Everyone loses when cars and bikes collide

Your article on the trial and the latest chapter in Magnus White’s tragic death is a reminder of the devastating result when a motor vehicle impacts a cyclist. Everyone loses.

I had a close call riding my bike down Baseline from Chautauqua the following day when a vehicle rolled through a stop sign and turned onto the downhill road ahead of me. Fortunately, I was watching and was able to brake hard to avoid hitting the red pickup truck. I pulled alongside the driver at the red light at the bottom of the hill, and after my motioning to him, the older gentleman driver rolled down his window. I calmly noted that he may or may have not seen me, but he pulled out in front of me, and if not for my defensive action, we would have collided.

His response was, “Too many cyclists come down that hill at high speeds.” His turn arrow changed to green; he pulled away with an air of defiance.

As I reflected, it became obvious to me that he had seen me and my flashing front light. He was using his vehicle to make a point. I wished I had the opportunity to tell him that it would have been terrible for me to end up with a head injury and not be able to enjoy my grandchildren and an equal shame for his grandchildren to have to visit him in prison.

Let’s not be making points with our cars or with our bicycles. Neither party wins in a bike-vehicle collision. My condolences to the White family.

— Randy Culver, Boulder