Cyclist hit and killed on Santiago Canyon Rd

[Hotchkiss]

Primetime news ran the story as well. It was a powerful ride this morning. Joe's Fiance Sydney (spelling?) led the group, intense to say the least.

How does one go about pushing for getting those half domes put on the ground out there along the bike lane? I truly believe that would make a difference and I'm willing to put in the work to make it happen. Any leads would be appreciated.

 

[Runs with Scissors]

Primetime news ran the story as well. It was a powerful ride this morning. Joe's Fiance Sydney (spelling?) led the group, intense to say the least.

How does one go about pushing for getting those half domes put on the ground out there along the bike lane? I truly believe that would make a difference and I'm willing to put in the work to make it happen. Any leads would be appreciated.

It's County S18, so the cognizant agency is most likely OC Public Works. Not much chance of volunteer installation.

 

[MnMDan]

It's County S18, so the cognizant agency is most likely OC Public Works. Not much chance of volunteer installation.

There's a few people who are connected with Caltrans, the OC Department of Transportation, and are part of the working groups that form bicycle policy that were either aware of, or were on the ride today. There is discussion about making those dots a part of roadways like Santiago Canyon Road, but they have been historically omitted from Bike Lanes because they were deemed hazardous to bicyclists who had to cross out of the bike lanes to avoid debris that collects there.

Its the same study that recommends eliminating bike lanes on downgrades of more than 4% or more because they state its safer for a cyclist to occupy the lane rather than be in a bike lane above 30 mph...no chance of volunteer installation, but there is momentum to add reflective lane markers on the car traffic side of Bike Lanes/Shoulder Stripes like Santiago Canyon Road, PCH, and other roadways that are recognized as high-traffic cycling routes...

Edit:
Bicycle Guidelines Published by State of California:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/oppd/hdm/pdf/english/chp1000.pdf
and
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/signtech/mutcdsupp/pdf/camutcd2012/Part9.pdf

It appears the frequency of the placement of the dots for centerline/lanes/etc, are up to District offices for Caltrans Jurisdictions based on use, and local agencies. The only rule appears to be against using the rumble strips (safety and maintenance cited) and any barrier/divider less than K-rail (maintenance, hazard to cyclists/motorists, etc.)...end of edit.

 

[jae2460]

Punishments and fines have increased every year for decades and the drunk/impaired driver problem still remains. If there was a easy solution one would have been found. The solutions that exist now are expensive, like continuous alcohol monitoring bracelets, 24/7 transdermal patch testing for drugs and long term substance abuse treatment. I know this because I have being dedicated in keeping drunk drivers off the road for over 20 years. I have never promoted what I do ( http://www.dmsprogram.com/ ) on this site until now, this last death and the possible release of the drunk driver today has me looking to promote that she wears a alcohol monitor while awaiting for the District Attorney to file correct charges. If the family has money she will get out on bail.

Dean

I don't believe this is accurate. From what I've seen, the drivers get very little punishment. It's a joke what "value" society places on innocent life, especially a life cut down unecessarily by some disgusting waste of space like the woman driving this car.

The reality is that drivers aren't afraid that they will actually see a police officer much less be stopped by one for doing something wrong. How many people do you see breaking the law while driving? Speeding, texting, talking on their phone (hand to ear), not signaling, driving unsafely, eating, weaving, etc. I've driven Santiago Canyon Road to the Toll Road for years as my daily commute and people's behavior disgusts me. The impunity that anonymity provides drivers breeds bad behavior for people unwilling to change their behavior for the greater good.

Most Americans, lets face it, believe that only fools obey the law, the rules, etc. Many admire the people who get away with something--get something for nothing, etc. Well, nothing is for free.

On a positive note, I'm very glad to hear the ride was 200 strong and that law enforcement was out. I sincerely wish I could've gone but my thoughts were there this morning and today even though I'm not even sure if I met Joey. I think he may have been on a MTB ride I went on a couple years ago but that doesn't matter. The fact that a fellow cyclist and an innocent, vibrant young man with his life ahead of him was lost needlessly is what's important.

 

[Chopper]

There's a few people who are connected with Caltrans, the OC Department of Transportation, and are part of the working groups that form bicycle policy that were either aware of, or were on the ride today. There is discussion about making those dots a part of roadways like Santiago Canyon Road, but they have been historically omitted from Bike Lanes because they were deemed hazardous to bicyclists who had to cross out of the bike lanes to avoid debris that collects there.

Its the same study that recommends eliminating bike lanes on downgrades of more than 4% or more because they state its safer for a cyclist to occupy the lane rather than be in a bike lane above 30 mph...no chance of volunteer installation, but there is momentum to add reflective lane markers on the car traffic side of Bike Lanes/Shoulder Stripes like Santiago Canyon Road, PCH, and other roadways that are recognized as high-traffic cycling routes...

in my opinion, a 4 inch wide rumble stip would be more appropriate than plastic dots. The dots are slippery when wet and require maintenance. I'm not talking about the deep rumble strips some states use but I have seen shallower narrower strips that are still affective. Unfortunately, nothing less than a cement wall would have saved this particular cyclist.

 

[Danimal]

Just yesterday while driving Santiago canyon I had a lady pass me on the right. Almost took out a cyclist. I laid on the horn hoping the rider would react, but no he didn't. Lucky lucky guy.

 

[FijiRob]

Just yesterday while driving Santiago canyon I had a lady pass me on the right. Almost took our a cyclist. I laid on the born hoping the rider would react, but no he didn't. Lucky lucky guy.

Unbelievable. I also do this when I see a biker and a car in front of me that is not paying attention.

Considering the overwhelming support from the local police, fire and CHP on the ride the other day it sure would be nice of them to patrol this stretch of road HEAVILY for the next few weeks or more. Maybe CHP could spend less time writing speeding tickets on the Toll Road and try saving some lives on an obviously dangerous stretch of road through the canyon. Just patrol with a no tolerance attitude and nab some folks. People turn into such a-holes when they get behind a car and don't think about driving their weapon around carelessly. Come on CHP and city officials, let's hit this stretch hard for a while and let them know you are serious about this.

 

[Spartticus]

Yesterday's memorial ride was rather impressive. The support and comraderie was palpable. The sense of something being bigger and grander than oneself was certainly taking place. Hopefully the awareness is long-lived and whether we're holding a steering wheel or a handlebar, we're all motorists. Here's hoping we can share the road better. Some additional thoughts & photos on my blog.

<font color="#333333">[video=vimeo;86026359]http://vimeo.com/86026359[/video]

 

[Aviatrix]

Did anyone notice the lady at the top of the South bound 241 honk and try to go around the cop when the light turned green? This was as we were entering the intersection. I don't get people.

Please tell me the cop, at the very least, read her the riot act.

 

[dstepper]

I don't believe this is accurate. From what I've seen, the drivers get very little punishment.

Peoples idea of punishment is widely different. The fact is that Orange County has 7000 people currently incarcerated and we are very close to only incarcerating felony cases like LA County has done. As time goes on the higher the percent of people compared to the general population is has increased. Statistics show that between 60 to 80% of all case that get to court are drug and/or alcohol related. When family's looses someone there is not a punishment great enough the offender can receive to relieve the pain.

Dean

 

[db.mx]

Please tell me the cop, at the very least, read her the riot act.

It looked like he was going to. He pulled up to block her, got off his bike and it looked like he was going to walk to her car as we rode by.

 

[westcoaster]

For what its worth, I road the canyon today and did see a motorcycle cop cruising it and a CHP at the top of Dump Hill looking for speeders.

 

[jae2460]

Peoples idea of punishment is widely different. The fact is that Orange County has 7000 people currently incarcerated and we are very close to only incarcerating felony cases like LA County has done. As time goes on the higher the percent of people compared to the general population is has increased. Statistics show that between 60 to 80% of all case that get to court are drug and/or alcohol related. When family's looses someone there is not a punishment great enough the offender can receive to relieve the pain.

Dean

Most people who kill someone do very little, if any, jail time. Take for instance the case of "Danae Miller" who killed Amine Britel of Newport on Feb 21, 2011 while driving drunk and texting on San Joaguin Hills Road. Convicted of Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence (Felony), she was sentenced to 4 years in prison. But she was out after one with no explanation as to why. http://bikinginla.com/2013/08/20/a-...may-be-back-on-the-streets-three-years-early/

Obviously, something needs to fundamentally change or people are going to continue to die.

We need more enforcement of the laws on the books. I never see police officers, hardly ever. I'd rather drunk drivers serve a decent sentence than some kid who got caught with pot in his pocket.

 

[Bruce in SoCal]

Most people who kill someone do very little, if any, jail time. Take for instance the case of "Danae Miller" who killed Amine Britel of Newport on Feb 21, 2011 while driving drunk and texting on San Joaguin Hills Road. Convicted of Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence (Felony), she was sentenced to 4 years in prison. But she was out after one with no explanation as to why. http://bikinginla.com/2013/08/20/a-...may-be-back-on-the-streets-three-years-early/

Obviously, something needs to fundamentally change or people are going to continue to die.

We need more enforcement of the laws on the books. I never see police officers, hardly ever. I'd rather drunk drivers serve a decent sentence than some kid who got caught with pot in his pocket.

The kid doesn't go to prison. There is no room for him. The only thing will be to hold liquor makers and sellers liable. However, by statute, they are not liable. Their lobby is that strong.

 

[herzalot]

The only thing will be to hold liquor makers and sellers liable. However, by statute, they are not liable. Their lobby is that strong.

Using that same logic, sporting goods stores, pawn shops and Wal Mart should also be held liable for murders committed with guns or ammunition purchased there, right? In fact, the gun manufacturers should also be held liable, right?

I agree people should be held accountable for their behavior. Making or selling a legal substance was not the behavior that killed the cyclist.

 

[CarbonLegs]

OCJ showing Released as of Yesterday..

Inmate Name: GONZALES , SOMMER NICOLE
Date of Birth: 06-07-1995 Next Appearance Date:
Sex: Female Next Appearance Court:
Race: White Custody Status: Released
Height: 5' 04" Bail Amount: $0.00
Weight: 127 Arrested on: 02-02-2014
Hair Color: Brown Housing Location: Central Womens Jail
Eye Color: Green Release Type: In-Custody Release
Occupation: STUDENT Release Date: 02-06-2014 22:45:00

 

[FijiRob]

OCJ showing Released as of Yesterday..

Inmate Name: GONZALES , SOMMER NICOLE
Date of Birth: 06-07-1995 Next Appearance Date:
Sex: Female Next Appearance Court:
Race: White Custody Status: Released
Height: 5' 04" Bail Amount: $0.00
Weight: 127 Arrested on: 02-02-2014
Hair Color: Brown Housing Location: Central Womens Jail
Eye Color: Green Release Type: In-Custody Release
Occupation: STUDENT Release Date: 02-06-2014 22:45:00

Maybe they should force her to ride the canyon all day every day and see what it's like to get buzzed by cars going 65+. Wishful thinking, but what the heck.

 

[leondelmonte]

Sporting goods stores, pawn shops and Wal Mart should also be held liable for murders committed with guns or ammunition purchased there, right? In fact, the gun manufacturers should also be held liable, right?

I agree people should be held accountable for their behavior. Making or selling a legal substance was not the behavior that killed the cyclist.

all that is like saying sue bike shops because a kid bought a bmx bike, hit some jumps and broke his leg.
People here in the states need to start using common sense, and be responsible for their own choices.

 

[launchpad]

Methhead charged in Hit-and-Run death of Cyclist

Just me but meth isn't really intoxicating. I get that she was on illegal drugs but meth doesn't impair your ability to drive anymore than coffee does. Was invented by the Germans in WWII for pilots to do bombing runs without having to sleep iirc. Guess if you were up several days and sleep deprived it could impair you though. Hope she gets sent away for a long time though because she fled the scene.

http://ranchosantamargarita.patch.c...woman-charged-with-hitandrun-death-of-cyclist

An 18-year-old woman suspected of driving while high on drugs and fatally striking a bicycle rider in Orange – then fleeing the scene to Rancho Santa Margarita – has been charged with vehicular manslaughter.
Orange County Sheriff’s deputies had caught up to and arrested Sommer Nicole Gonzales, 18, Tustin, about an hour after the fatal accident, Feb. 2. But she was released while prosecutors decided they needed more time to build their case.
An Orange County fire battalion chief helped track down Gonzales after he first noticed her heavily damaged car on Santiago Canyon Road, then the telltale shoe of cyclist Joseph Robinson, 21, of Irvine.
“Gonzales is accused of driving under the influence of methamphetamine in her Toyota Corolla sedan southbound on Santiago Canyon Road in Orange and veering into the bike lane,” says a press release from the Orange County District Attorney’s office. “She is accused of hitting 21-year-old Joseph Robinson, who was lawfully riding his bike within the marked bike lane. The defendant is accused of fleeing the scene, not stopping to render any assistance to the victim, or reporting the accident.”
Gonzales is expected in court Tuesday to enter a plea. Her official charges are:

• One felony count each of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated
• Driving under the influence of drugs causing bodily injury
• Hit and run with death
• Possession of a controlled substance
• One misdemeanor count of use and under the influence of a controlled substance
• One misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance paraphernalia
• Sentencing enhancement allegations for inflicting great bodily injury
• Sentencing enhancement for fleeing the scene of a crime

If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 15 years and eight months in state prison for the felonies and one year and six months in Orange County jail for the misdemeanors.
Gonzales is currently in custody awaiting arraignment in lieu of $100,000 bail.

 

[dstepper]

Unless: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3280383/

You are correct in casual meth use. Some have very little tolerance for the drug...some abuse it days on end and get very crazy as in...Methamphetamine Psychosis.

Now let me get back to my grouchy un-helpful self and start that hot springs petition.