Now that’s more like it.
According to the Victorville Daily Press, 28-year old Jason Thomas Scott of Victorville was sentenced to 11 years for the — allegedly — drunken hit-and-run that took the life of a cyclist two years ago.
Apple Valley resident David Epperson was walking his bike along Ridgecrest Road just east of Victorville when he was plowed down from behind by Scott’s vehicle, which dragged him over 60 feet before leaving Epperson to die on the side of the road.
Scott was reportedly driving with a suspended license due to a previous DUI conviction at the time of the collision. He’s been behind bars since his arrest in June, 2012; the paper reports he could be out in another three-and-a-half years with good behavior following his plea deal.
Five-and-a-half years behind bars barely seems sufficient. But it’s far more than many other drivers have served under similar circumstances.
And it’s nice to see the life of a bike rider taken seriously for a change.
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Great short video from Arizona looks at the state’s three-foot passing law. And clearly demonstrates just what three-feet looks like on the road.
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LocalNote to David Shaffer of Woodland Hills: It is perfectly legal to ride a bike on the sidewalk in Los Angeles, as long as it’s done in a safe and non-aggressive manner.
Streetsblog looks at the highlights from Thursday’s LADOT and City Planning webinar on the second year study corridors for the LA bike plan.
You could be the next director of LA2050.
A series of Hermosa Beach workshops could determine the future of bicycling in the city, among other things.
Something is seriously wrong when a cyclist gets run down from behind in Palos Verdes Estates, and sheriff’s deputies write it off as “just an accident” before the investigation is even complete.
State
An Orange County cyclist has to be recued from the Santa Ana River bed when he’s thrown 15 feet off a Katella Ave overpass after hitting an object in the roadway.
I like it. Silicon Valley bike riders are challenged to Bike to Shop during next month’s Bike Week.
Oakland’s famed Telegraph Avenue could soon sport parking protected bike lanes.
National
Arizona officials are trying to determine who killed a cyclist and how after the victim is found on the side of the road covered by a blanket, with his “unique” bike missing.
Boulder County CO officials tweak those ubiquitous black-tube vehicle counters to distinguish between bikes and other vehicles, which could revolutionize bike counts.
Cincinnati cyclists and business owners are engaged in a classic battle over protected bike lanes versus lost parking and reduced road capacity.
Not only is Beyonce one of us, she gives a shout out to a Chicago bike shop.
The Washington Post says more cyclists really does make for safer streets.
Turns out the Archbishop of New Orleans is one of us, too. Then again, he’s just following the Pope’s advice.
International
Bicycling is booming in Santiago, Chile even though bad road design forces many riders onto the sidewalk.
The Ottawa Bicycle Club offers a great decision matrix for deciding when to take the lane and ride abreast, and when to hug the shoulder single file.
British cycling legend Beryl Burton is finally getting the attention she deserves prior to the UK start of the Tour de France, with an amazing 122 national titles over five decades.
The UK’s Emma Pooley discovers winning a women’s world championship barely pays enough to pay the bills.
A road raging Brit van driver loses his job and gets convicted of assault after getting caught on helmet cam head-butting a cyclist.
Belgium’s Philippe Gilbert wins the Amstel Gold classic for the third time. No word on who won the Amstel Light.
An Aussie website asks if cyclists are fair game. Game, yes; fair, no.
Finally…
This is why you don’t spit in the face of a truck driver, even if he did almost hit you. Aside from the fact that it’s rude and disgusting — and illegal — and the driver will get away with stomping on your bike.
