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John Daley ReportingLast night's fatal hit and run accident is also noteworthy because we've hit a new record for the number of bicycle fatalities in a year.
Details of the accident read like a case study in bike safety. The street is poorly lit, the bike has one poorly placed light and few reflectors, the rider wasn't wearing bright colors or a helmet and was hit from behind by a driver who apparently didn't see him. Police say both riders and drivers share responsibility for safety.
Paul Jaroscak, Salt Lake Co. Sheriff's Dept.: "Bicyclists have a right to be on the road. That's a very dark area of the city. There are lights on that bicycle. In fact one of those lights was still on at the scene last night, but those lights were facing forward."
Bike safety became a rallying cry after cyclist Josie Johnson was killed two years, also hit from behind by an SUV in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
That led to new legislation, a public awareness campaign and an annual ride. This year they've printed out bibs with the number of cyclists killed so far this year, seven. But it's now one higher and a new record.
John Weis, Organizer, Josie Johnson Memorial Ride: "They've got to drive as if cars are aiming for them and they've got to ride defensively, because we just can't sustain these kinds of death."
Riley Cutler, owner of Wasatch Touring, shows off what he regards as essential safety gear, including a helmet, gloves and flashing lights front and back.
Riley Cutler, Owner, Wasatch Touring: "Probably the two basic things that he has is he's wearing his helmet and gloves and he has a front light and a tail light."
Even better because they're flashing. Another great idea is a reflective vest. And safety doesn't have to be expensive, most of those items cost less than 15 dollars.
The annual Josie Johnson ride happens in a couple of weeks. It's at Sugarhouse Park on Saturday Oct. 7th at 10:30 AM.
