Cyclists riding across the country for charity hit in NE Florida, 15 miles from finish
This is really sad. However, it won't come as any surprise to anyone who rides in NE Florida.
Charity Cyclists Ending Cross-Country Trek Hit By Truck
After riding their bikes from California to Florida to benefit special needs children, two men were hit by a truck just miles from their final destination.
Stan Bippus, 68, had been on the ride of a lifetime with his nephew, 29-year-old Jeremy Winkelman, by his side when tragedy struck.
Winkelman has cerebral palsy and was the inspiration behind the ride. He told an Indiana TV station that he wanted to show the world that people with special needs can do anything. Earlier this year, the pair set out on a cross-country bike ride from San Diego to St. Augustine to raise money for charity and prove doubters wrong.
The two detailed their trip daily with updates on their blog Jeremysride.blogspot.com, and from the looks of things they were loving the trip.
However, on Wednesday, with the finish line less than 25 miles away and six months of travel behind them, Bippus and Winkelman were hit by a truck near Green Cove Springs.
Comments
That is unbelievable. To make it all that way and get hit here in NE Florida. I know other states have their problems with awareness towards cyclists but I think this incident throws a significant spotlight on our problems here in Florida.
I do my morning rides starting at about 5:00 AM so there isn't much traffic. I'm still cautious and watch like a hawk for cars coming from behind. Most of the roads I ride on are four lanes and I can tell by the lighting which lane the approaching cars are in.
Posted by: Bryan | September 23, 2008 7:15 AM
@Bryan We do have a serious awareness issue here in NE Florida. I start a little later than you, but riding two lane roads deep in the country can be hair raising. To be fair, most folks give me room, but there are some yahoos that have no clue that cyclists should be given 3 feet of clearance. And then there are the ones that see you, but just pull out in front of you anyway.
Posted by: MMB | September 23, 2008 9:23 AM