On the way to pick up my kids from the public swimming pool yesterday, I
witnessed an unusual bicycle/auto accident. Specifically, a bike
hitting a car.
This was in a residential area that I drive through quite often, usually
to and from my office as well as to the kids' school and favorite parks.
At this low-traffic four-way-stop intersection bikes usually do not
stop. I'm used to it--as I say, I drive through it often, and expect
it. (This is a bicycle-friendly city, and bikes are a common sight on
most roads, especially in residential areas like this one.) But
yesterday, I was second in line behind an SUV headed north, and saw a
bike headed east. The SUV stopped at the sign--there were no other
autos at the intersection except me, behind the SUV also headed north.
From my vantage point it was clear that the bike wasn't slowing down
and didn't intend to stop. But as I say, I drive through that
intersection most days, and expect bikes to not stop. The SUV pulled
out in front of the bike; I guess the bike didn't have time to stop or
fully swerve. It pulled to the side a bit, but still hit the SUV in the
driver's door, leaving a good-sized dent. The cyclist was wearing a
helmet and did get up after the collision. Hopefully he wasn't hurt more
than bumps and bruises.
Angry words were exchanged. The SUV driver was yelling, the cyclist was
yelling. I used my cell to call 911, and then to alert my kids that I'd
be a little late. I gave my statement to the police when they arrived,
and then left. I don't know if tickets were issued, or to whom if they
were. I don't know if medical attention was required--I was late to get
the kids and couldn't wait around.
Anyway, I'm curious. Is this a "mutually at fault" type of thing, or
was it the cyclist's fault for not stopping at the 4-way stop? I could
see that the bike wasn't going to stop, but I was sitting waiting for my
turn, and had plenty of time to see what was going on (and again, I'm
there most every day and plan on bikes not stopping there). Was it the
SUV's driver for pulling out in front of the bike?
If there's a lawsuit I guess I'll find out more, but in the meantime I'm
curious.
Monte
|
