Woman Hit by Cyclist on Four Mile Run

[Dirt]

@Tim Kelley 21922 wrote:

The other thing I’ve noticed Pete does, is say “Thanks” after calling and making the pass. He does it every single time, regardless of whether or not the person being passed moved over or gave some recognition of hearing the call. People wearing headphones may not have even heard him, but he still says it.

Thanks Tim. When I call out a pass, it is more like a dialogue…. Sometimes one-sided, but it starts early and keeps going after the pass is complete. I’ve actually made friends by calling passes.

I completely agree that a single, brief “On your left” really doesn’t get the job done.

PS: I’m sure my conversations with people when passing are REALLY annoying to people I’m riding with ’cause they hear it over and over. Sorry about that. It’ll be something I do as long as my jaw can flap.

[pfunkallstar]

@jrenaut 21935 wrote:

1) No.
2) I think most of those commenting are automated bots that scan the internet for anything cycling related and regurgitate stereotypes.

Firstly, robots are our friends.

Secondly, Arlnow is a cesspool.

[eminva]

@Dirt 21917 wrote:

Slowing down is a great idea.

Without knowing any of the facts of this unfortunate incident, I would hesitate to speculate, but Pete’s advice to slow down is great all purpose advice in passing situations. Be ready for anything and you will not be surprised.

Liz

—
I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?wb2fif

[Terpfan]

It’s a tragic situation, but I’m not sure much could be done to avoid it. My experience is that mixing calling, bells and slowing down as needed is the most optimal approach although it’s not always possible given loud traffic or jet noises. The bell is great except with kids who seem to gravitate toward it.

Part of it is accepting risk and everyone doing their best to minimize and mitigate it. When we ride on the streets we expect traffic to treat us as vehicles as they’re required to by law, but I doubt any of us actually operates under that assumption otherwise we would all be lying in the hospital with broken bones. Similarly, on a MUP, I expect wildlife to dart out, if I’m walking I expect cyclists, and whatnot–it’s an assumed risk you take and that means you have to be more cognizant. I don’t mean to sound crass, I feel horribly for the woman and her family, I just believe crap happens sometimes.

[Greenbelt]

One thing I try to remind myself is that it’s OK to ride off trail to avoid an erratic or unexpected move on the trails. At least in most places it’s just grass, and worst case scenario if I lose it is a dirty bruise or two. (Most of the time I don’t lose it though.) I often just take to the grass anyways when there are kids on training wheels or a group of teenagers. It’s more fun and safer than coming to a complete stop, which is often the only option especially where there’s a whole peleton of kids on tiny bikes.

Of course, some of it is circumstance — trails in Prince George’s seem to have lots of strollers and walkers when the weather’s nice, but fewer bikes and high-speed runners, so it’s a little different dynamic. And I realize some of the trails in VA are much tighter and don’t have grassy or level areas on the sides.

[pfunkallstar]

Bummer: http://www.arlnow.com/2012/06/11/woman-seriously-injured-after-being-hit-by-cyclist/

Apparently the woman has passed away.

[vvill]

Very sad to hear this ended in a fatality. Horrible situation for all concerned.

I use either/both bell and voice, depending on the situation. Wondering if I should change from “on your left” now though. I usually stop pedalling (or even brake) as the hub noise does often help as well. I agree though in a situation like JimF22003 mentions I will just pass without saying too much. Usually this is in the earlier hours of the morning and any trail users that around are experienced. I’ve found that some experienced trail users will even extend their arm up in recognition of your signal, and quite a few will thank you for calling your pass.

These days, I almost always give a small wave with my right hand when moving back into the right after I’ve overtaken another trail user, just to make it clear I was aware of them, even if they didn’t seem to hear me. A “Thanks” from me also happens fairly often – usually depending on if the trail user has earphones.

[dasgeh]

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Honestly, from reading the story and comments, I could see it going either way: it’s possible that the lady didn’t hear well, was going to jump out in front of any noise and turned into the cyclist’s path just feet before he got to her, even though he was slowly passing her. It’s possible he bumped her and she just hit her head in a way that was unfortunate. It’s also possible that the cyclist was going way to fast, called the pass too late, etc. It’s possible a bell would have helped, it’s also possible it wouldn’t have. I don’t think there is a way to know.

I do think there are lessons to take away (full disclosure: I’ve only biked this area a handful of times, and not in a while). It sounds like there is an alternative path there (W&OD) but that it’s not optimal for cyclists (at grade crossings). It also sounds like there are sections of that trail that are very steep and too narrow for safe passing.

I would love to see more separation between pedestrians and cyclists, but I agree with Mark that it’s not likely to happen here in the way we see in Europe, at least any time soon. But not all hope is lost. We can make certain routes more attractive to different road users, so that while other users aren’t banned, people self select. For example, if the W&OD were made wide and smooth, with lights that are timed for cyclists and signage and pavement markings indicating that the trail is primarily for cyclists (and other trail users going faster), and FMRT were more annoying for cyclists (less smooth pavement, more twists and turns, etc) and were signed to preference other trail users, we could get the fast cyclists onto W&OD and the slower pedestrians (and cyclists, like kids) on FMRT. Another example for the R-B corridor: we could create bike-boulevards that parallel Wilson-Clarendon for cyclists heading to points beyond, and put in signage and other traffic calming to discourage cars from taking those routes. Then the W-C sidewalks could be for pedestrians and the W-C bike lanes could be for cyclists to finish their rides.

[jrenaut]

@vvill 21946 wrote:

These days, I almost always give a small wave with my right hand when moving back into the right after I’ve overtaken another trail user, just to make it clear I was aware of them, even if they didn’t seem to hear me. “Thanks” also happens fairly often – usually depending on if the trail user has earphones.

That’s a good idea, I’m going to start doing that. If I make one person less oblivious, that’s a win.

[jabberwocky]

@Terpfan 21941 wrote:

I don’t mean to sound crass, I feel horribly for the woman and her family, I just believe crap happens sometimes.

Yeah. There are limits to how much you can accommodate other peoples randomness/failure to follow rules. I’m a pretty careful cyclist on the trail, but I’ve almost hit a lot of people (and have hit a few) over the years I commuted on the W&OD. You can call, slow when passing, give as much room as possible but at some point, if someone decides to do a rapid 180 or dart into the trail without looking, well, there just isn’t much you can do to avoid them.

[consularrider]

@Greenbelt 21943 wrote:

One thing I try to remind myself is that it’s OK to ride off trail to avoid an erratic or unexpected move on the trails. At least in most places it’s just grass, and worst case scenario if I lose it is a dirty bruise or two. (Most of the time I don’t lose it though.) I often just take to the grass anyways when there are kids on training wheels or a group of teenagers. It’s more fun and safer than coming to a complete stop, which is often the only option especially where there’s a whole peleton of kids on tiny bikes.

Of course, some of it is circumstance — trails in Prince George’s seem to have lots of strollers and walkers when the weather’s nice, but fewer bikes and high-speed runners, so it’s a little different dynamic. And I realize some of the trails in VA are much tighter and don’t have grassy or level areas on the sides.

Unfortunately, where yesterday’s collision occurred, there is no option to go off on the grass. The trail is down hill with embankments on both sides (or a wall and stream).

I’ve been using this route for my daily commute for the past three plus years. The 4 Mile Run Trail here gets substantially less traffic than the parallel W&OD, but I have started seeing a couple of other bikes on a regular basis between Carlin Springs Rd and Shirlington Rd. Last year I rarely encountered another person on a bike on this almost two mile stretch. I’ve also have the impression that there has been an increase in the early morning walkers (many with dogs) and runners on this MUP as well. If the woman who died walked here regularly, I’ve probably encountered her on occasion as I head in the other direction, so I wouldn’t have been coming up behind her and calling out my pass (or ringing my bell which is my preferred option with pedestrians). I certainly see several people in her age bracket out and about during my morning commute.

[Tim Kelley]

ABC7 is reporting that the cyclist both called the pass with his voice and rang a bell:

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/06/ita-lapina-80-struck-killed-by-bicyclist-in-arlington-76872.html

They also leave out the report that she turned and stepped into the cyclist.

[rcannon100]

ARLCO Police Just Released this Statement

Elderly Female Dies After Being Struck By Bicyclist
No Charges Brought Against Bicyclist During Tragic Accident
June 12, 2012
MEDIA CONTACT: Dustin Sternbeck, 703.228.4331

June 12, 2012

ARLINGTON, Va. – A 80 year old Arlington resident was pronounced dead late yesterday afternoon at Fairfax Hospital after being struck by a bicyclist.

The Arlington County Emergency Communications Center received the initial 9-1-1 report at 7:11 a.m. on June 11, 2012, regarding a collision between a bicyclist and pedestrian on the Four Mile Run Bike Path in the area of the 4900 block of Columbia Pike. The victim sustained significant head trauma after falling backwards, striking the back of her head on the pavement. The 62 year old bicyclist remained on scene and received treatment for a minor knee injury. He did not require transport to a hospital.

According to a witness and the bicyclist, the 62 year old man was heading downhill on his Next Powerclimber bike when he saw the victim ahead of him and attempted to warn her by yelling “to your left” and ringing a bell. This is when the 80 year old woman stepped to her left and turned around to be struck head-on, causing her to fall backwards to the ground.

Ita Lapina, 80, of Arlington, VA, succumbed to the injuries she sustained during the June 11 incident. She was pronounced dead at the hospital at 6:20 p.m.

For information related to bicycle and pedestrian safety, please visit the Prevention and Safety section on the Arlington County Police Department homepage at http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Police/PoliceMain.aspx External link.

[rcannon100]

Makes me realize what a weird position cyclists are in since we don’t carry insurance like drivers do for personal injury.

We are in a bad situation regardless. It becomes a he said / she said situation. This is why I use a contour camera on my handlebars always (and am seriously thinking about mounting it on my car dashboard). If and when it happens, photographic evidence is about the best thing to quell abusive claims.

If you are in an accident – there is a WABA form you can carry, not a bad idea
* Get the name of the police officers
* Get the names of the witnesses
* Take lots of photographs, even after the fact
* Go home and write down exactly what happened
* Get medically checked out

Consider hiring an attorney if merited.

If you witness an accident, try to give your name as a witness.

Two years ago I was hit by a car at Lincoln circle. Fortunately I was not seriously hurt. I took lots of pictures. I had a police report and a witness. And fortunately SPOKES gave me an itemized estimate of what it would cost to repair my bike. GEICO, the driver’s insurance, was surprisingly easy to work with, and with the above evidence, paid for my new bike.

It is really unfortunate that this happened. Take a moment and think through what you would do if you are in an accident…. and prepare.

[ponchera]

anyone use one of these? maybe it’s loud enough to give a good heads up. Even if the person gets spooked and jumps in front of you, you’ll have enough time to brake (combined with slower speeds).

http://www.amazon.com/Megalert-Mega-Horn-Electronic-Bicycle/dp/B0017SFPQ8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pdT1_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11Y9PP3LO3RHO&colid=1AV9N86BA1Z48

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