Sad News - Bicyclist David Meek Killed During Morning Commut

[Schaarschmidt]

Chattanooga cyclist David Meek was killed early this morning on his commute, when he was struck by a box truck.

The driver of the truck stated that he never saw David. The police have not charged the truck driver with any offense, despite what would appear to be a clear violation of the Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act of 2007 which provides that "the operator of a motor vehicle when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet (3') and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle."

David had just yesterday sent out a message to friends, noting the weather had improved and encouraging them to commute to work by bike. In the post he wrote, "No this is not an official Bike2Work event where we are enticed to ride to work by fine food and prizes. This is just ride your bike to work for fun and adventure. Tomorrow promises to be a beautiful day. Its the next day of the rest of your life. See you on the road."

David was the founder and owner of Privater Bicycles.

David has been a member of SORBA-Chattanooga and president of the Chattanooga Bike Club.

David will be missed.

Chattanoogan Article

Chattanooga News Channel 3 coverage

Chattanooga News Channel 9 coverage

Chattanooga News Channel 12 coverage

[mtnbikingattitude]

No!
I'm stunned.
Gonna miss you David.

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Cyclists Pay Respects

Chattanoogan Article: Bicyclists Take Part In Funeral For David Meek

Pictures from the article:





News Channel 3: Meek Memorial


Grand Jury To Determine If Charges Should Be Filed in David Meek's Death

Chattanoogan Article: City Police Will Take Case To Grand Jury On Biker Death

News Channel 9: Grand Jury to Consider Bicyclist Death Case

News Channel 12: Death Of Bicyclist, David Meek, May Generate "Road Rules" Education Campaign

Editorial

Local rider/commuter Colleen Carboni: I rode my bike today

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Recent Chattanooga article confirms what everyone who knew David's riding habits already knew, David's bike was equipped with a red blinky light at the time he was struck and killed.

However, according to the article the police report states the driver, ""could have seen the bike, but it is not likely that he should have seen the bike." (underline added) Link to article: http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_146660.asp

Editorial: I find this statement very disturbing. It suggests that the officer doesn't understand or believe that motorized vehicles are required to be on the lookout for cyclists, as they are for other motorized vehicles who are legitimately using the roads. I am deeply concerned that this matter will be dumped in the grand jury, and no charges, not even a violation of the Three Foot Law will be charged. The Three Foot Law, much like a speeding ticket, does not require a mens rea (specific mental state) to commit the violation. The mere fact the violation occurred is enough to be charged and convicted. Clearly the truck driver violated this law or David would be alive today. Yet no citation has been issued according to media accounts.

The relevant law:

SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-8-175 is amended by adding the following new subsection (c) and by re-lettering present subsection (c) as subsection (d) as follows:

(c) (1) This subsection shall be known and may be cited as the “Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act of 2007.”
(2) The operator of a motor vehicle when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet (3’) and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.
(d) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.”

PASSED: April 18, 2007

[Schaarschmidt]

ghostbikes.org establishes David Meek memorial page

http://www.ghostbikes.org/chattanooga/david-meek

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