the people behind them know when they are going to turn, ride in the middle of the street. Those are the bikers that upset me. If they want me to give them the same respect that I give fellow drivers then they should follow the same laws that I do.
First of all I want to say that my heart goes out to every family who has lost someone or been injured. I lost my father in July he was hit by a white suv at Indepence and Brooklyn. I just can't understand how these people can get away with no kind of punishment. I guess you have to be on drugs or drunk this makes no sense. It should be all the same you hit and kill someone you should pay the same price as anyone else. Remember these cyclist have the same right as any vehicle on the road. I hope that we can stand together and change these so called laws that allow people to hit and kill someone and walk away free from any kind of charges. Dad I love you and think of you every single day.
First of all I want to say that my heart goes out to every family who has lost someone or been injured. I lost my father in July he was hit by a white suv at Indepence and Brooklyn. I just can't understand how these people can get away with no kind of punishment. I guess you have to be on drugs or drunk this makes no sense. It should be all the same you hit and kill someone you should pay the same price as anyone else. Remember these cyclist have the same right as any vehicle on the road. I hope that we can stand together and change these so called laws that allow people to hit and kill someone and walk away free from any kind of charges. Dad I love you and think of you every single day.
Hello everyony,
I am writing a paper like this article for school. I was wondering if anyone knows where I could find out which parts of town (or specific streets) are the most dangerous for cyclists, have had the highest number of vehical/cyclist accidents etc.
I have already tried KDOT and a few local cycling clubs. Any help would be greatly appreciated. You can send any info to mkoehn@kckcc.edu
Also, check out Complete the Streets.org at http://www.completestreets.org...
they are a group dedicated to helping make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
# 17, I agree with you somewhat and can only imagine what it is like to see people who have come in from being in an accident and have to try and save their life, or fix them in some way shape or form. I commend you for the work that you do. I know I am truly grateful for the surgeon that worked on my father before he passed. I know that everything was done that could possibly be done to save his life. Although, what happens when you do obey the traffic laws and do ride on sidewalks and then their is that person who is not paying attention and speeding as in my fathers case. What makes that ok for them to just get off? It doesnt make any sense. I know this may be going in a totally different direction here but I just dont understand it. Now if my father was driving a car and was killed, I know their would have been more of an investigation and possibly even a ticket issued to the inconsiderate woman who hit him. But no, the police just wrap it up as another unfortunate accident and say it was the bicyclist fault. Even though her speed may have been 10 miled over the limit. It has already been determined that it was not my fathers fault. I knew that from the beginning. It just seems to me that everything in this world is so backwards. For instance, you can kill a cat and be sentenced and then be put on probation. But, you can hit someone,a human life,and kill them and nothing is done to you. How does that make any sense? Does anyone know?
# 17, I agree with you somewhat and can only imagine what it is like to see people who have come in from being in an accident and have to try and save their life, or fix them in some way shape or form. I commend you for the work that you do. I know I am truly grateful for the surgeon that worked on my father before he passed. I know that everything was done that could possibly be done to save his life. Although, what happens when you do obey the traffic laws and do ride on sidewalks and then their is that person who is not paying attention and speeding as in my fathers case. What makes that ok for them to just get off? It doesnt make any sense. I know this may be going in a totally different direction here but I just dont understand it. Now if my father was driving a car and was killed, I know their would have been more of an investigation and possibly even a ticket issued to the inconsiderate woman who hit him. But no, the police just wrap it up as another unfortunate accident and say it was the bicyclist fault. Even though her speed may have been 10 miled over the limit. It has already been determined that it was not my fathers fault. I knew that from the beginning. It just seems to me that everything in this world is so backwards. For instance, you can kill a cat and be sentenced and then be put on probation. But, you can hit someone,a human life,and kill them and nothing is done to you. How does that make any sense? Does anyone know?
Hello everyony, I am writing a paper like this article for school. I was wondering if anyone knows where I could find out which parts of town (or specific streets) are the most dangerous for cyclists, have had the highest number of vehical/cyclist accidents etc. I have already tried KDOT and a few local cycling clubs. Any help would be greatly appreciated. You can send any info to mkoehn@kckcc.edu Also, check out Complete the Streets.org at http://www.completestreets.org/ they are a group dedicated to helping make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
# 17, I agree with you somewhat and can only imagine what it is like to see people who have come in from being in an accident and have to try and save their life, or fix them in some way shape or form. I commend you for the work that you do. I know I am truly grateful for the surgeon that worked on my father before he passed. I know that everything was done that could possibly be done to save his life. Although, what happens when you do obey the traffic laws and do ride on sidewalks and then their is that person who is not paying attention and speeding as in my fathers case. What makes that ok for them to just get off? It doesnt make any sense. I know this may be going in a totally different direction here but I just dont understand it. Now if my father was driving a car and was killed, I know their would have been more of an investigation and possibly even a ticket issued to the inconsiderate woman who hit him. But no, the police just wrap it up as another unfortunate accident and say it was the bicyclist fault. Even though her speed may have been 10 miled over the limit. It has already been determined that it was not my fathers fault. I knew that from the beginning. It just seems to me that everything in this world is so backwards. For instance, you can kill a cat and be sentenced and then be put on probation. But, you can hit someone,a human life,and kill them and nothing is done to you. How does that make any sense? Does anyone know?
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