On Friday, March 18 at 7:05 pm, local cyclist Meurig James was struck by a speeding SUV near Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park. The driver of the white SUV that plowed into the cyclist failed to stop to see what happened. The incident left James with multiple injuries.
James' employer, Celerant Consulting, has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identity of the SUV's driver. Local advocacy organizations like the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia have more information about incident, including maps and contact information. Their site also offers tips for safely sharing the road.
This incident, which is garnering significant media attention, will no doubt enrage both extremes of the car versus bike debate. But here's the deal: by law, everyone gets to use the road, and everyone should be responsible while on it. This incident is not about whether cars deserve to use the road more than bikes; this incident reflects a failure of simple human decency.
Keep in mind that when a 15 pound bike frame collides with a 4,000 pound auto, the outcome will always come out in favor of the driver. Advocacy rides like the Philadelphia Naked Bike ride bring cyclists' vulnerability to the forefront. Yes, the ride offends many people who find the un-covered human body indecent. Running down a cyclist and leaving the scene is a lot more offensive than riding around naked.
The Philadelphia Cycling Examiner wishes James a speedy recovery and implores all users of the road to be courteous to one another.
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