Agenda - 02-22-1999 - d2b - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

rush hour traffic would appear over that hill heading north. As I heard the first truck accelerate to go by me, I kept my eyes on the top of the upcoming hill for oncoming traffic; and I moved over to the right edge of the road from my usual riding position about three to four feet from the right edge of the pavement because I knew the truck would not give me much room with such a short space to pass. Unfortunately, luck was not with me Thursday morning. Just as the first truck passed me, a car appeared at the top of hill. I heard the second truck continue to accelerate. At that moment, I braked and headed off the road into a deep ditch full of brambles. I suffered a few scraps on my right hand, arm, and back and there was still a thorn in my hand when I got home Thursday evening, but I am writing this letter something I might not have been alive to do if I had stayed on the road as is legally my right. As I pulled myself out of the ditch, several considerate motorists stopped to ask if I was OK; but no one volunteered to track down the truck and get its license plate number or other identifying information. To be honest, that was not the first thing on my mind at that moment, either. This morning I rode to UNC again, but I left my house at loam when I knew the traffic would be lighter (i.e. the probability of a car appearing at the top of a hill going the other way at an inopportune time is lower) My heart was still in my throat whenever someone passed me. This Fall I have some teaching responsibilities which will make it necessary for me to ride during rush hour regularly. I keep telling myself it will be OK, but I believe it less than ever. Please endorse the Taskforce's bike plan and help convince our County Commissioners, State Legislators, and the DOT to make Orange County safe for bicycle commuting. Sincerely, Mark Schulz cc. Slade McCalip Margaret Brown