LAist: Bicyclist Killed by Foothill Transit Bus

Miss Havisham

Sat, 24 May 2008 11:19:16 -0800

Another reason to call it the Murder Bus. http://havish.wordpress.com/2008/05/22/i-want-to-be-on-you/

SoapBoxLA

Sat, 24 May 2008 11:13:30 -0800

Not only was the cyclist not riding in the crosswalk, there was no crosswalk. According to Lt. Fetner of the El Monte Police Department, the incident didn't even occur at an intersection. And so...the mythology of the appropriate position for a cyclist on the road is further perpetuated.

Will Campbell

Sat, 24 May 2008 11:03:39 -0800

I went ahead and emailed the L.A. Times writer of the brief with the following, but I hold out little hope for an enlightening response given that the writer couldn't even get the cross street right (It's Ramona Boulevard, not Ramon): Hello, I'm regards to your news brief on the cyclist struck and killed in El Monte by a Foothill Transit bus yesterday, I'm curious as to why you chose to report what seems to be the irrelevance of the deceased cyclist being "not in the crosswalk" at the moment the collision occurred. If your response is something along the lines of "that's what the police told me," then my follow up query is why didn't you ask El Monte Police Lieut. States to elaborate on that since cyclists have a right to the streets and are not at all obligated to ride in crosswalks. I look forward to your reply. Regards, Will Campbell

Mommybrain

Sat, 24 May 2008 10:30:54 -0800

I saw the immediate aftermath of this accident. I drive this route frequently. It occured, ironically, a block from the bus yard and in a block where 2 small side streets and at least 4 driveways from small shopping centers converge onto Santa Anita Ave. It is a traffic nightmare right there. Previously invisible pedestrians and bikers squirt into traffic and I have seen many near misses. I feel for the bus driver and the family of the victim.

Lindsay William-Ross

Sat, 24 May 2008 09:47:37 -0800

I agree, Will! I also think the fact that they pointed out that he had no ID on him is the police/media making it seem like the cyclist was a law-breaking derelict and therefore was a free target for the mighty bus.

Will Campbell

Sat, 24 May 2008 09:41:52 -0800

"He was not in the crosswalk..." I must say I'm genuinely perplexed as to that fact of the cyclist's location having any relevance whatsoever.