Bicyclist Killed by City Truck in the West Valley
Thread started by
HappyLand at 06.1.09 - 2:19 pm
Yes, another one.
Goddammit.
"A Los Angeles Department of Water & Power truck struck and killed a cyclist this afternoon in the Lake Balboa area. A woman in her 30s was riding her bicycle when the truck, attempting to make a right turn, ran into her shortly after 12 p.m., said Devin Gales, a spokesman with the LA Fire Department. Paramedics responded finding her trapped under the truck, located at 7447 N. Louise Avenue. The driver was a private contractor doing work on behalf of LADWP, a department spokesperson said. Further details are pending an investigation."
http://laist.com/2009/06/01/bicyclist_killed_by_la_city_truck_i.php
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Right around the corner from my house, also just down the street from atomic cycles.
People need to look before they turn in this city. I didn't know that turning was such a hard thing to accomplish in a car. Seems like every week someone get killed by a car turning in this city.
Maybe they need to scrap the click-it and ticket PSA and do some, Look where your fucking going PSA's
thegodofthor06.1.09 - 2:22 pm
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damn.... another ghost bike.... that's three this year......
Roadblock responding to a
comment by thegodofthor
06.1.09 - 2:25 pm
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What a shame. L.A. certainly should not be such a dangerous place for cyclists.
Why don't we make our own PSA and pass it on to anyone and everyone? who better than the people that ride the streets daily? and, it would certainly be fun.
kryxtanicole responding to a
comment by KiMS1
06.1.09 - 5:24 pm
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great idea actually.
so, what's up with a ghost bike and more media attention/die in ride...
Roadblock responding to a
comment by kryxtanicole
06.1.09 - 5:29 pm
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These private contractors are always a piece of work.
You've either got the companies who run the DAC records and require massive amounts of experience from potential drivers.
Then the real, rag-tag companies that could care less how many rollovers and collisions the driver was involved in, as long as they need to fill a seat, they'll throw anybody in.
That's why whenever I'm near any semis, or large trucks in general, I make it a habit to shout up to the driver anything that will catch their attention.
As a guy who drove the beasts of the road, these things aren't no picnic and losing concentration for a few seconds will end up in tragedies like this one.
bentstrider06.1.09 - 7:31 pm
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dis sucks. right in our own back yard(818).
sancho106.1.09 - 10:42 pm
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Everyone, please be aware of the right hook when you have motor vehicles on your left! It's surprising how fast a truck of
any size can make a right turn especially if they don't think anything is in their way.
wiz_vanmeter06.1.09 - 11:17 pm
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http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12498845
Car hits, drags woman waiting at bus stop
Area residents try to save her
Posted: 06/01/2009 08:20:57 PM PDT
Updated: 06/01/2009 08:23:40 PM PDT
VAN NUYS-A 25-year-old woman was critically hurt Monday after a car plowed into a bus stop in Van Nuys and dragged her body several feet across pavement, ivy and over bushes before it came to a stop between a tree and a power pole, police said.
Residents from a nearby apartment complex who saw the accident just after 4:30 p.m. along the 14000 block of West Vanowen Street and Tyron Avenue rushed to scene, lifted the car, and pulled her out from under it and revived her, said Sgt. Cameron Dunnet for the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division.
She was taken to Valley Presbyterian Hospital, though her condition was unknown, he said.
"Based on what we heard officers at the scene say, it was chaotic madness because of traffic and just what happened," Dunnet said. "Everybody is in shock and the bus bench is in a million pieces."
The driver of the four door Infinity Sedan also was taken to a hospital, though it was unclear of his condition.
Dunnet said it also was unclear why the driver lost control.
Three other women, ranging in age from 23 to 30 also suffered minor injuries as a result of the accident, said Devin Gales of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by wiz_vanmeter
06.1.09 - 11:20 pm
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I have a bike ready to donate to be used as a ghost bike
aksendz06.1.09 - 11:54 pm
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Not a good day on the People vs. Large Vehicles front. This one's a pedestrian, not a biker.
I'm a little turned around by the above news piece. South Pacific Avenue ... I don't know of (and couldn't find) a SOUTH Pacific in Venice (though there is a South Pacific in Glendale). Unless they just mean the southern stretch of where Pacific Avenue passes through Venice on its way to Marina Del Rey.
katiepoche06.2.09 - 2:25 am
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I got some additional info about what the LAPD says happened yesterday.
Some of this is questionable, since it was said she was riding on the side walk (legal but not smart) does the sidewalk have a right of way?
This is a small segment of a larger letter that I got from my District 12 council members office.
"This collision is still under review by the Specialized Collision Investigation Detail (SCID). That will take some time to get done. Unfortunately, this is a no-win situation. The bicyclist was reportedly riding on the wrong side of the roadway and traveling against the traffic flow; making her the initial "primary cause" of this tragedy. She was reported by LAPD sources..as a parole-at-large and a known meth user..as well. That said, the SCID will cause the necessary investigation(s) to be conducted to determine the collision factors. But, as you indicated..let's get a traffic expert to take a close look at this portion of Louise and get some additional traffic enforcement in the area."
If you want to see my entire exchange let me know. there's some interesting stuff.
What is sad, is I know now exactly who this is. I've seen her at my local 7/11 at the pay phone.
thegodofthor06.2.09 - 2:47 pm
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Beware of public safety standards that take into account the victims "history" and distract from the simple fact that lives were lost yesterday. Do we look out for everybody? Do any of us qualify for consideration? Is the full protection of our community reserved for those who are worthy?
To discuss the victim's past in advance of any investigation is beyond contempt.
A Cyclist is dead. How do we work together to prevent this from happening again.
Today I was at City Council and the DWP looking for solutions. Apparently Councilman Smith was going through the victims trash.
SoapBoxLA06.2.09 - 3:10 pm
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Very good points. Lets see if they have the criminal records for the driver of the truck too. I'm going to email back see about that.
thegodofthor responding to a
comment by SoapBoxLA
06.2.09 - 3:27 pm
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SFV Critical Mass will be stopping at the crash site tongiht. Bring candles or anything to respectfully leave at the scene. Late notice for a ghost bike, but maybe we can get one together for a ride later this week. The crash was on a side street, and she may not have been one of us but a rider down is a rider down and any awareness is good awareness.
Destroyer06.2.09 - 3:28 pm
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No matter who was at fault someone got killed. Blame doesn't have to assigned and fingers dont have to be pointed. The idea is to make the city aware of just how dangerous this city is for cyclists.
This event and countless others in the last few months regardless of who was at fault are the perfect evidence to use when speaking in front of the city council or the DOT to convince them to take some steps to make the city safer.
stillline06.2.09 - 3:38 pm
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You wana make the city safer? Raise the taxes on the sale of gas. There, done, the city will be safer, and it hardly cost the city anything to implement it. No long term feasibility study groups, and planning commissions. Win / win situation.
User1 responding to a
comment by stillline
06.2.09 - 4:38 pm
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"You wana make the city safer? Raise the taxes on the sale of gas. There, done, the city will be safer, and it hardly cost the city anything to implement it."
amen. it would not only hardly cost anything, it would make the city billions in a few short years...
Roadblock responding to a
comment by User1
06.2.09 - 8:08 pm
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It would also be great for gas stations in Beverly Hills, Culver City, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and all the other cities that aren't Los Angeles proper and therefore won't be affected by a citywide tax.
dokydoky responding to a
comment by Roadblock
06.2.09 - 8:56 pm
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+1
please post the whole exchange!
User1 responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
06.3.09 - 1:56 pm
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So what's the deal on this rida? What's her name? Is there going to be a ghostbike put up? Or we are starting to judge who's worthy and who's not?
Please inform!!
User106.5.09 - 11:13 am
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User 1, I got a scarp bike we can use.
I just don't know how to actually make one.
did you work on the echo park ghost bike
aksendz responding to a
comment by User1
06.5.09 - 11:24 am
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I got a frame from Paul. I was supposed to be working on it this morning, but I just woke up. I have paint. All I need is a saddle, seatpost, and a chain.
danya responding to a
comment by User1
06.5.09 - 11:25 am
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i got a saddle danya i'll probably be in the valley later if so i'll bring it
you going to polo?
steph responding to a
comment by danya
06.5.09 - 11:28 am
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Of course I am! I'll be there with the little sibs.
danya responding to a
comment by steph
06.5.09 - 11:40 am
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I feel like the most dangerous way to ride is on the sidewalk (with traffic) or way off on the right side of the roadway. Cal Veh Code allows for cyclists to "take the lane" when approaching an intersection where a right turn is permitted. In other words, you can almost always ride in the middle of the lane in the city, because there's always a right turn coming up. This prevents the situation where a large truck turns right into a cyclist.
alexdc06.5.09 - 11:47 am
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whatever kind of bike you decide to put up, be sure that each component has at least a couple of tack welds on it. this may discourage theft. id hate to see it on CL a day after its put up.
sancho106.5.09 - 11:52 am
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There were already friends and family with candles/flowers/pictures at the accident site when SFVCM rolled up. They were able to tell us about the rider, sorry I don't remember her name, but she was turning her life around and was on the way home from computer class when she was hit. They said he loved riding her bike and would often be seen riding around the block/neighborhood.
Destroyer06.5.09 - 11:59 am
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I have a bunch of JB weld. It's going everywhere grease normally goes.
danya responding to a
comment by sancho1
06.5.09 - 12:13 pm
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Her last na,e was Davidson, I think her first name was Sandy.
danya responding to a
comment by Destroyer
06.5.09 - 12:14 pm
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You don't need welds on the bike. Just make sure the parts are complete crap parts. For example the wheels are steel and bent, the seat is broken, parts are made of steel, frame is drilled through, etc, etc.
User1 responding to a
comment by sancho1
06.5.09 - 12:36 pm
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would it be too harsh and too soon to use the bike she was on?
aksendz responding to a
comment by User1
06.5.09 - 12:40 pm
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Years ago I was sideswiped by a car making a quick right in front of me.
fortunately I was able to turn right with the car.
My left arm suffered a huge gash, many stiches.
the old cars had sharp metal trim on them.
of course the driver sped off.
I learned to allways look back to the left when I am approaching cross streets,
Dedicated818 responding to a
comment by alexdc
06.5.09 - 12:56 pm
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I have scrap parts for anything you need incl wheels/tires & chain.
Todd
2zRescue06.5.09 - 12:56 pm
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That would be an interesting proposition. I'm not sure what the family would think. It would make a very visual statement, cause the bike was all crunched up. Do you have access to the bike, or is this just hypothetical?
Let's make sure that Sandy Davidson was her name, yeah? Nothing more embarrassing than a wrong name or a misspelled name.
User1 responding to a
comment by aksendz
06.5.09 - 2:01 pm
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hypothetical.
can someone find a way to contact the family?
aksendz responding to a
comment by User1
06.5.09 - 2:19 pm
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I would start out asking the local paper to see if you could track down the family that way. Contact the person that wrote the stories seen would be another.
User1 responding to a
comment by aksendz
06.5.09 - 2:30 pm
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So what's the deal on this rida? Tomorrow is going to be two weeks since someone posted regarding this. Have people decided to pass on doing anything?
Please inform!!
User106.18.09 - 11:24 pm
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Actually it has been two weeks since anyone posted regarding this.
User106.18.09 - 11:25 pm
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U1,
I told you I had the name of the cyclist I don't. However, the person to talk to is LAPD West Valley Area, Valley Traffic Division Motor Liaison Officer, Tim Gallick (818.756.9203 #4), according to the Council office. Given the harsh words I've had for the LAPD over this crash, I'm probably the wrong person to call and get the cyclists' name. At this point it should be public information.
daymen06.19.09 - 3:59 pm
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Thanks, I'll call this guy tomorrow. Looks like the responsibility for the ghost bike is falling on me since everyone has dropped the ball on this. Nice work 818!
User1 responding to a
comment by daymen
06.19.09 - 4:03 pm
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OK I left a message and asked for a call back. Hopefully I'll get a call back next week sometime. In the mean time I'll email Mr. Box and see if he has anything.
User106.20.09 - 4:14 pm
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Is there a picture of the ghost bike anywhere?
alicestrong08.9.09 - 8:02 pm
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The bike hasn't been put up yet. I'm having a hard time coming up with budgeting a 14-16 hr day for this. 3 hours would be just riding on the train. The rest would be putting it together. I haven't given up though. Another thing too, I'm having trouble finding out her name. Need to confirm the name Sandy Davidson before I put it up. The rest I can do.
User1 responding to a
comment by alicestrong
08.10.09 - 6:12 pm
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There's a ghost bike there, I gave a bike to Bike polo Sarah but I see some other bike is there, it's been handled it seems. Just FYI. It's been up for well over a month, the scrappers have not stolen it yet, I'm surprised.
rev106 responding to a
comment by User1
08.12.09 - 6:36 am
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I heard there was a bike there, I just assumed User1 put it up...
I wonder who did it?
Cool that someone did!
alicestrong responding to a
comment by rev106
08.12.09 - 8:56 am
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Yeah, it'd be nice to see a pic of it. Glad someone did this too.
User1 responding to a
comment by alicestrong
08.12.09 - 12:03 pm
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Yeah, I majorly dropped the ball on that one- I only ended up getting the bike about halfway finished before I had to start cleaning out my house for the new tenants, and then I went to PDX. The one you gave me is now on standby- unfortunately, I have a feeling it'll be needed before too long.
danya responding to a
comment by rev106
08.12.09 - 12:09 pm
reply
No doubt it will, I'll try and remember to snap a pic of it as it's right around the corner from my shop.
rev106 responding to a
comment by danya
08.13.09 - 8:21 am
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Is the ghost bike right at 7447 N. Louise Avenue? I'd like to grab a few shots of it if I can.
daymen08.25.09 - 2:10 pm
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The intersection was Valerio St and Louise Ave.
User1 responding to a
comment by daymen
08.25.09 - 5:59 pm
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And sadly the Ghost Bike is gone again. If anyone has a pic, and doesn't mind passing it on for use on Streetsblog, drop me a line at damien@streetsblog.org
daymen08.26.09 - 11:51 am
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