Tucson cyclist struck from behind by SUV and killed Tuesday night–driver not cited
Uncategorized May 21st, 2008
She was struck from behind by an SUV. No citations issued yet. There still isn’t much information available, but Lauren and I will get the police report when it is made public.
Thanks to all the TBL readers who emailed this to me.
And as always, our condolences to the family and friends of the victim.
–Erik Ryberg
Update: The victim’s name was Patti Jane Lopez. –EBR
May 21st, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I just read the article your post linked to, and I have to say the comments are appalling. The ignorance of motorists is ridiculous.
Thank you for the work you do on this blog, keep it up.
And how apropos that this tragic event happened on the eve of the Ride of Silence…
May 21st, 2008 at 1:13 pm
… and the first comment attached to the story is about how cyclists should be limited to trails and extremely low volume roads, followed by the bitter response, followed by the argument for taxing cyclists for using roads. It’s almost all covered in three quick quips.
What so few acknowledge is that being on the roads in any vehicle of any size is dangerous. We put our lives in the hands of everyone else on the roads every time we enter them, regardless of our mode of transportation.
The level of vitriol whenever a story like this is posted never ceases to amaze me.
May 21st, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I found it ridiculous that literally the second comment is regarding cyclists responsibility and basically blaming this woman for her own death. I find that ridiculous, especially considering how few details the article even mentions. The circumstances are absolutely unknown, meanwhile there is a woman who is dead at the hands of a chevy suburban driver. People are ridiculous
May 21st, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I was leaving the Circle K at C. de la Tierra and Orange Grove when I saw a sheriff’s car, then another, then an ambulance and a fire department pickup turn south. Learning that there was a dying cyclist down the road at that time is freaky …
May 21st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
The unfortunate victim of that SUV driver was Patti Jane Lopez, 43, of Tucson. Especially sad and poignant on this eve of the Ride of Silence.
-localmusicfan
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:12 am
Regarding the comments to AZ Star articles, I recommend never reading them. When you read the comments to an article in the NY Times you actually can see a discussion of the merits of the article or issue.
The comments section of the online Star just brings out the 80 IQ morons. It’s the same for just about every article
Steve
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Steve:
Tucson Bike Lawyer’s link takes you to reader comments about a Tucson Citizen story, not a Star one.
The Star does not allow comments on crime and immigration stories precisely because of the moronic and hurtful comments they attract.
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:25 am
Peter – thanks for the correction.
It’s a shame the online comments aren’t used in a way to have a meaningful and respectful public discussion of the issues.
Steve
January 13th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Patti was my fiance. We took all precations for her safety. The driver was neglegent, and got away with it. She will always be missed.