Two cyclists hit by Jeep while crossing 30th Ave
EUGENE, Ore. -- Two bicyclists were hit by a Jeep Friday morning while crossing E 30th Ave. in the pedestrian crosswalk at Alder St., Eugene Police said.
Police spokeswoman Melinda McLaughlin said Yutaro Tashiro, 24, and Anzu McMullen, 21 (both from Eugene) were taken to Sacred Heart at RiverBend with serious injuries. They are both expected to survive, officials said.
Police said that the couple was riding their bikes at around 9 a.m. Friday when they started to cross E 30th in the pedestrian crosswalk at Alder Street.
McLaughlin said that an eastbound Jeep driven by Theresa Kittidumrongkool, 51 of Eugene, failed to stop for the flashing pedestrian crossing signals and hit the cyclists.
She was cited for failing to yield to pedestrians and driving without a valid state license.
The crosswalk that is at 30th and Alder was placed there because Alder Street is a designated bike path. It is intended for bikers to use (as well as pedestrians) because they would be crossing there anyways. However, it never ceases to amaze me how often people blow through the crosswalk while the lights have been activated and people are crossing. When activated, the lights warn "cross street with caution, cars may not stop". It does not instruct people to "WALK". I would like to see drivers speeding up and down 30th Avenue recognize that this is a residential neighborhood and a school zone. This is not an on ramp to I-5.
Did it say "WALK ?
@souptonuts raises an interesting point... Are bicyclists allowed to use pedestrian crosswalk to demand right-of-way? Does anyone know the law on this? Either way, the driver clearly should have seen them unless they just smacked the button and rode right out there without stopping, which seems somewhat unlikely. Either way, I hope they heal quickly.
@PleaseBeSmart Yes.Â
ORS 814.410(2)Â Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, a bicyclist on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk.
ORS 811.028(4)Â For the purposes of this section, a pedestrian is crossing the roadway in a crosswalk when any part or extension of the pedestrian, including but not limited to any part of the pedestrians body, wheelchair, cane, crutch or bicycle, moves onto the roadway in a crosswalk with the intent to proceed.
@sylvestrus Correct. However the law goes on to say that cyclists may not enter the crosswalk at more than walking speed. I doubt they did, in this particular case, but it's an important detail because cyclists often completely ignore this, and there's sometimes not much a driver can do when a cyclist blasts into the crosswalk at 20 mph, and this happens CONSTANTLY at that intersection.
I'm assuming these two cyclists stopped to press the crosswalk button, so this wouldn't apply to them. However, if it was simply still flashing from someone earlier, and they flew into it at full speed, this is their fault.
The article says the victims were in a crosswalk with flashing lights. The driver must not have been paying attention. The driver does not bother to be licensed either. It seems that some are inclined to blame the victims. Riding or walking, these folks had the right of way. As a walker, I would not trust the lights or the alertness of the drivers. I always wait until there are no vehicles at all before crossing 30th and other busy streets.
its always the people who don't have a drivers licence.Â
Every single wreck I have been in was caused by someone else, who didn't have a drivers licence.Â
@Jason Marks The only reasons for not having a driving license are; Can't pass the written exam if there is such a thing anymore, can't pass the driver's test, or have been suspended due to criminal activity or insurance. These people are usually responsible for a good share of the accidents.
@Jason Marks You better get your license then.
@Jason Marks crud that sucks  :(
I am constantly amazed by pedestrians that just watch the "walk" sign and pay NO attention as to whether ALL the vehicles have come to a complete stop! Honestly it is a miracle MORE folks aren't hit MORE often. Hope these two heal quickly- and tell me why Theresa Kittidumrongkool was driving without a driver's license - which by default means she is also UNINSURED!! Hope THEY have health insurance!!!
@LifeisGOOD007 Did you consider the fact that maybe these bicyclists DID look before they crossed? And that this car may have been going at a very high speed or had turned on to east 30th AFTER they had already started crossing? This bicyclist is the most aware person I know and she would never EVER cross without looking out for cars. So I would appreciate it if you wouldn't accuse my sister of something she didn't do. Thank you:)
                                                                                                            Sincerely,
                                                            A pissed off sister
@PandaBooBoo @LifeisGOOD007 How is your sister doing?
@PandaBooBoo @LifeisGOOD007Take a deep breath and reread my post- I never specifically mentioned your sister! I commented how in general I notice pedestrians being very careless. I get that you are angry about this terrible accident- -be angry at Theresa Kittidumrongkool not me! Sheesh!
This story is missing some facts. First I sincerely hope the people hurt are ok. Second I hope the driver of the vehicle can learn from this incident, speed, lack of attention or what ever. Now, were these folks riding their bikes or walking their bikes. If they were riding, they are subject to the rules of the road and barring something that exempts bicycle riders to yield in this situation, the riders should have yielded to the thru vehicle. If they were walking the bikes, they are not bike riders they are pedestrians, and the driver should have yielded to the pedestrians. In either case, would you just step right out in front of someone who appears to not be slowing or going to stop? I certainly am not going to trust someone to stop, but I see this almost every time I drive. I am astonished these days that we do not have more wrecks than we do with cell phones, speeders, lack of attention, disregarding laws period. Again I hope they are ok.