BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

As someone who wandered into the SUV discussion, I am sorry. Please know that I've prayed, and continue to do so, for Iain, for your family, and for the driver. I love that an 8 year old knows cycling enough to love Fabian Cancellara!

As a parent, I can not imagine how heart wrenching this must be for you and your family. I am happy to hear that Iain is doing well, please let him know that the cycling community is pulling for him.

While the SUV discussion got out of control, as do many discussions on here, I can assure you the cycling community of Pittsburgh is full of wonderful people who want nothing more than for people like Iain to feel safe and enjoy riding in the city. Please let us know if there's anything we can do for your family. You will be in all our thoughts and prayers.

Alright, Cancellara, Spartacus, my man! Awesome. So glad he is recovering. Although considering what he has been through, I wouldn't be surprised if he deserved the nickname "Spartacus Jr." Let everyone know if there is anything specific that can be done in support. The idea was thrown out that, when Iain is ready to ride again, we arrange a group ride (Flock) with your family as the guests of honor. Let us know if you would or would not be amenable to something like that. Sometimes we have to put energy into responding to negative situations, but everyone would much rather put the energy into something positive.

Very glad to hear this. My 6 year old is a big Cancellara fan as well, so there are at least two Pittsburgh members of the Spartacus fan club, which has had a very good spring. Best of luck to Iain.

Iain sounds like a great kid. I'm glad to hear he's on the mend. I have a 7 year old and a 10 year old. I'd love to hear how you encourage their riding. Mine are into it sometimes, and not so much other times. Cancellara is great, but my son likes Thor Hushovd. Please pass our wishes along to Iain.

I remember how much I loved cycling at that age, and even more as I grew older. It's great having a loving family who loves it so much. I'm rooting for Iain and looking forward to that comeback ride.

@furchtbar - Thanks for the new thread. I don't know if you saw this picture already, but it's of the people who showed up Tuesday night at the site of Iain's accident to show support for your family and for Iain. Mostly, it's just families from the neighborhood, who believe that it's a good thing for kids to be biking and felt badly that Iain got hurt. Yes, there are traffic safety and advocacy issues that many of us have been working hard on, and Iain's accident will certainly come up in those conversations, but please know that we aren't forgetting that he's a real person.

^There was at least one rider from the South hills and one from the North hills at the ride to show support too :-) Tell Iain and your daughter that we look forward to riding with both of them sometime soon.

furchtbar wrote: he is doing great compared to the expected outcome, but has a ways to go. We welcome the support. We need the support.

Hi furchtbar - Good to hear that Ian is in good spirits. If he wants another "Tour of France" bike, I'm sure a bunch of us can help make it happen :) Heck, I bet we can try to figure out how to get him an actual official-looking riding kit as well :) As Katyfrey and Marko82 said, there were indeed mostly families from the neighborhood at Tuesday's ride, but also people from surrounding areas who came to support you, and even more people who due to work/time/being less than 6hrs notice for the ride, couldn't physically make it there, but were there in spirit. Albeit the unfortunate circumstances in which we were there together to participate in the ride, the vibe was very hopeful and full of joy. But also, through discussions among the crowd, the sincere interest and commitment in trying to find ways to make our streets safer, and demand such thing from our City, Police Force, and City Officials. So, yes! Keep us updated in Ian's journey of recovery, and know you have our support -let us know how we can help if any. Cheers :) Here's a short video from Tuesday's ride: https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10151623461099459

@furchtbar--Is there anything we can do now? I know there are lots of plans for awareness and cycling events, but how about today and tomorrow? There are a lot of good, caring people on this board, with a wide range of talents, abilities, concerns, flexibility...is there anything we can do, or anything you need now, that someone reading this may be able to help with?

@ furchtbar He cried to find out his first “Tour de France” bike is kaput. That is both sad and really great news. Sad that your son is going through this, but great that he is doing well enough that the bicycle is an issue. Could we get more specifics about how he is doing? I'm not sure if legally it's good to post publicly about that, but I'm concerned and would like to get updates - and most of us are.

Still sending lots of good thoughts your way and can't wait til the day you post that Iain is back out for his next ride:) Also thinking of your husband, daughter, and whole family.

I look forward to one day cheering on Iain in his own race! Thanks for the update.

It's greta to see you on the board. One thing that can't be argued is the this city has a great community built about bicycles and everyone is behind you.

Sorry I couldn't make it to the ride. I did post it on our board at work and I know at least one of my co-workers, who also lives nearby, was there. If there's anything I can do I'm happy to help. I saw in the newspaper article that your family recently moved here from Zurich, I'd be interested to hear your perspective on what we should be doing differently. I was lucky enough to spend a week riding around The Netherlands last year and it was pretty depressing to come back to the US but obviously a week isn't enough to really understand things. But mostly, hope your son continues to do great and doesn't have any lingering effects from this ordeal.

Update on Iain. First, thanks for all your support. Spartacus Jr. is getting better. Unfortunately he has some permanent and semi-permanent injuries, which will curb his sports career for awhile. But, hey, he can still manage a road bike mounted on a trainer. (He has permanent hearing loss in one ear and long term (?) double vision and depth perception deficits. So, the other thing. I don't want to rage against anything prior to point of impact/contact. I did march it out to 30 m. My husband had to stop the driver verbally as she was not aware of the child beneath her Jeep. That one hurts, mostly my husband who relives the chase every moment. Radio on? This part really hurts. I am not feeling very generous, but if I had made such an error, the knowledge alone would be penalty enough. However, we are just now struggling and beginning to face the financial challenges of staying home with our son as he recovers. Be safe.

I cannot imagine how you feel right now, furchtbar. That is insane! I hope you are seeking legal representation--people wiser than I on this board may have advice about that. This driver needs to be held accountable, and to make restitution to your family, to the extent possible.

edmonds59 wrote:Alright, Cancellara, Spartacus, my man! Awesome. So glad he is recovering. Although considering what he has been through, I wouldn’t be surprised if he deserved the nickname “Spartacus Jr.” Let everyone know if there is anything specific that can be done in support. The idea was thrown out that, when Iain is ready to ride again, we arrange a group ride (Flock) with your family as the guests of honor. Let us know if you would or would not be amenable to something like that. Sometimes we have to put energy into responding to negative situations, but everyone would much rather put the energy into something positive.

furchtbar wrote:

edmonds59 wrote:Alright, Cancellara, Spartacus, my man! Awesome. So glad he is recovering. Although considering what he has been through, I wouldn’t be surprised if he deserved the nickname “Spartacus Jr.” Let everyone know if there is anything specific that can be done in support. The idea was thrown out that, when Iain is ready to ride again, we arrange a group ride (Flock) with your family as the guests of honor. Let us know if you would or would not be amenable to something like that. Sometimes we have to put energy into responding to negative situations, but everyone would much rather put the energy into something positive.

That's my kid. Flock sounds great.

furchtbar wrote:

furchtbar wrote:

edmonds59 wrote:Alright, Cancellara, Spartacus, my man! Awesome. So glad he is recovering. Although considering what he has been through, I wouldn’t be surprised if he deserved the nickname “Spartacus Jr.” Let everyone know if there is anything specific that can be done in support. The idea was thrown out that, when Iain is ready to ride again, we arrange a group ride (Flock) with your family as the guests of honor. Let us know if you would or would not be amenable to something like that. Sometimes we have to put energy into responding to negative situations, but everyone would much rather put the energy into something positive.

That’s my kid. Flock sounds great.

Heal up fast, little man.

That's heart-wrenching. I can't even imagine going through that. My heart goes out to you all.

That picture makes my heart smile...glad to see he's surrounded by "buddies" (my kids called their stuffed animals buddies) Heal up Spartacus Jr.!

Words of comfort fail me. But I know that the best possible environment for Iain to heal is the one you're giving him. And when he's ready to ride again (and he will be) we'll be there to celebrate his return.

It sounds like lots of therapy will be needed for Ian to help him regain his ground, so I'm sending healing thoughts his way and for his doctors to find ways to help him recover the best way possible. And also, much support & good energy to you furtchbar and your family. As his mother I'm sure you have just as-much of a long road ahead. Once again, if there's something we as a community could do for you and your family, please let us know.

He looks like a happy boy who will not let this stop him. My thoughts are with you, Iain, and the rest of the family.

ericf wrote:He looks like a happy boy who will not let this stop him. My thoughts are with you, Iain, and the rest of the family.

Mine too. People in Point Breeze know me only as one angry, ornry cyclist/runner dad who is one over protective papa bear. There would have been footage of me being hauled off to the big house.

Check this out: I am a Facebook follower of the "Point Breeze Organization" on Facebook. Yesterday, I made a simple post asking for Ian's conditon (didn't know his name at that time) and if this woman had been charged. They delted my posts and eliminated my ability to post or respond. I also asked if anyone knew this woman's name, and I can see looking back that may have been a bit out of line, but I think it's funny how they have censored me.

furchtbar wrote:I decide to start a new thread for several reasons: I am his mom; I have a hard time seeing the title about bikers hit at Reynolds; I appreciate the kind person who took the SUV, topic to another thread; I really miss the kind words of support. It is a free speech thing do have it and get the real issues out there. My real issue is my son, who is not a kid who bikes, but a cyclist, loves Fabian Cancellara, was on his way to do some hill training, wore not only a helmet properly, but long fingered gloves. The helmet stayed on his head because it was tightened properly. He cried to find out his first “Tour de France” bike is kaput. We do have a garage full of 11 useful bikes.Yeah, he is doing great compared to the expected outcome, but has a ways to go. We welcome the support. We need the support.

You've got my support!!!!! My wife will tell you this upsets me so much, you would think he is my son!!!!!!

"They delted my posts and eliminated my ability to post or respond. I also asked if anyone knew this woman’s name, and I can see looking back that may have been a bit out of line, but I think it’s funny how they have censored me." That stinks. However, since this was not a hit N run and the driver stuck around, surely her name is in the police report and there's not really any reason to post it on the web unless she were on the lam. There's a good possibility the driver may have been someone who lives or works nearby -- adding to the pain and misery of the event, and perhaps causing people to empathize with the inattentive driver rather than the child.

Never mind.

ajbooth wrote:That picture makes my heart smile…glad to see he’s surrounded by “buddies” (my kids called their stuffed animals buddies) Heal up Spartacus Jr.!

We call them animal friends! I know people want to know what injuries Iain sustained. I will give you the brief list: permanent hearing loss in the left ear and double vision/ bad depth perception, both eyes, fracture to the base of the skull, weakness on the left side of his face, left broken clavicle (join the team on this one) left broken tibia, some other things may come out as he gets past the acute brain injury stage and I forgot to mention the pain. Think of your worst case of road rash and add burns from a hot car engine. One of his worst injuries: home-sickness. If you feel like doing something, but don't know what to do. Take advantage of this beautiful day, go for a ride! Take a picture of yourself or your kid and drop it off at Children's Hospital. That is my kind of media attention!

Pseudacris wrote:“They delted my posts and eliminated my ability to post or respond. I also asked if anyone knew this woman’s name, and I can see looking back that may have been a bit out of line, but I think it’s funny how they have censored me.” That stinks. However, since this was not a hit N run and the driver stuck around, surely her name is in the police report and there’s not really any reason to post it on the web unless she were on the lam. There’s a good possibility the driver may have been someone who lives or works nearby — adding to the pain and misery of the event, and perhaps causing people to empathize with the inattentive driver rather than the child.

I think that's exactly the situation, and like I said, looking back, it was most likely out of line for me to ask that.

re: the Point Breeze Org facebook - a simple explanation of all the reasons why it would NOT be a good idea to publicize the drivers name, and simply not publicizing it, would seem to have been the best possible response. OTOH to delete another RESIDENT'S post and block them because of it is the effing lamest, stupidest response they could possibly have come up with.

edmonds59 wrote:re: the Point Breeze Org facebook – a simple explanation of all the reasons why it would NOT be a good idea to publicize the drivers name, and simply not publicizing it, would seem to have been the best possible response.OTOH to delete another RESIDENT’S post and block them because of it is the effing lamest, stupidest response they could possibly have come up with.

My emotions really took over when asking if anyone knew the name, as I am sure any of us can understand. But yeah, I think it's ridiculous to essentially block me.

furchtbar, you sound like an amazing family with a positive outlook: that is going to be so helpful in your son's healing! And good advice to keep riding -- I will do that! (I live nearby Frick, too).

To Iain's Mom; I don't know that I can swing the photo element of your suggestion, but I'll make a point to find something on my ride home today that I think that Iain would enjoy, and make a point of really noticing it for both of us. It is a beautiful day. I think I can find some cute critters doing silly things, or a gaggle of geese or ??? Thanks for the suggestion!

@furchtbar, shout out to the Children's Home. My daughter spent a month or so there acclimating to normal day/night sleep cycle (she was premature and in the ICU for a couple of months). That was when they were in a different location, but I assume they still have good family-friendly care.

so, here's my "capture a moment for Iain" experience today. I was almost home, just about 5 blocks from my destination. As I pedal up the quiet tree lined suburban street, I see a bike parked on a sidewalk leading to someone's front porch. As I get closer, I see a boy, probably about 10 years old. It is pretty clearly his bike, but he's just sort of watching me from the front lawn. Then I hear a voice, this one too young to be him. I presume it is coming from the partially obscured front porch. It was a simple "hello" and then "I like bikes too!" I waved and said "I do too" then continued on my way. I wanted to stop and chat, but this momentary interaction was just too perfect. I liked leaving it as a fleeting, totally spontaneous interaction. It definitely made me think that it was probably something the Iain might have said to a cyclist passing on his street. If he ever did, I hope that cyclist took as much enjoyment from the moment as I did today. Thanks, Iain, for making me cherish that simple little moment. Heal well, my friend.

Swalfoort wrote:so, here’s my “capture a moment for Iain” experience today. I was almost home, just about 5 blocks from my destination. As I pedal up the quiet tree lined suburban street, I see a bike parked on a sidewalk leading to someone’s front porch. As I get closer, I see a boy, probably about 10 years old. It is pretty clearly his bike, but he’s just sort of watching me from the front lawn. Then I hear a voice, this one too young to be him. I presume it is coming from the partially obscured front porch. It was a simple “hello” and then “I like bikes too!” I waved and said “I do too” then continued on my way. I wanted to stop and chat, but this momentary interaction was just too perfect. I liked leaving it as a fleeting, totally spontaneous interaction. It definitely made me think that it was probably something the Iain might have said to a cyclist passing on his street. If he ever did, I hope that cyclist took as much enjoyment from the moment as I did today. Thanks, Iain, for making me cherish that simple little moment. Heal well, my friend.

Swalfoort wrote:so, here’s my “capture a moment for Iain” experience today. I was almost home, just about 5 blocks from my destination. As I pedal up the quiet tree lined suburban street, I see a bike parked on a sidewalk leading to someone’s front porch. As I get closer, I see a boy, probably about 10 years old. It is pretty clearly his bike, but he’s just sort of watching me from the front lawn. Then I hear a voice, this one too young to be him. I presume it is coming from the partially obscured front porch. It was a simple “hello” and then “I like bikes too!” I waved and said “I do too” then continued on my way. I wanted to stop and chat, but this momentary interaction was just too perfect. I liked leaving it as a fleeting, totally spontaneous interaction. It definitely made me think that it was probably something the Iain might have said to a cyclist passing on his street. If he ever did, I hope that cyclist took as much enjoyment from the moment as I did today. Thanks, Iain, for making me cherish that simple little moment. Heal well, my friend.

Swalfoort wrote:To Iain’s Mom; I don’t know that I can swing the photo element of your suggestion, but I’ll make a point to find something on my ride home today that I think that Iain would enjoy, and make a point of really noticing it for both of us. It is a beautiful day. I think I can find some cute critters doing silly things, or a gaggle of geese or ??? Thanks for the suggestion!

Thanks, you made what was a very tough day. The cool thing is Iain is getting well enough to be pissed off. While I think this is healthy, it is torture for a sleep-deprived mom.

Swalfoort wrote:so, here’s my “capture a moment for Iain” experience today. I was almost home, just about 5 blocks from my destination. As I pedal up the quiet tree lined suburban street, I see a bike parked on a sidewalk leading to someone’s front porch. As I get closer, I see a boy, probably about 10 years old. It is pretty clearly his bike, but he’s just sort of watching me from the front lawn. Then I hear a voice, this one too young to be him. I presume it is coming from the partially obscured front porch. It was a simple “hello” and then “I like bikes too!” I waved and said “I do too” then continued on my way. I wanted to stop and chat, but this momentary interaction was just too perfect. I liked leaving it as a fleeting, totally spontaneous interaction. It definitely made me think that it was probably something the Iain might have said to a cyclist passing on his street. If he ever did, I hope that cyclist took as much enjoyment from the moment as I did today. Thanks, Iain, for making me cherish that simple little moment. Heal well, my friend.

Swalfoort wrote:so, here’s my “capture a moment for Iain” experience today. I was almost home, just about 5 blocks from my destination. As I pedal up the quiet tree lined suburban street, I see a bike parked on a sidewalk leading to someone’s front porch. As I get closer, I see a boy, probably about 10 years old. It is pretty clearly his bike, but he’s just sort of watching me from the front lawn. Then I hear a voice, this one too young to be him. I presume it is coming from the partially obscured front porch. It was a simple “hello” and then “I like bikes too!” I waved and said “I do too” then continued on my way. I wanted to stop and chat, but this momentary interaction was just too perfect. I liked leaving it as a fleeting, totally spontaneous interaction. It definitely made me think that it was probably something the Iain might have said to a cyclist passing on his street. If he ever did, I hope that cyclist took as much enjoyment from the moment as I did today. Thanks, Iain, for making me cherish that simple little moment. Heal well, my friend.

Swalfoort wrote:so, here’s my “capture a moment for Iain” experience today. I was almost home, just about 5 blocks from my destination. As I pedal up the quiet tree lined suburban street, I see a bike parked on a sidewalk leading to someone’s front porch. As I get closer, I see a boy, probably about 10 years old. It is pretty clearly his bike, but he’s just sort of watching me from the front lawn. Then I hear a voice, this one too young to be him. I presume it is coming from the partially obscured front porch. It was a simple “hello” and then “I like bikes too!” I waved and said “I do too” then continued on my way. I wanted to stop and chat, but this momentary interaction was just too perfect. I liked leaving it as a fleeting, totally spontaneous interaction. It definitely made me think that it was probably something the Iain might have said to a cyclist passing on his street. If he ever did, I hope that cyclist took as much enjoyment from the moment as I did today. Thanks, Iain, for making me cherish that simple little moment. Heal well, my friend.

Does anyone have access to cable showing Fabian riding on Saturday in a local race near his home town of Bern, Switzerland. I will check the Internet as we don't have a TV, but Spartacus Junior would go crazy to see it, even if there will be two Cancellaras in the race (sick humor on kids with double vision, that is my kid so I can joke after a rough day) if anyone finds it on, lot me know and My family will wash your bike!

BUMP May 15th - Pittsburgh Bike Ride of Silence What: The Pittsburgh arm of the worldwide Ride Of Silence™ bike rally. See http://rideofsilence.org When: Wednesday, May 15, 7:00 PM. Gather at 6:45 PM (evening) · Ride rain or shine – if it’s important, let’s do it. · Check the WPW website (www.wpwbikeclub.org) for any last minute messages Start location: Oakland - Schenley Plaza (next to Carnegie Library) Base route is 11 miles – Fifth to Penn Ave, right out Penn to Wilkinsburg, loop around the block in Wilkinsburg to reverse direction, Penn Ave to Main St in Bloomfield (just past Children’s Hospital), over the Bloomfield Bridge, left on Bigelow Blvd to start. Route is documented here: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1604145. -Why attend? • to honor those cyclists injured or killed on public roadways • to raise awareness of cyclists on the road • to demonstrate responsible road sharing • to show that cyclists are not going away Personally, I'll be attending to honor Ian and his family, but also for all the reasons above. If you can, please be there! https://www.facebook.com/events/328632897239935/

Bikeygirl - you didn't say anything about the time (other than the day) or the place.

Mick -it's been edited :)