Comments on: Cyclist Charged with Manslaughter

By: Tobin in Tacoma

Tobin in Tacoma — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 01:31:11 +0000

Tragic all around – but my heart goes to the family and friends of the victim.

It is curious to me why any cyclist would try to defend this. For those of us who ride responsibly, there is no reason to make excuses for those who do not. A driver who kills a pedestrian or cyclist does not represent all drivers, nor should we feel this defines all cyclists.

Yes, we are vulnerable on the road – they are sitting in a big hunk of metal in a cushy seat, tapping a pedal to hurl down the road, likely overly-stressed and impatient, and we’re riding on metal sticks, pushing and pulling on pedals, chock full of adrenaline and warranted paranoia – but that doesn’t give us the right to act like morons too. My 2 cents, eh.

By: Matthew J

Matthew J — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 01:08:28 +0000

Seems to me the type of vehicle should not be an issue.

If the facts show the operator of a vehicle – whether it be a truck, auto, motorcycle, or bicycle – operated that vehicle with reckless disregard for others resulting in death, that operator should pay the penalty for vehicular manslaughter.

By: I feel dumber

I feel dumber — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:54:46 +0000

Regardless of how many cars commit similar offenses the fact remains that he killed a man and if the state proves that it was the result of his disregard for the law then he deserves to go to jail. you can’t compare it to auto deaths and say he’s being treated differently Auto caused deaths should be more strictly prosecuted yes but that doesn’t excuse cycle caused deaths

By: Skid Marks

Skid Marks — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:07:37 +0000

Too committed to stop at a crowded intersection? More like too arrogant or lazy and he paid for it.

By: Tony

Tony — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 02:06:36 +0000

Same rules, same rights, same liabilities. If he’s guilty, it’s a shame, but too bad.

By: Matthew J

Matthew J — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:24:14 +0000

This cyclist is not innocent.

Just as the 1,000s of maniac car drivers who recklessly kill and maim do not the universe of car drivers guilty make, so to does this fool not make the universe of cyclists guilty.

By: cyclist aren't innocent

cyclist aren't innocent — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:25:33 +0000

he was “too committed” to stop at the light. “I laid it down and just plowed through the crowded crosswalk in the least-populated place I could find.”

the cyclist hit a pedestrian and killed them. that is considered manslaughter.

By: bergerandfries

bergerandfries — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:05:11 +0000

I’m OK with this, as long as it is applied to all vehicular deaths, which of course it is not. Why can’t the cyclist just say, “I didn’t see them.” like motorists and it’s case closed?

By: Ἀντισθένης

Ἀντισθένης — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:50:54 +0000

What’s the fatality rate of cyclists versus drivers? Is it 1:100 or is there another decimal place: 1:1000? If the guy looks guilty, fine, charge him and let a jury decide. Is it news, though? Only if society has a hate-on for cyclists… Oh… that.