[SZonian]

However, we do know that the car was traveling fast enough to kill a cyclist, and that the driver was not paying due attention at the time.

A bike rider can sustain substantial head injuries from a fall at any speed. Yes, the driver hitting the cyclist precipitated the event, but if the rider had gone on the cheap with her helmet, it may be a contributing cause. I've seen folks spend over $250 for a pair of cycling shoes and $35 for a helmet. Which do you think is worth more?

SZ

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

Those are both good points.

Many cyclists are more concerned about looking good than safety issues. Some of them (I should say "us" as I cycle as well as drive) also ride in a cavalier fashion -- weaving though traffic, running stop signs, riding in packs, etc. Children do it out of ignorance -- adult cyclists should be more responsible.

As I said to robertpaulsen none of us have enough information to act as jurors. Also, I would credit the driver for, at least, admitting to his inattention; rather than concocting some story that would have left him blameless. That is a strong indicator that he wasn't being maliciously negligent.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

Those are both good points.

Many cyclists are more concerned about looking good than safety issues. Some of them (I should say "us" as I cycle as well as drive) also ride in a cavalier fashion -- weaving though traffic, running stop signs, riding in packs, etc. Children do it out of ignorance -- adult cyclists should be more responsible.

As I said to robertpaulsen none of us have enough information to act as jurors. Also, I would credit the driver for, at least, admitting to his inattention; rather than concocting some story that would have left him blameless. That is a strong indicator that he wasn't being maliciously negligent.