Cyclist paralyzed in biking accident killed while riding an adaptive bike donated to him

http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-ap-berks-county-handicapped-bicycl20100924,0,7662015.story ^

[Red in Blue PA]

A Berks County man paralyzed in a bicycling accident several years ago was killed Thursday when he collided with an ambulance near his home while riding an adaptive cycle recently donated to him.

Stephen B. Johnson, 49, of Exeter Township, was riding the three-wheel cycle modified for people with leg paralysis west on Rugby Road in Exeter Township when he veered into the path of the ambulance, according to police.

The ambulance was returning to its station from a call and was not carrying any patients, police said.

[Red in Blue PA]

This is the reason I almost exclusively mountain bike now.

[red-dawg]

Oh well. If at first you don’t succeed....

[umgud]

The apparent hardcore cyclists in my area seem to me to be rude, inconsiderate, obnoxious and clearly feel they own any road they’re on.

Hope he wasn’t one of them.

[yesca]

"Oh, da' iz all da; same, beleeb me!"

[E. Pluribus Unum]

If at first you don’t succeed...

[LadyBuck]

And here I was worried my comments in the parachuting thread were borderline tasteless...

You pole-vaulted the line, Dude (still pretty funny, though!)

[mlizzy]

My BIL biked across America several summers ago. I have no idea how he did it. It’s tough for cyclists on the road. I can see why you mountain bike.

[svcw]

I would agree with that.

[Red in Blue PA]

The sad part is that you guys think you are humorous.

[LadyBuck]

Come to Eastern IA - we have miles and miles of wonderful trails (and some actually get you where you want to go).

[super7man]

Sounds like this guy had the wrong hobby.

Regarding hardcore cyclists, here in California there are these road signs that say “Share the road.” and have a picture of a bike on them. I have always assumed that sign is directed at the cyclists, not the cars.

[softwarecreator]

I totally agree.  In my area there is a long street which has a 45 mph speed limit. It is just one lane and there is no turnoff.  I routinely have cyclists in the middle of the street driving at a brisk 15 mph while traffic backs up for blocks.  Some day there will be a motorist having a very bad day and ...

[FlingWingFlyer]

When is the nanny state going to finally ban those dangerous things?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

The sad part is that you guys think you are humorous.

So, does your outrage change anything?

Is he alive now?

[swarthyguy]

Just the other day, had 3 bicyclists in front of me, all abreast in a 35 mph zone, aware I was behind them and refused to go single file.

Took a risk and passed them on the double yellow.

Pompous, selfrighteous JERKS.

[Secret Agent Man]

If it saves just one life, right? That’s the litmus test for the leftists to ban things.

[Myrddin]

Oh well. If at first you don’t succeed....

Then don't take up skydiving.

[red-dawg]

If it was an inattentive or careless driver that killed him then it wouldn’t be, but it was a freakin’ AMBULANCE that the victim got in front of. Dripping with irony.

[Darksheare]

Had a guy on Old Mine Road riding dead center of my lane.
No, he didn’t move.
No, he clearly expected me to drive into oncoming traffic.
He was verbally reminded that he’s supposed to move over for traffic.
He muttered something as we drove past him.

I wished a truck was coming along behind me... and that’s bad considering I bike that road myself!
Difference being, I’m not in the middle of the road!

[GladesGuru]

“Is he alive now?”

Him dead.

Since he was reported to have “veered into the path of an ambulance”, perhaps he had just decided to quit and twisted the handlebars. He was, after all, an experienced cyclist.

If so, and had the impact not been fatal, what better wreck to be in from the point of immediate pain control/medical help.