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An Advocacy Request from Nancy Sawyer
Posted by Henry Scott on July 19, 2008
The following was posted on Pat’s website (thanks for posting the link Nate!) by his wife Nancy:
If you’d like to help me and Patrick right now, please consider how we can make this community more bicycle-friendly and bicycle-safe; a place where both cyclists and drivers can peacefully and safely co-exist. To begin with, community awareness needs to be raised. I want Patrick’s accident to be the catalyst that brings about important changes. Brainstorm what can be done. Please consider writing to the South Bend Tribune’s opinion page on this issue. Here is the contact info:
Voice of the People c/o
The South Bend Tribune
225 W. Colfax Ave.
South Bend, IN 46626E-mail: vop@sbtinfo.com
Fax: (574)236-1765
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Henry Scott said
I submitted my VOP piece this morning.
I found it very hard, with so few words, to convey the many things that come to mind regarding this horrible accident. I couldn’t help but point my finger at careless drivers… not sure that was a productive approach.
It occurs to me that it may be useful for those still planning to write letters to see submissions that have already been made in order to fill rhetorical gaps. (I’m assuming that the Tribune will publish many letters on the same day– this may not be accurate).
If you’re so inclined, please consider adding your letter for others to see.
Here’s mine (submitted Sunday morning, 7/20):
With rising gas prices, increasing awareness of environmental issues, and more people trying to improve and maintain their physical fitness, it should not be surprising that more bicycles are on the roads of Michiana.
Although South Bend has been improving its infrastructure to accommodate cyclists, Pat Sawyer’s accident reminds us that much greater steps are needed. As has previously been discussed in the VOP and the Tribune’s “Our Opinion” piece, education is needed for both cyclists and motorists alike.
Unfortunately, Pat’s accident demonstrates the extreme vulnerability of cyclists to the mistakes of motorists. Motorists need to respect bicyclist’s rights on the road, better appreciate their vehicle’s destructive ability, and recognize their responsibility to be fully aware while driving. Motorists should be prepared to interact with pedestrians, slow moving vehicles and unexpected situations. Distracted drivers risk not only fender benders, but the lives and well being of others. Many motorists are way too cavalier in how they manage such a grave risk.
Jerry Hinnefeld said
Thanks for setting this up, Henry. I also found this a very difficult letter to compose, and I’m not sure I’ve taken the right approach. In talking specifically about Pat’s incident, I really feel compelled to point out that Pat was doing everything right and the driver was grossly negligent. Maybe someone should use the opportunity, though, to push the local governments to move more aggressively to create a comprehensive network of bike lanes, bike paths, and “share-the-road” routes.
At any rate, here’s what I’ve composed. I haven’t submitted it yet.
—————————
The tragic incident last Wednesday, in which a motorist struck Patrick Sawyer from behind as he bicycled along Cleveland Rd. and then fled the scene, hits close to home for those of us who are bike commuters. By all accounts, Pat was doing everything right. He was at the right edge of the roadway, his bike was equipped with lights, and he was even wearing a reflective vest. Nevertheless, this motorist either somehow failed to see Pat or profoundly misjudged the clearance between his own vehicle and Pat’s.
Statistically, this category of car-bike collision is very rare, and I have always believed that all I need to do to avoid it is to make sure I can be seen. This assumes, of course, that the drivers overtaking me are not malevolent or grossly inattentive or incompetent. I always thought this was a safe bet.
It would only compound the tragedy of Pat’s story if the
message received by those who hear it is that bicycling is dangerous. The real message should be that an incompetent or inattentive driver caused terrible injury to a lawful and careful user of the public roadway, and grief to his family and friends.
Matt Mooney said
Here is my message to VOP:
Today the Michiana cycling community lost a good friend, Patrick Sawyer. My hope is drivers will look at this tragedy and as a result slow down and pay attention to the task of driving. The number of drivers speeding through our town and neighborhoods seems to be at an all-time high. Add to this speed the number of drivers talking on cell phones, sending text messages, and other forms of multitasking, the chances for an error while driving greatly increases. Patrick’s death is a painful reminder of the deadly power of a vehicle. Children have lost their father, a wife has lost her husband, Michiana has lost a member of our community.
Please slow down and drive responsibly.