Sad News from Chicago
According to the Chicago Bike Racing website, 29-year-old Matthew Manger-Lynch was struck and killed by an SUV while participating in the Tour de Chicago alleycat. It appears that Matthew ran a red light, and the driver of the vehicle will not be cited for any wrongdoing.
You can read more at www.chicagobikeracing.com, www.cbs2chicago.com, www.chicagotribune.com and www.chicagocuttincrew.com.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Today I have a new opinion of alleycats. It may be the stupidest thing you can do on a bicycle.
George
Chicago
February 25th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I have to disagree with you George. I don’t claim to know what really happened at this event. But I still don’t think it’s anymore dangerous that riding to work in the morning during rush hour, or going out for a group ride in the country. There is a certain risk you take in just being out on the road. Weather or not taking part in an alleycat, or just riding with your family to the park, you need to ride within your means and attempt to keep on the safe side of risk.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
all due respect to the dead, family and friends but they ran the red. on a sunday. at a busy intersection. in a town where, like most other towns, idiots on cel phones/putting on eyeliner/adjusting the radio/distracted regularly barrel through intersections without paying attention. lack of common sense is the stupidest thing you can do on a bicycle. or for that matter, on a street - foot, pedal or motorized.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Wrong or right, my heart goes out to Matthew’s friends and family.
February 26th, 2008 at 2:30 am
Run the Red and you may end up Dead! Tempting fate by running the red light might bit yah in the ass… that guy got bit HARD and suffered the ultimate consequence.
We all make choices when riding, it’s our own choice to takes risks or not….
I take plenty of calculated high risk moves when riding and one day I my end up getting plowed- its my own choice and responsibility!
February 26th, 2008 at 7:38 am
I am sorry for the killed rider, and offer sympathy for the family, but this is the type of riding that gives motorists the attitude that all bicyclists are just law breaking troublemakers. If you want “rights” then have to assume the responsibilities that come with them–that includes obeying traffic laws.
February 26th, 2008 at 7:44 am
From the Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-biker_fatal_26feb26,0,533633.story
February 26th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
My condolonces to his wife, family and friends.