Montrose - Daily Press

concerned mom

I gave it a month and a trip to another country to see if I felt any different before I asked for anyones opinion. On August 13th, one month ago my son was hit by a car while riding his bike with a buddy. 911 was not called immediately and the driver drove away from the scene after looking at them and saying "SORRY". My son and his friend who are both 12 Years old sat in the middle of Townsend helpless not knowling what to do next. His friend ended up helping him out of the the road and sitting him down on the sidewalk and calling me. His friend was unscathed. My son had a good gash on his leg apparently from the cars license plate, a large bruise on his chest, road rash on his arm and all the way up his leg. Here are the things that bother me the most: 1. After he was hit the driver fled. 2. He was hit into Townsend Ave. at 2:00 in the afternoon during the construction in front of Murdochs and not one person pulled over to help and not one construction worker cared enough to help either. 3. I called 911 when I got there and told the dispatcher to just have the police meet us at the ER. He was there when we got there, but quickly left when he heard the driver was back at the scene. He talked to my sons friend for 1 minute before he rushed out. He NEVER talked to my son for a statement. He came back and told us that it was my sons fault and nothing could be done. When I asked if she was in trouble for leaving he said "she is not all there" and had to go home and get her mom. Apparently she also has a time period to come back in and won't get in trouble for it 4. Why is someone who is "not all there" allowed to have a drivers license? I understand that everyone should have equal rights, but to hit someone and leave and "not know what to do" is just silly to me. 5. Just wondering if I am crazy for thinking that an appology is out of line even it wasn't her fault.

I went to get a copy of the accident report and talk to the officers sargeant and was even more frustrated. When I got back to work I read the report and saw that the only statement in the report was that of the girl (or her mother, who knows?) and not one word about the boys' side of the story. Who are we trying to protect here? I understand that he was at fault and did not know that until that day. Do all of you know that you have to dismount your bike before crossing a road? Do all of your kids know that? Please spread the word because even if your child dies in a biking accident and it was his fault, he will get the ticket. Maybe if this is a law it should be manditory to take a class to ride a bike just like a car. Just a thought.

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Just a little more to the story before I go on. They were riding their bikes on the sidewalk down Townsend towards Hastings to return a Movie. They came to Church street right next to Murdochs. They stopped, watched for cars. They saw her coming and waited to see what she was going to do. She came to a stop and the boys went. That is when my son was struck.  She told the boys she was sorry and drove away. To top it all off, the Sargeant told me that the girl did not have to look at her surroundings before taking off at a stop sign. Just to clarify I said "she doesn't have to look around before taking off from a stop sign?" His response was "no". I was confused so I asked " so if he was walking and had the right of way she still wouldn't have to look around?" He said "no, it would be her fault then." Still confused I asked how she would know if he was walking or on a bike if she was not required to look at her surroundings. There was no answer... He totally contradicted himself.

AGAIN I ASK  WHO ARE WE TRYING TO PROTECT HERE, ITS DEFINATELY NOT OUR YOUTH. KEEP THEM OFF THE ROADS (AND SIDEWALKS). THEY ARE SAFER THAT WAY!

Comments

Broken Hearted wrote on Sep 30, 2009 6:49 AM:

" I’m so sorry your son was struck by a car, and very thankful he is ok. I just read all the comments posted here and am very upset. Mom bashing, kid bashing, cop bashing, law bashing, driver bashing all of which have made some good arguments. What really hurts my heart is that a child was injured, no matter whose fault, and until mom arrived nothing appears to have been done to assist him. What happened to societies on a whole nurturing our young. So very sad. "




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concerned citizen wrote on Sep 25, 2009 4:23 PM:

" People need to have more respect for others. Those people who seen should have helped. What is wrong with people these days.The person who hit him should have been at fault and charged just like anyone else ! Bike riders here in Gunnison don't have to worry about these kinda rude acts . We all care about one another and help out when needed,
thats how it should be every where. "




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ME wrote on Sep 23, 2009 10:28 AM:

" Why is anyone suprised. This is the way most people drive around here. I have even been almost hit by a POLICE car running a red light. How can you expect the police department to care if they drive the same way as most people around here do.

Come on how many times even this month have you heard about problems with the traffiic?

I bet the driver did not even have a valid lic. or insurance that is whey she left so fast. "




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Barista wrote on Sep 22, 2009 7:11 AM:

" To What:

What,
what the.. is what we call a troll, not a real poster, just someone trying to get attention.
We have a saying online, 'don't feed the trolls'
meaning don't respond to their posts and give them what they want.
I guess you could say their post is a satire of how they see Montrose (or the posters) meant to get a reaction, preferably one that will start a flame war :) "




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watching wrote on Sep 22, 2009 7:03 AM:

" thanks to this blog I have been paying a bit more attention to the various bike riders I pass on the roads. It seems some of them just make up their own rules or have varying philosophies of safety. I see them on the sidewalk (which we now know is legal and gives them the same rights and rules as a pedestrian), I see them riding with traffic and against traffic...
Do we have a police force that tickets or educates the bike riders? a bike police? Should we? "




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Maria wrote on Sep 21, 2009 8:47 PM:

" Local Rules,

That's how it was explained to me by a police officer. They also said, if there is a crosswalk, the pedestrian must have stepped into the road before you have to yield. Which is confusing and scary! So, how about this, pedestrians and people in cars look out for and respect each other.

Accidents happen, and thankfully this boy was not seriously hurt! Now let's learn from this and move on! "




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Native wrote on Sep 21, 2009 6:45 PM:

" I don't know what happened in this accident. I do know what has happened in similar accidents. People have proven to be too busy to help others. Not an opinion. An observation. Glad to hear that you are not one of them "my o my" "




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Native wrote on Sep 21, 2009 6:45 PM:

" No, I did not see this accident and there for do not know if anyone helped or even saw. BUT from what I have seen in the past is that 90% of people WOULD NOT have helped. That is from personal experience. She is not condeming everyone for not helping. Nor am I. I am just stating facts as I know them, which are as follows: "




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Gonna B. Sick wrote on Sep 21, 2009 3:53 PM:

" Your last sentences said it all. WAAAHHH. I don't care if Hillary did say it takes a village to raise a child. You took on the responsibility of protecting that child when you brought him into the world. Don't think that because he is at an age of wheeled mobility your responsibillity is now void. You as a parant are responsible for teaching him basic laws involving use of his bicycle. It is not society's job to take care of your little bundle of joy. I have enough to worry about. "




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JP wrote on Sep 21, 2009 3:16 PM:

" Local Rules,

That’s how I understand it too. And yes, it's really confusing! When I'm walking around town, this is the rule I use:

GIVE THE HEAVY CAR THE RIGHT OF WAY – NO MATTER WHAT!

Seriously, no matter who is at fault, the pedestrian will always lose! "




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Local Rules wrote on Sep 21, 2009 8:34 AM:

" Entertained Po-Po,

You're correct with the statute, but slightly off on how other laws interact with it. Essentially, you're right, where there is no crosswalk, you just go from sidewalk to sidewalk (crosswalk is implied). However, when there is no crosswalk, cars have right of way (unless the pedestrian in already in the road). Meaning, when there is no crosswalk, pedestrians must wait for traffic. When there is a crosswalk, traffic must wait for pedestrians. But in either instance, if pedestrian is already in the road, traffic must stop. Confusing, I know! "




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WHAT wrote on Sep 20, 2009 5:10 PM:

" what the.. wrote on Sep 17, 2009 4:04 PM:

" dont yore kid no he aint got no rights here in montorse? he needs to stay off streets unless he wants the biznes end of my truck shoved up his snoot. whats he doin out of skool anyhow?
______

Obviously you didn't stay in school! Or in your words "skool." Studipity is very active in Montrose. "




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Parent wrote on Sep 20, 2009 1:45 PM:

" To Tim: You tell us you TEACH your kids to ride on the sidewalk. That is the problem and against the law. SideWALKS are for walking. Bicycles belong on the street. 12 year olds do not belong on Townsend is the 2nd message we all need to learn from this story, which brings us to the 3rd issue, we NEED a reasonable bike lane or bike path in south Montrose that runs parallel with Townsend. "




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Entertained Po-Po wrote on Sep 20, 2009 6:16 AM:

" Local Rules:

I admit I am not familiar with the brochure you’re talking about. Nonetheless, it’s irrelevant because the code the City of Montrose adopted (as most municipalities have) and is bound by, the “Model Traffic Code,” is what the police and court base their decisions on. In the MTC, crosswalk is defined exactly the same as in State statute. So, you’re right, local laws can be more restrictive; however, regarding this issue, they are not. "




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Local Rules wrote on Sep 19, 2009 10:17 PM:

" Entertained Po-Po,

Local laws that further restrict state statues for public safety prevail. Meaning LOCAL LAW applies.

For all of you curious about this, the City of Montrose has a great pedestrian brochure (available online at the city website). It clearly states that in the City of Montrose if there is no crosswalk, then the car always has right of way. "




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Entertained Po-Po wrote on Sep 19, 2009 5:40 PM:

" A "crosswalk," according to statute, "means that portion of a roadway ordinarily included within the prolongation or connection of the lateral lines of sidewalks at intersections..."

That means painted lines or not, if you can naturally imagine (so to speak) lines in the roadway starting from where the sidewalk ends, it's a "crosswalk." This is not my thought, it's State statute.

Now if the little dude was hauling rear right in front of a car, common sense applies, just like a person jumping in front of a car. Witness statements would be the key here. "




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Entertained Po-Po wrote on Sep 19, 2009 5:40 PM:

" Everyone ready for their heads to explode?...

Although I agree mostly with all the "get over it mom" comments, TECHNICALLY, there is an argument that the kid was in the right. One CAN ride a bike on the sidewalk, one CAN ride across a crosswalk, and one DOES have all the same rights as a pedestrian while doing so (although when it comes down to the two, bikes must yield to pedestrians). As far as the "no crosswalk" thing goes, get educated and read this:

continued... "




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Justme wrote on Sep 19, 2009 7:32 AM:

" JWeee, Maybe the taxes that cover the roads should be reviewed. Take a portion of the money we spend on roads and build bike trails. What kind of person enjoys riding a white line while cars are going 65 mph? Do bikers enjoy the fumes? You are telling me to slow me down, I should be greatful so I can enjoy the scenery, how! If anything the visions of a biker going under a semi truck does not bring pretty pictures. Furthermore, bikes/roads/pollution, doesn't sound healthy to me - go for a hike, better for your health. "




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JWeee wrote on Sep 18, 2009 4:34 PM:

" Hey "Justme" I do pay taxes. I'm also 1 less car on the road, I'm healthier for having rode my bike costing hospitals less and intern your medical insurance... or possibly your future gov. healthcare. Sorry I occasionally slow you down... but maybe you need to slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Western Co! "




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4th gen wrote on Sep 18, 2009 4:04 PM:

" The city has over 24 miles of concrete trails designed for bike riders. These go through our beautiful parks and connect most places in town. If you want to ride, take the tour. A map is available on the City of Montrose web site. "




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My o My wrote on Sep 18, 2009 2:53 PM:

" Native,

I reiterate my previous position. "Concerned mom" was NOT THERE! Meaning she doesn’t know whether ANYONE saw the accident or not. But still condemns EVERYONE as if they were there and did see it and didn’t help. Obviously, you agree with her (even though, once again, SHE WAS NOT THERE).

I too would have stopped and helped. As would 90+% of people. Unlike you, I have faith in and consider the people of Montrose to be some of the nicest people in the world. Obviously, you and "concerned mom" disagree. "




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Tim wrote on Sep 17, 2009 8:40 PM:

" With the way drivers behave in Montrose I would NEVER allow my children to ride in the streets. I teach them to ONLY ride on the sidewalks and be courteous of walkers. A 30 lb bicycle vs. a 3000 lb car is no match. "




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Patrick wrote on Sep 17, 2009 7:01 PM:

" Mount Rose: I agree with your decision to use the bike paths and side walk as much as possible. Traffic is def not what it used to be when i grew up there. Guess Motown just lucked out with this one! "




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patrick wrote on Sep 17, 2009 6:51 PM:

" Well said Chickenman! "




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Justme wrote on Sep 17, 2009 5:43 PM:

" I wish that people who want to ride bikes would pay their own taxes and develop bike roads, in a perfect world. I cannot tell you how nerve racking it is to ride to Ridgway and go around bikes, I'm grey already. "




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really wrote on Sep 17, 2009 5:15 PM:

" to what;
yes I did get a ticket, and you have to have an accident report to turn it into your insurance. My dad did the same thing, he hit a dog, and only had a few minutes to get to the bank to cash his check, so he continued to the bank. when he got home called the police reported the dog and met the officer on scene. He got heavily fined and had to appear in court twice for leaving the scene. "




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what the.. wrote on Sep 17, 2009 4:04 PM:

" dont yore kid no he aint got no rights here in montorse? he needs to stay off streets unless he wants the biznes end of my truck shoved up his snoot. whats he doin out of skool anyhow? them rodes is mine. he and his rotten friend needs to stay off when i want to drive my truk.same with all them uppity town folks whut rides bikes threw here in summer when weuns is tryin to hunt, less they want to be rodekill.if it aint got a motor and 12 pack of colduns, it dont belong on thes rodes. "




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Native wrote on Sep 17, 2009 2:28 PM:

" a young man on a skateboard got hit by a car on main street and no one stopped to even get him out of the road! They just went around him until I got him out of the raod. He was breaking the law and got hit because of it, does that mean he should not be helped? Or just because a childs parent is not around, should that child not be helped? I don't think people not helping is any reflection on the parent...more of a reflection of the people who chose not to help...assuming they didn't help. "




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Native wrote on Sep 17, 2009 2:20 PM:

" to "my o my"
I am sorry...but I just don't think that checking on a kid that was just hit or bumped by a car right in front of you is babysitting nor is it a parent not doing their job. It is simply the right thing to do. At least that is how I was raised, and how I raise my children. If some one is in need of help then you go out of your way to help them. And this is not the first time someone has been hit and ignored by anyone that saw. "




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Dee wrote on Sep 17, 2009 12:38 PM:

" Honesty,

Thank you for saying exactly what I was thinking! I think your assessment is absolutely correct!

Glad her son was ok! Scary for any parent… "




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James wrote on Sep 17, 2009 11:41 AM:

" Honesty,

I think you're absolutely right! I did the exact same thing as a kid. Well, I would slow down, but that was about it. Thankfully, I was never hit. And thankfully, this boy was not seriously hurt!

Of course, unlike this mom, my mom would have beat my behind because I was acting stupid... not tried to blame everyone else! "




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Oldguy wrote on Sep 17, 2009 10:16 AM:

" What,

I agree. I can't believe "Really" would get a ticket for that. Especially if they only left the scene to call the police. I'm probably a bit older than most on here, but that's what we all had to do before cell phones. Not to mention, like you said, you don't get a ticket for hitting a deer... or at least I never have (nor anyone I know).

Must be more to the story… "




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Let It Be wrote on Sep 17, 2009 8:40 AM:

" After 30+ comments, most of which let this mother know that she over reacted - I say, Let It Be. Let's all learn from this and move on. Does anyone care to discuss healthcare or ACORN? Just checking. "




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sports fan wrote on Sep 17, 2009 8:37 AM:

" To According to Colorado Law:
There isn't a crosswalk at that intersection. "




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JGP wrote on Sep 17, 2009 8:29 AM:

" According to CO Law:

You’re correct! However, you missed a couple of very applicable points. The law is simple, pedestrians must give cars sufficient time and distance to stop BEFORE entering a crosswalk (or the pedestrian is at fault). Meaning a pedestrian can’t just jump in front of a car (on foot or on a bike) and the cars at fault.

And when there is no crosswalk (like in this instance), the car ALWAYS has the right of way. ALWAYS!

PS: “HONESTY” I agree that that is exactly how it happened! "




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Honest opinion wrote on Sep 17, 2009 7:08 AM:

" To the mother who wrote this article, There is plenty of criticism, (mostly constructive), here toward both you and your son. No child is perfect, and neither is any parent. Hopefully, you can see some of the other side of what happened now, and move on with some new ideas. Starting a blog like this definitely puts you on the butcher block. While I agree with most of these posts, I think you must be a good mom. Keep your chin up! "




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What wrote on Sep 16, 2009 10:21 PM:

" To Really:

You got a ticket for leaving the scene of a hit deer? Hitting a deer isnt considered an accident. You dont have to stop for a hit deer. However, you cant shoot the deer afterwards to put it out of its misery, that will get you into trouble. "




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According to Colorado Law wrote on Sep 16, 2009 8:03 PM:

" when is a bicycle a pedestrian? When it's ridden on a sidewalk or through a crosswalk. Colorado law allows a person to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk unless local law specifically states otherwise.

What are you supposed to do if you are riding your bicycle on the sidewalk and you come to a crosswalk? Here's the law
(c) A person riding or walking a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances. "




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according to CO law wrote on Sep 16, 2009 7:53 PM:

" A person riding or walking a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or pathway or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, including, but not limited to, the rights and duties granted and required by section 42-4-802 "




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Honesty wrote on Sep 16, 2009 3:45 PM:

" Um, let's be honest here. We all know your 12 year old did not stop at the intersection (clutching a Bible, I'm sure) and wait to see what the driver was going to do (no matter what he told you). He (like every kid, including myself when I was young) rode right out into the road thinking he could beat the car before it turned. He was wrong. You know that's what happened and so does everyone else. Thankfully your son was not seriously hurt. But it’s time to move on! "




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Trisha wrote on Sep 16, 2009 3:35 PM:

" Reality,

You're absolutely right! The mom just does not get that. I bet she is under the impression that laws were enacted just to get her son in trouble! "




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Trisha wrote on Sep 16, 2009 3:31 PM:

" Really,

It has to do with this mom making a mountain out of a molehill. Her son rode in front of a car and got bumped. The driver saw the kid was not really hurt (even though mom acts like he was in a coma) and apologized. The driver then realized they better go back just to make sure the boy was ok. In the meantime, mom decided her son being hurt was the sign of the apocalypse and is out for blood.

No tickets were written because it was a stupid inconsequential accident! "




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really wrote on Sep 16, 2009 3:09 PM:

" Montrose citizen, if the little boy was at fault, why didn't he get a ticket? That is part of their job, correct?. Leaving the scene is illegle, and she should have been cited. I hit a deer once, left to call the cops, and went back to meet him, he was there and I got a ticket for leaving!!! Statements should have been taken from all 3 of them! no matter who's fault it was. she was "not all there" how could he determine who was at fault, without talking to the boys? Poor police work "




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Reality wrote on Sep 16, 2009 1:04 PM:

" Concerned Mom said, “AGAIN I ASK WHO ARE WE TRYING TO PROTECT HERE, ITS DEFINATELY NOT OUR YOUTH.”

Actually, that’s exactly what we are trying to do and exactly why bicycle laws were put into place. To PROTECT people riding bikes! Either you did not teach your son the law/rules or your son did not follow the law/rules and he got hurt (thankfully not bad).

But yes, those laws were put in place to protect people… and if your son had followed the law, this accident would never have happened! "




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Mount Rose wrote on Sep 16, 2009 12:29 PM:

" I gave up riding on the streets in Montrose due to several events where the drivers have no respect for cyclists and no police officers around to patrol.I only use the bike paths and sidewalks anymore. "




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Take a Chill Pill wrote on Sep 16, 2009 12:16 PM:

" Concerned Mom,

From reading your rant (I mean letter), I can assure you, that that driver is not the only person who is not “all there.”

Glad your son is ok though. Now move on with your life. This is not a federal case. I can assure you, quite contrary to what you suggest in your rant (I mean letter), the entire city is not conspiring against you! "




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From Elsewhere wrote on Sep 16, 2009 11:50 AM:

" Being from a different area in Colorado, I can tell you that HERE bicycle riders are to stop at stop signs, and then RIDE across the road. They don't follow the law. They also ride 2 or 3 abreast (illegal) run stop signs (illegal) don't signal (illegal) etc. The fine for each of these offenses is $50. I always thought it was a crime to leave the scene of an accident you were involved in, whether you were "all there" or not. She should have been arrested for that. "




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My o My wrote on Sep 16, 2009 9:50 AM:

" Native,

With respect, how do you know people saw this and did nothing? I understand "concerned mom" is under the impression that society must raise her son for her and therefore EVERYONE (but her) saw this happen, but maybe those construction people were busy working and maybe those people in cars were paying attention to the traffic. And so maybe they didn’t realize it was their job to babysit her son for her and therefore didn’t see him get hit. Just a thought… I mean Lord forbid a parent take parenting responsibility for their own child! "




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watching wrote on Sep 16, 2009 8:02 AM:

" I have a question...
are there 2 sets of bike rules?
the reason I ask is i can not see letting a little kid ride their bike on the road like the adult riders do.
Everyone says learn the bike laws, but how will they react to seeing a kid riding in the street?
Is there an age that separates who rides on the sidewalk and follows the pedestrian laws and who rides in the road and follow those laws? "




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Chickenman wrote on Sep 16, 2009 7:32 AM:

" A little common sense by everyone would go along way.
First you should teach you kids basic saftey when riding in town and should have avodid riding in construction zone .
Second drivers should never assume what kids are going to do, kids are kids, adults should know kids will do stupid things and be extra careful in construction zone especiallly with kids, workers and pedestrians..Cops can only do so much, but should have cited driver for leaving scene Think folks CM "




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note wrote on Sep 16, 2009 7:30 AM:

" more cases get thrown out of the kangaroo court system in montrose than any place ive ever lived. the reasons they get thrown out of court are because the police and sherriffs departments dont know the law, which law to enforce, nor the procedures in which to enforce a law. "




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grandmother wrote on Sep 15, 2009 10:18 PM:

" I am so glad that your son is okay. Please teach him some bicycle safety. There are courses here in Montrose... usually in the spring. Children need to be informed. Everyone assumes that bike riders don't have to follow rules, but they do. It is a shock when a child on a bike pops out in front of you and you narrowly miss them. Please keep your child close, where he will be safe. "




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concerned res wrote on Sep 15, 2009 7:17 PM:

" You lost my respect with your opening sentence. What does your trip to another country have to do with this? Quit attacking the P.D. They don't make the laws, they just enforce them. You should have shown the foresight to never allow your 12 year old to ride his bike near a construction zone.
I'm glad that your son is o.k.-now move on with your life with a cheap lesson. "




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Native wrote on Sep 15, 2009 7:07 PM:

" Please don't tell this woman how to parent her child, or put her or her child down. You wouldn't appriciate it if someone did it to you or your child. The good thing is that many people will read this and learn the laws that they should already know. This article very well could save a life.
Even though no one "had" to help or check on this boy doesn't mean they shoudn't have...I know if I was hit by a car I would appriciate some help. Good samaritin people. Not just a story, a lesson. "




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Josh J wrote on Sep 15, 2009 6:35 PM:

" I very glad your son was not seriously injured!

Interesting that people keep complaining about drivers in this town (but obviously excluding themselves, I'm sure). The accident was caused because this lady's son broke the law. Putting aside the fact the driver left the scene, the accident was NOT the drivers fault. This type of accident could happen to any driver (even the good ones commenting on here) when someone on a bicycle BREAKS THE LAW! See laws are kind of put into place for just this reason! "




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HA wrote on Sep 15, 2009 4:41 PM:

" Bicycle laws were put in place to protect the rider and others. Your son broke the law (two of them actually). Granted, the driver should not have left, but your son was at fault for the accident. Thankfully he was ok. Now be a responsible parent and teach him bike safety and laws!

PS: I'm sorry, but I have to say this: You're massively overreacting to a simple situation that your own son is responsible for. Stop blaming everyone else, accept responsibility and move on with your life! "




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also a mother wrote on Sep 15, 2009 4:28 PM:

" This is a prime example why I will not let my son ride his bike outside of our neighborhood. The people in this town do not know how to drive, let alone respect other people. The woman who hit your son, whether she is "all there" or not should not have left the scene and should be held accountable for her actions. I agree that you should discuss this with Mr. Chinn, he needs to know how disappointed you were with the way the officers actions. Maybe this has shown you the true way people are in this town. "




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info wrote on Sep 15, 2009 2:33 PM:

" First, I'm sorry your son was injured. Scary for any parent.

The Police Department does offer bicycle safty events for people to learn, and these are free of cost if I remember correctly.
Also such laws are to PROTECT people in the first place. Always a good idea to vote. ;) "




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Cynic wrote on Sep 15, 2009 2:23 PM:

" This story is exactly what I have trying to tell the police ever since I moved here. VERY LAX TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT. No patrolling, few tickets, no unmarked cars monitoring. Just drive down Niagara sometime - no one even police cars make a full stop. If you drive the speed limit they will tailgate you. Do we have to wait for someone to get killed? "




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patrick wrote on Sep 15, 2009 2:01 PM:

" this is what happens when anybody can be given a drivers license. I know accidents happen but why leave if she obviously knew she hit him? i agree with you also if she is not all there why is she even driving a car? what does not all there even mean anyway? I hope your son had a full recovery!!!!! "




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wow wrote on Sep 15, 2009 1:39 PM:

" I'm sorry that happened to your son. I do think it is inappropriate for a 12 year old to be riding on townsend without an adult. There ARE bad drivers out there and it's our job (as parents) to protect and teach them. "




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honest opinion wrote on Sep 15, 2009 1:30 PM:

" While it sounds like this must have been really scary for you, and what a blessing it is that your son wasn't hurt worse, sounds like you may be overreacting just a smidge. The driver should not have ever left for sure, and should probably have been cited for that- "all there" or not, but aside from that it sounds like it was just an unfortunate mistake. Most of us would probably react the same way in your shoes, because of your emotional involvement. Just an outside opinion. :) "




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Montrose Citizen wrote on Sep 15, 2009 12:57 PM:

" Low and behold, yet another person complaining because of things they don't understand. First off, it is against the law to ride your bike on the sidewalk. Second off, pedistrians have the right of way, not cyclists. Maybe you should get the entire story before jumping to conclusions just because your son was the "victim". The Montrose PD, SO and CSP do a wonderful job, and it is not their fault you don't understand the laws. Don't like it? write to the senator! "




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bike dad wrote on Sep 15, 2009 9:11 AM:

" Bicycles aren't supposed to be ridden on the sidewalk. He was breaking the law and she didn't have a responsiblity to stop for him. A walker belongs on the sidewalk and she does have a responsiblity to stop for them. Learn the rules for riding a bike. It may save your son's life. Irresponsible parenting resulted in this accident. "




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montrose mom wrote on Sep 15, 2009 9:08 AM:

" First of all...that is a terrible stretch of road right now during the construction and I would not have allowed my kids to ride their bikes down there. There isn't a crosswalk right there...so technically, the driver was not to blame. My advice would be to educate your son in offensive bike riding. Avoiding that intersection and road would have been in his best interest.

Second of all...I am getting a little tired of everyone blaming the car! Not just bicyclists (who never know the proper laws and rules for riding their bikes), but "




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montrose mom wrote on Sep 15, 2009 9:07 AM:

" also pedestrians. Main Street is an accident waiting to happen with pedestrians (that have the right of way) walking right out into traffic. In some instances, the traffic can't even see them!

I don't care who has the right of way...if the car is bigger, you would be wise to be cautious and WAIT until it is clear. But maybe you wish to be hit and killed... just to prove that you had the right of way. Silly me. "




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Jen wrote on Sep 15, 2009 8:21 AM:

" I did know that you are suppose to walk your bike across the road however, I agree with you, what is the difference, she would have hit him either way, walking the bike or riding it! "




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Native wrote on Sep 15, 2009 8:16 AM:

" Another thing that bothers me(on a slightly different note) is that people riding their bikes on the road have to follow the same laws as the cars and they don't. How many times do you see a biker stop at a stop sign and wait their turn? The cops need to start enforceing some of these laws to help the bikers to be safer. So sorry this happened. I too am disapointed it everyone involved, and everyone that chose not to help. "




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Native wrote on Sep 15, 2009 8:16 AM:

" Oh my!! I am so sorry that this happened! Maybe you should try to talk to Tom Chinn, the Chief of police. I do teach my children to get off their bike and walk it across the street, and try to spread the word. "




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