BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

Nick, there's also a ride of silence in the works. Let's try to combine the ghost bike tribute with the ride of silence.

That's a good idea, Scott.

It might be good to communicate with the family, maybe through his MS team or employer, let them know the intent of the commemoration. Then coordinate with the local Po, let them know this is going to happen, and they can choose to participate or be conspicuously absent.

Have you google-viewed this yet, does it look like there is something near to attach a bike to or would someone actually have to drive a post?

I am not positive where on the road it happened. Do you know?

i think the best way to get people to go is to lead a group ride out of the city and up, say, saxonburg boulevard. it's a nice gentle climb out to harts run.

if that corresponds with the silent ride, all the better.

Saxonburg is the way to go. Careful on Route 8, my coworker was hit from behind right at the "share the road" sign halfway between 28 and Saxonburg. It's been the sidewalk for me ever since.

The KDKA coverage on this is excellent.

But to get to the video, I had to watch a commercial for "muscle car night" at a casino.

I was looking at a "Share the Road" sign today. It looks a lot like a picture of "a guy on my bike getting in the way of my car, and being told not to"

Nick,

The reports are conflicting. The PG story said "Harts Run near Dorseyville." Dorseyville is uphill from Saxonburg on Harts Run. The KDKA story said the rider was headed West. From Dorseyville West would be downhill, but the PG story said uphill. That makes more sense since he lived in Allison Park and worked in Fox Chapel. So my guess in up the hill from Saxonburg toward the gas station up at the corner of Harts Run and Dorseyville, but I'm not sure exactly where.

Jeff

FWIW, a friend at work who knows the victim said that the accident occurred going uphill, nearly across from the entrance to the "gated community" that's about 3/4 of the way up the hill (I don't know the name of the neighborhood).

Jim Logan organized a ride Monday morning, but I don't think I will be able to make it.

Does anyone have a preference for a time to deploy the ghost bike? Sunday evening? Monday evening?

Perhaps it would make sense to set up the bike sunday evening, then folks can leave their condolences at the bike on mondays ride?

ndromb - Please contact Meaghan Wilbur off list at

meaghan.wilbur@gmail.com

Great! Thanks, I'll be there.

I am hoping to ride along for the ghost bike install on Sunday night and film that. Would you please forward my email to the guy who posts as ndromb? he wrote in the forum that he is going to install the bike Sunday night, and I want to ask him if i can come and film.

http://bike-pgh.org/bbpress/topic/ghost-bike-on-harts-run-road

thanks!

meaghan

Sunday night it is.

I will email her. I think another film crew might be there as well.

Sunday evening works well. Can you post the particulars when you have it worked out. I'd like to ride along.

I am at work right now, but if I can I am going to get out there to scope it out. I am also talking to some people about logistics. I should have details in a few hours.

I think it would be great if the ghost bike is installed Sunday night so that it is there for the Monday AM Ride of Silence.

Jim,

Here is a link to info on the Ghost Bike Lock-Up.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131294446887134

***UPDATE***

After talking to Erok (from Bike Pittsburgh), we agreed the logistics of a group ride form the city in the evening is just too complicated (and presents too many risks) on such short notice.

At 7:30p Sunday, we are going to meet at Schenley Plaza (plenty of bicycle and car parking) in Oakland and drive up to the site. If you have a car and can drive, please drive because I know there are plenty of people that would like to attend that otherwise would be unable to.

Although this situation is not ideal, it is the best I can offer. I think it is important to remember that this is not about "bikes vs. cars"--this is about safe and responsible road use, holding dangerous people accountable for their actions, and memorializing a husband and father who had his life taken away prematurely.

If you would like to ride, by all means, you definitely should. I don't know of the best route there, and I would recommend leaving by 6:30-7.

I will have bring the Ghost Bike as well as a sign--please bring flower and candles.

I'll be driving - if anyone in the lawrenceville bloomfield area would rather not lock up at schenley and needs a ride, pm me.

I'll be at the plaza with a zipcard, should there not be enough cars to take everyone, I'll rent the Subaru across the street.

I'll be there with my car, but I might not have room with the Ghost Bike and a film maker who is coming in from New York.

I can fit 4-5 people in my car plus myself. I'm in Lawrenceville.

Just got off the phone with KDKA--they will be meeting us at Schenley plaza at 7:30.

i'll be biking up there from shadyside, most likely via saxonburg boulevard, if anyone wants to go that way.

What time do you plan on leaving?

that's a good question. when you say you're meeting in schenley plaza at 7:30, does that mean you plan to leave at 7:30?

i guess that at a reasonable, if slighty measured, pace, i would imagine i would get there in about 45 minutes. so if you'll be arriving at the site at 7:45, i would probably leave at 7.

If I make it there (not certain at this time, unfortunately), I'll be happy to drive 3 or 4 people and bikes back into the city afterward. I have a station wagon, & I think I can jury-rig tying a couple of bikes to the roof.

WPXI carried the Ghost Bike Event on their news segment this morning. Schenley Plaza, 7:30 p.m. A nice piece.

The goal is to be at the site at 8:30. I figure if we meet to car pool at 7:30, everyone should be there by a little before 8, and then head out.

David, I asked when you were leaving because I think there are some other interested in riding.

The original plan was to try to lead a group ride up there, but with my calculations a slow paced ride keeping the group together would be ~1h 45m. Plus, I couldn't find anyone very familiar with the road, so I decided to err on the side of caution and plan a caravan.

I think seeing mixed forms of transportation will also help in showing people that this isn't an issue of car vs bike, but an issue of general safety, responsibility, and accountability.

For those thinking about riding to the site, Saxonburg Blvd is your best bet.

Link to google map:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Butler+St&daddr=40.497337,-79.943047+to:Saxonburg+Blvd,+Pittsburgh,+PA+15238&hl=en&geocode=FXCmaQIdIPk7-w%3B%3BFdzyagIdhr48-ymfJvK-rpE0iDEhpreDyDignQ&mra=dme&mrcr=0,1&mrsp=1&sz=16&sll=40.496652,-79.939206&sspn=0.009138,0.01929&ie=UTF8&ll=40.50543,-79.940085&spn=0.009137,0.01929&z=16

I'd recommend the sidewalk on Route 8 until the intersection at Saxonburg.

I'm planning on riding over as well, passing through L-ville around 7:30.

I will also second the Saxonburg Blvd. route. It's a pretty flat route from there to Harts Run Rd. The only thing I would be cautious of is that I believe the shoulders are pretty narrow and the road is pretty winding.

Just be careful out there, like I've said before I'm not sure Indiana Township people may not be as comfortable sharing the road as city drivers. Check your backs often.

I hope to be there myself.

Nick, are you riding or car pooling with us?

bikeygirl or other lawrencevillians... are you still planning on car-pooling straight from larryville?

if so, may i join you?

i live at 49th and hatfield but can meet people somewhere, too...

Looks like a definite from me for tonight, with the car, both ways. I plan on detouring thru Schenley Plaza on the way. Have station wagon & seats for four. Can tie bikes on roof, if desired.

I'm leaving from lawrenceville to schenley then to harts run.

Rachel - I can pick you up if you need a ride.

Hi Rob -

I live at 49th and Hatfield. I could meet you somewhere in Larryville if this is out of your way. Just let me know. Thank you!

I'll be at Schenley at 7:20 or so, a bit early to make sure I have a ride.

Rachel - I'll just pick you up from your place, I'm in a blue subaru impreza with jersey plates, be at your place around 7.

Ok, Rob. There may be 1 more person with me (just pm'd you about that). Thanks again. See you soon.

Yes!!!! I live on 52nd Street & can pick people on the way!

Hadn't checked this until now (was at movie theater), but leaving at 7:10 from lawrenceville

PS: If people want to carpool from Schenly instead too, I'll have an empty car (I guess) and we can economize on the driving from there.

Will I have a ride if I'm at Schenley Plaza at 7:20?

I don't think anyone plans on leaving schenley until 730, so I'd say yes.

Nick, I plan on riding from my old Indiana Twp. home. Might need to hitch a ride back, but it's not all too far away.

Is the plan to meet at the site along the road at 8:30 then?

I'm here, no one else is, and there are 2-KDKA trucks..., anyone else coming?

Story was on KDKA at 10 o'clock news.

Can someone provide details on the memorial ride scheduled for tomorrow at 7 a.m. as mentioned on WPXI 11 p.m. news tonight?

1) Where is the start?:

- Waterworks Mall, Pittsburgh PA (Works iin Google Maps) near Dollar Bank (upstream end, as the Allegheny flow).

- Use this address for GPS or directions: 1010 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA.

2. What is our planned route? See http://www.jameslogan.me/files/AlleghenyCounty0RideOfSilence-20100531.pdf

3. Is the route hilly? Yes. There are three main climbs (a) climbing the ridge behind Fox Chapel (b) Harts Run Rd (c) Fox Chapel Rd

4. Is this a personal memorial ride for Donald Parker? No. I have not been in contact with his family and friends. This is a community Ride of Silence, the events of Donald's death while encouraging same. On the other hand, to the extent that Donald's family and friends do participate, we will follow their wishes as to whether they wish to speak in memory of Donald and any messages they wish to convey

5. What are the rules of the road?

- We ride slow. Under 12 mph, and slower on the ascents.

- In encourage we ride single file when "in transit" to and from Harts Run Rd. Let's make a statement by how many riders we have out rather than by blocking road.

- Follow Pennsylvania vehicle laws concerning bicycles (http://www.dot.state.pa.us/BIKE/WEB/bikelaws.htm). That includes riding as far right on the roadway as is safe.

- Is it safe to ride on the berms on most of the roads we are riding? No, and therefore under PA law the proper place to ride is on the road surface, as far right as is safe for all parties. Note that this also means that if passing is not safe, it is appropriate for a cyclist to assert the middle of the lane, as further to the right is not safe for all parties.

- I ask that riders of any or all Pittsburgh road cycling clubs wear their club colors and act as safety marshalls on this ride, keeping all riders safe.

6. Do the Indiana Twp Police know we are coming?

- Yes. I stopped and talked to an officer yesterday. Please be respectful and thankful of any police officers we meet. Let's make a statement by our numbers, not so much by what we stay.

6. Who is responsible for contacting the media and letting them know of this Ride of Silence?

- You are. To the extent that you have contacts in the media or the events of a cyclist being killed while commuting moves you, Please contact our local media, then them know of this Ride of Silence, and that we Pittsburgh cyclists encourage Allegheny County to make roads safer for all commuters, both cyclists and motorists. Given a cyclist was killed on the route we are cycling today, perhaps this is a good example of roads that should be made safer for commuters.

Jim Logan

Ride Committee Chair

Western PA Wheelmen

Memorial Day Ride of Silence in Memory of Donald Parker

On Thursday May 27th Donald Parker, 52, of Clearfield Rd, Hampton Twp, was struck by a car and died while commuting (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10148/1061316-54.stm) . The Western PA Wheelmen and Bike Pgh are endorsing a Ride of Silence (http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php ) that will ride portions of Don's commuting route. We will start at the Waterworks Mall in Fox Chapel and ride to the Intersection of Harts Run Rd and Saxonburg Blvd. At that point the we will turn around, and the official Ride of Silence will start, as Don was struck and killed climbing the hill on Harts Run Rd from Saxonburg Blvd to Dorseyville Rd. Approximately there-and-back mileage is 16 miles.

Donald Parker was captain of the Aptech MS150 team.

You are encouraged to wear a black arm im memoriam of riders killed, and a red arm band if you have been injured by a motorist.

Plan:

- We assembly at the Waterworks Mall Parking in Fox Chapel lot near the Dollar Bank end of the parking lot at 6:45 AM, leaving at 7:00 AM.

- We ride the 8 miles to Harts Run Rd and Saxonburg Blvd.

- Those who wish to ride a shorter distance should meet us at the intersection of Harts Run Rd and Saxonburg Blvd at approximately 7:45 AM.

- On the return, we will ride silently from from Saxonburg Blvd to Harts Run Rd in memory of Donald and other riders killed by vehicles.

- We will ride as a group, slowly there and back, at least until we get to the top of the descrent back down Fox Chapel Rd.

- Please treat this ride with the dignity it deserves.

- Helmets required.

- We will recruit road marshalls for the front and rear of the group the day of the ride.

What is a Ride of Silence?

Cyclists riding slowly (no faster than 12 MPH) in silence (public assembly) and support of the below goals:

o Mourning those cyclists killed or injured

o Cycling is not going to be chased or intimidated off the streets we legally share

o Cyclists want only to share the road with motorists

o Making motorists aware of the life long legal, as well as life changing, problems that can ensue from killing a cyclist

Also Scott Bricker at Bike-Pgh reports and encourages:

The bill that has been proposed in PA is a 4-foot passing law - please call your state reps and senators to support them:

(HB1110) require motorists give four feet passing clearance and (HB1109) makes recklessly endangering bicyclists a misdemeanor . Contact your State Senator asking to support (SB776) which is the Senate version of the four foot passing bill.

What Jim Logan says:

I didn't know Donald Parker, but I lived for a decade in Harmarville, and I used to lead club rides for the Western PA Wheelmen out in the region where Donald died. .

I wish to express my sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald Parker, on behalf of myself, the Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen (www.wpwbikeclub.org), and all cyclists in Western Pennsylvania.

"The City of Pittsburgh recently received League of American Bicyclists Bronze bike-friendly status (www.bike-pgh.org). I look forward to the day all of Allegheny County can be considered both bike friendly and safe for cyclists. The Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen, like many PA and national bike clubs support a 4-foot rule, that it must be legal to pass a cyclist only when it possible to do so when cars can leave a 4 ft gap when passing. Bicycles are vehicles allowed to use roads under Pennsylvania law, and motorists should understand that. Under Pennsylvania vehicle laws pertaining to bicycles (http://www.dot.state.pa.us/BIKE/WEB/bikelaws.htm), bicycles have legal access to roads, though they must follow the same laws as other slow moving traffic and stay" as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway". Since our road berms are often bad or non-existent, the safest right-most area of the road is usually the road surface in Allegheny County.

As to bicycle safety, the laws of Pennsylvania require reflectors and lights after dark, but this accident reportedly happened an hour after sunrise. I often cycle at dawn and dusk and even through the night, because my passion for cycling includes randonneuring (ultra-distance round the clock riding. www.pittsburgh-randonneurs.com). The one advice that I can offer is that I often run with my rear and front lights on during overcast or rainy days, to increase my visibility to cars. However, I remember this morning as being bright and clear, and that wouldn't have helped much. Other than that, all a cyclist can do is use a mirror and listen to over-taking traffic, looking and listening for signals that a driver is driving dangerously - and dive off the road to save your life as appropriate. I had to do that once last weekend. The laws of Pennsylvania say cyclists shouldn't have to do that.

Regards

Jim Logan

Ride Commitee Chair, Western PA Wheelmen

LPXXV

215 Lindenwood Dr

Pittsburgh, PA 15209

412-580-8575

Photos from the lock-up: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjdlc/sets/72157624046084025/

Thanks to all who came.

I'm glad you guys made it out.

Seeing his son tore me up. I hope that his family is ok with what we did tonight.

I really hope this is the last one.

http://kdka.com/local/Don.Parker.memorial.2.1724167.html

robjdlc- Thanks for the pictures. I teared up while looking at them. I will take the opportunity to forward that to a few people, but unfortuntely I don't know anyone who REALLY needs to see the pictures and read it.

Thank you to everyone involved with doing this.

I think maybe the Allegheny Co. Police need to see this and read it, that would be a start.

Another thanks to everone who went out. And kudos to KDKA for giving it the attention it deserves.

Sorry I couldn't make it--looks like both events had a pretty good turnout. The KDKA story was really good.

I live half a mile from the place where Don Parker was killed. I was both shocked by the tragedy which occurred so close to home, and also moved by the response from the cycling community.

I removed the dead flowers from the ghost bike tonight and composted them because they were beginning to rot. If anyone has a use for the flower pots, please post on this board and I will arrange for you to pick them up.

I would like to know how long people think the shirt should remain on the ghost bike. I think it should be removed before it becomes too grubby and weathered, so that it does not detract from the dignity of the memorial. Do other people have an opinion?

What I have been doing with the ghost bike in Oakland is removing things that people could use to reason the bike as an "eyesore". So, if the shirt is weathers and beaten, I don't think anyone would mind if you remove it.