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Patterson Pass Road Race-drivers on Altamont Pass Road
Mon, 08/14/2006 - 10:40pm
Did anyone else experince near misses or even brushes by trucks with horse trailers on Altamont Pass road ( the descent section )? I was hit by a truck with a horse trailer during the descent along with another rider from Alto Velo ( Rory Osbrink ).We were descending in the bike lane and the truck plowed into us just before the intersection at grant line road. The driver did not stop, however the CHP was able to get the guy after a really nice SJBC rider informed the CHP at the intersection about the incident. We were able to get a report from a rider who was just behind us that witnessed the intentional hit from the driver of the truck. Turns out the same driver that hit us was doing the same thing to riders behind us beofore his approach to our group ( honking his horn endelssly and swerving into the bike lane ) Rory and I escaped with a LOT of road rash, and both sides of my ribs are bruised from the impact. Our bikes are totalled. We were surprised that we didn't have more injuries considering the speed we were going at. Its crazy that these people are out there. We could have been killed.
I wanted to see if there were any additional people who had similar experiences or saw anything. We really need to educate the locals around there about sharing the road. PLease let me know if you have any information at all about these drivers or had a similar experience. I will pass these onto the CHP officer who is making the report.
Also, does anyone have any suggestions on the legal side to this-how go go about getting damages for my bike, etc..
Stay safe out there folks....!!
Absolutely agree, don't know if you all heard, but after the recent death of Ed Weiss in the Oakland Hills from someone coming over the double yellow we need to do everything we can to get people to see us and respect our right to use the road too.
Please keep the cycling community posted on the development and progress. He all hope you get what you need and are made whole, and at the same time we need to make sure it is not swept under the carpet.
People like this need to made an example of.
Ron
Two words: CRIMINAL CHARGES. Seriously - press 'em in addition to your $$ recovery pursuits if you haven't.
I will be in contact with you shortly. Im already in full contact wtih Matt. I've contacted a lawyer as well. I also got Travis Tonn who was the fourth guy in our group that we dropped earlier-- he also witnessed some of it and got ahold of the CHP for us.. we're lucky to have two witnesses like you guys.
I intend to get to the bottom of this, rest assured.
Matt -- I was the third guy in our group. If you or Rory or a lawyer representing either of you needs my statement shoot me an email at jeffsoup@gmail.com and I will make myself available. The CHP will include my original account in their report, but if there is ligitation or a deposition in the future they may want my version again.
I'm glad you and Rory are okay. It was a very scary crash.
Forwarded
From: Patrick Dempsey
Please pass this on to the post. As far as "going about getting damages" - HIRE A LAWYER. At the very least a letter threatening letter will get fee's paid and new bikes. However, with the witnesses he has, the CHP presence, and what happened, he should get enough money for a new bike every year for the rest of his life. It is VERY RARE that a cyclist has a witness and is able to stop the driver with a CHP, let alone even get the license number. When we do, we need to do something about it. Please press charges. I've been speaking with a man who's brother was killed last year on mines road. There were no witnesses in that case - sure would have been nice if there were. Still, it looks good for a conviction.
Also, there is no bike lane on that road. What that means is the riders are not obligated to ride to the right of the white line and the driver must wait until it is safe to pass. I realize this driver was actually coming into the shoulder to get the cyclists, but even if he had not, he would be at fault.
In the mean time I have called and shared this story with the County Supervisors office who is suppose to be helping educate the community on this sort of thing. They were also suppose to get some share the road signs out on that specific road - but have not yet done it.
-Pat
Hey just wanted to post here that I was the SJBC guy that saw it and I emailed you back that I would be happy to give my statement.
Really glad you guys are ok, my teamamte, Jeff was the one who was behind you and saw the whole thing.
I did have some of the same type of behavior directed at me, a near miss followed by some yelling on altamont.
Yes, I experienced the same crazy drivers on the third lap of the Cat 4 race. A few trucks towing trailers pulled up next to 3 of us (chasing the lead group) and started honking and yelling at us. They were driving dangerously and cussing at us for being on the roads. I would be more than happy to give more details if it helps bring justice to your unfortunate situation. I am only happy that you were able to escape this in (fairly) good shape.
-Joe
Aside from one truck drifting into the bike lane while looking at your accident, everything was fine for my race.
Reverend Dr. Jay
http://www.bicyclelawyer.com/