What we need (and I'm going to post) is a list of who is coming from which staring point. Although some might show up without posting, I'm guessing that if we don't get ten riders listed for a place, it isn't going to happen for that location.
If everyone is OK with it, the groups from different locations and any loose riders could meet at Point Park. We could proceed in a mass to the DA's office through downtown.
We need a meeting point in the North and one in the South (South side? S of Mt W?)
The consensus day is Friday August 27. Discussion on exact time? Different from different meeting points closer or farther from town?
MEETING points. Please copy this post and put your useraname (or other ID) under one of the starting points. No italics necessary, just copy and put your ID in.
If you want to discuss something, such as your uncertainty over where you might start, or other possible start locatioins, do NOT copy this post to do it.
Please limit this as much as possible to locations set in other posts and ID, perhaps with Question marks next to ID's.
DIPPY
-Mick
OVAL
SOUTH
NORTH
DIPPY
-Mick
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
SOUTH
NORTH
DIPPY
-Mick
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-Tabby
SOUTH
NORTH
DIPPY
-Mick
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
SOUTH (REI)
-Marko82
NORTH
Could we get clarification on the time? I have to work that day, so I need to factor that into whether I can make it and which starting point.
DIPPY
-Mick
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-EJWME (Penn Hills - dback, wanna bikepool?)
SOUTH (REI)
-Marko82
NORTH
DIPPY
-Mick
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-EJWME (Penn Hills - dback, wanna bikepool?)
SOUTH (REI)
-Marko82
NORTH
-StuInMcCandless
DIPPY
-Mick
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-EJWME (Penn Hills - dback, wanna bikepool?)
-Tabby
SOUTH (REI)
-Marko82
NORTH
-StuInMcCandless
DIPPY
-Mick
-Rob
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-EJWME (Penn Hills - dback, wanna bikepool?)
-Tabby
SOUTH (REI)
-Marko82
NORTH
-StuInMcCandless
DIPPY
-Mick
-Rob
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-EJWME (Penn Hills - dback, wanna bikepool?)
-Tabby
-Dbacklover (EJWME - Love to)
SOUTH (REI)
-Marko82
NORTH
-StuInMcCandless
Is the route for this ride planned out yet?
DIPPY
-Mick
-Rob
-salty
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-EJWME (Penn Hills - dback, wanna bikepool?)
-Tabby
-Dbacklover (EJWME - Love to)
SOUTH (REI)
-Marko82
NORTH
-StuInMcCandless
Not sure if Aspinwall would be north or east in this scheme. It would be really helpful to have a better idea of time so I can coordinate (kids start school that week).
ALMKLM, I'd be coming through Millvale, so am trying to decide whether to go up & over to 62SB or continue to Aspinwall-ish to HPBr, or try to meet them coming past 40SB on Butler, assuming they do that. I don't have a time commitment, just a long flippin' ride (15+ mi.) before I start a ride.
@ALMKLM -Someone has to suggest a time. If time is important to you, pick a time you think is good for you and you think might make sense for others.
I could list the time I think is best, but I'm flexible. I'd rather leave the choice to people who are saying the time is important to them.
I think we should have a grand meet at Point Park about 1 hour after meeting at Dippy, the Oval, and the other places. I think from PP, it will take a little time to go to the DA's office. I figure you will be downtown and ready to roll ;leass than two hours after the initial meeting.
The time question is a good one. I normally leave my house at 5AM - I don't recommend it, the streets are empty. From some statistics I found, the majority of people DEPART their homes for work between 7-7:30 (14%), 7:30-8 (12%), and 8-8:30 (10%) for IN the Metro Area. Most suburbanites leave their homes 6:30-8 (similar break down, most popular being 7-7:30).
So for highest visibility, I suppose meeting some time earlier in the 7AM hour in the suburban sites (and proportionately later at Dippy) would make sense? I usually time my commute for when the lemmings are asleep or driving the other way, so I'm just trying to figure out the opposite - any better ideas?
If part of the intended impact is to cause delays to traffic, I have noticed that traffic through the east end towards Oakland and downtown from the Highland Park Bridge area intensifies around 8:30 AM.
Under normal circumstances, I think from HPB to Point State Park would be a 30 minute ride +/-. Probably similar to Dippy, or maybe less.
So a depart time of a mass of riders, from HPB to either PSP or Dippy 8:15 or 8:30 might have an impact on traffic.
Thinking about it, it makes more sense for me to join the group at the Oval.
DIPPY
-Mick
-Rob
-salty
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-EJWME
-Tabby
-Dbacklover
-StuInMcCandless
SOUTH (REI)
-Marko82
NORTH
I wish I could come to this-- Kayla and I will be on our way to DC.
Oops. My brain was registering compass points - didn't "get" OVAL until I saw Stu's response.
DIPPY
-Mick
-Rob
-salty
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-EJWME
-Tabby
-Dbacklover
-StuInMcCandless
-ALMKLM
SOUTH (REI)
-Marko82
NORTH
I think the goal should be to get to Point State Park/a downtown location around 8:30-9:00. Leaving Dippy at 8 and slowly (a key word) riding through Oakland and into town will accomplish that, and I think from the Oval would do the same departing at 7:30-7:45, depending on the route - whether through the East End or Butler Street.
I personally don't think that the objective should be to disrupt traffic so much as be a visible statement to be aware of bikes on the road, but others may disagree with me. I also would be a strong proponent of following all traffic rules (Flock-style) to help make that statement.
I can easily make it to either Dippy or the Oval, so I can go with whichever group needs more people.
I personally don't think that the objective should be to disrupt traffic so much as be a visible statement to be aware of bikes on the road
+1
I'd rather provoke a "What's with all the [white] bicycles?" reaction than a "Damn all these bicycles already!" reaction out of people.
+1 to the Hoff
My goal for this ride is to get people thinking and talking, not swearing and gnashing their teeth. (Gnashing is such a great word. people need to use it more in conversation)
Stu, I think if we managed that, we'd be over half way there (and there wouldn't necessarily need to be a ride at all). If we don't follow all the rules, we've just proven *them* right and making it worse for each other.
Let me know if you want some type of signage.
I think signs are pretty important so that people know that this isn't just a recreational group ride. I was just going to make something to attach to my rear rack- something simple like "For Don Parker" or "I am Don Parker" as mentioned in the other thread. So if you want to make some signs that would be cool too.
I'll have to see what sign blanks I have left. If I have anything on the small/lightweight side, I'll make something tonight and get it to someone before I leave for DC.
re: sign
In memory of Don Parker
Killed by a negligent driver
Why no criminal charges?
("Disrupt traffic," etc., poor choice of words on my part.)
Agree with "provoking a response" vibe.
Love the sign idea. Or a sharpie on a white t-shirt.
It could have been any one of us. Any of us could have been Don, therefore, "I am Don Parker."
I like Marco's idea.
Most of the motorists will not know who Don Parker is, unless the signs say it.
sign on the back of the leader and sweeper. white t shirts with "I am Donald Parker" on everyone
Can someone explain this ride a little better to me? I am confused by all of the meeting points. Is the idea to get to the DA's office or to get to someplace where there is a permanent memorial being erected or both?
I am looking for time, route, destination, etc. I am afraid if it's is too complicated people won't go. I'd like to invite others but at this point I don't know how.
Meet wherever is convenient for you, convene at the DA's office.
I thought we were riding to the point then all riding together thru town to the DA's office.
The idea *IS* to get to the DA's office.
The idea is to meet at various points (Dippy, Oval) then ride downtown, have a "grand meet" at point park, then through town to the DA's office. The grand meet will join the Dippy group with Oval group and be a good place for any other loose riders to join.
Make sense?
You can expect that the DA will be too incredibly busy to be there for us. He will be prosecuting drug lords, child molestors, and/or guys who smoked a joint in a alley a coupla years ago.
should someone contact the DA's office and the News outlets to let them know what will be going on?
should someone contact the DA's office and the News outlets to let them know what will be going on?
That's a good idea but it's unlikely that anyone here will get a press release out. Anyone could email their favorite newscaster or journalist, though. Also, anyone could write their tax-supported public servants.
What is happening once everyone gets to the DA's office? (I have 4 white t-shirts to donate if they're needed).
(Not to speak on Nick's behalf) but Nick seems to have a knack for wooing local tv journalists and already has a couple contacts following Don's story - I can pretty much guarantee we'll get some sort of coverage based on that.
Did I miss the mention of what time this would be? I see various proposals, but I'm unclear on departure/arrival times.
Should someone schedule an appointment with the DA? Or is the goal simply to visibly protest outside the office? (I'm okay with either approach.)
@JZ My thought was just a visible protest, unless someone else wants to get involved in actually trying to meet with the DA. I personally do not feel that I am knowledgeable enough about the issues at hand to be the one having that conversation.
As for times, unless there are major objections, let's arrive at Point State Park at 8:30am and then do a loop of town ending at the DA's office. That means leaving Dippy at 8am, and leaving the Oval 7:45am. Please try to arrive early to stick to that schedule.
I will try to get in touch with local print and TV media, also, but if anyone has any contacts (Nick?) please let me know.
This thought just hit me- do we need to get a permit? I googled and got a document that seems to indicate we would be a "public assembly". If I'm interpreting it correctly it sounds like we do NOT need a permit as long as we aren't disrupting normal flow of traffic, peds, and emergency response. However, without a permit we are required to disperse if requested by the police, whereas a permitted demonstration would not have to. Anyone know more about this kind of thing?
just pure speculation, tabby, but: a bicycle is part of traffic, so the line would surely be blurry. and disperse might mean to take the group ride elsewhere.
i would be immensely surprised if such a group were asked to disperse, still more shocked if arrests or citations resulted, and simply flabbergasted if such arrests and citations stood up in court.
I agree that our group would be considered part of traffic on the way over. My concern was more with what we will be doing once we arrive at the DA's office. I was just imagining perhaps 20-30 bicyclists standing around on the sidewalk or something might elicit a "move along" or something. That's all- definitely not expecting any more rukus than that.
@Tabby I'm looking into that. Information on permits is available here if anyone wants to read up on it: http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/police/html/spec_event_permit_app.html
The short version as I read it is that we would need to submit a permit application (with $125 fee) and the city would need two business days to review our application - IF we do indeed need a permit. I'm inclined to say we just ride, and if we're asked to disperse, we disperse, and hopefully the media would be on hand to witness it?
I suppose I should ask another question of the people on the forum: are (more) people going to show? I think it's important that we do the ride, but with only 10 or so people verbally committed in this thread, is there anything we can do to bring more people out - including possibly rescheduling to a better time for others?
I'm inclined to say we just ride, and if we're asked to disperse, we disperse, and hopefully the media would be on hand to witness it?
i guess this is what i was trying to say. if the police say "get out of here", and the news has a few people on the news saying "i guess they don't want to hear what we have to say, so we better go" that's not a horrible outcome, i don't think.
Giving the media a heads-up the day before is 1/3 the battle.
Being very visible during commute time is 1/3 the battle.
Getting the media to talk to us that morning is 1/3 the battle.
Actually getting the DA to talk to us would be icing on the cake.
I do agree that we need quite a few more than the 10-ish so far. The line of 80-some bikes for the May ride was a sight to behold.
Stand up and be counted!
List of meeting points and people there. Please copy and add you name to the list.
DIPPY
-Mick
-Rob
-salty
OVAL
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-EJWME
-Tabby
-Dbacklover
-StuInMcCandless
-ALMKLM
SOUTH (REI)
-Marko82
NORTH
(ok, I'm headed down anyway, I gotta pick up the marriage license for my wedding, and can't get it any other day. I'm inclined to stop by the DA's office and at least leave a note that I was there and I vote and he's exhausted my patience with this matter regardless of whether there are 9 people with me or 90)
I am swamped this week, but will try to make it over from my office downtown.
Someone might want to volunteer as "bike steward" if the group plans to enter the building and actually approach the DA's office. There is bike parking in the portico of the City County Building, and on the corner of Forbes and Grant, but total capacity is probably about 20. You could create a pretty nifty bike corral around the portico racks if you have a person stationed there to monitor them.
talking to friends now, trying to drum up some more riders.
I created a facebook event for easier sharing: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149009271793852
I also am drafting up an email to a few of the local organizations (WPW, Team Caffeine, Major Taylor, etc.) as they were instrumental in planning and bringing people out for the ride a few months ago.
@HoffmanJ: Jim Logan of the WPW was the guy for the Ride of Silence. His email address is on the WPW Contacts page.
That said, he's out of town for a couple of days, so may not respond in timely fashion.
Thanks Dan. I've emailed WPW, Major Taylors, Team Caffeine, and a bunch of media outlets that covered the story the first time around. Hopefully this will drum up some attention.
Does anyone have any further ideas regarding signs? I think even if it is just writing Marko's suggestion (below) on some t-shirts, it would be worthwhile for at least the sweep of each group.
"In memory of Don Parker
Killed by a negligent driver
Why no criminal charges?"
Why no charges, period. The issue of criminality is a bit of a red herring.
There are no *criminal* charges because there was no criminal intent and all the states decriminalized unintentional homicide by motor vehicle in the 70s as it was taking up too much time in the court system (which had to be freed up to make room for the Reagans' "War on Drugs", natch).
But that doesn't explain why there wasn't even a traffic ticket. 5 minutes over on a parking meter? $50. Let your registration lapse and that's $100. Throw a Wendy's wrapper out the window, $300. Kill somebody? Whoops.
I saw an article in the paper related to "back-to-school", and it reminded everyone that passing a school bus with its lights on gets a $250 fine, 5 points on your license, and 2 months license suspension. That sounded like a reasonable equivalence to me, since it involves only the POTENTIAL for harm, and not actual harm. It sounded like a good MINIMUM starting point for even bumping a cyclist, let alone a killing.
"DON PARKER KILLED
WHY NO CHARGES?"
?
I like that, ejwme. As short, clear and BIG as possible should be the goal I think.
For a more general statement, I was thinking of "distracted driving kills"
I like it too, except I would change "killed" to "is dead", partly because the former is also a verb, but also because the latter uses smaller words.
This is so sad. The comparison..... a life and throwing a wrapper out the window...........
But that doesn't explain why there wasn't even a traffic ticket. 5 minutes over on a parking meter? $50. Let your registration lapse and that's $100. Throw a Wendy's wrapper out the window, $300. Kill somebody? Whoops.
edmonds59
bossanova
Private Message
Posted 3 hours ago
I saw an article in the paper related to "back-to-school", and it reminded everyone that passing a school bus with its lights on gets a $250 fine, 5 points on your license, and 2 months license suspension. That sounded like a reasonable equivalence to me, since it involves only the POTENTIAL for harm, and not actual harm. It sounded like a good MINIMUM starting point for even bumping a cyclist, let alone a killing.
There is no justice!!!
"DON PARKER KILLED
WHY NO CHARGES?"
+1
Succinct, to the point. Active verb.
i agree with lyle, here. someone who doesn't know may think it's don parker we want brought up on charges. either "don parker was killed" or "don parker is dead" would work better.
All great ideas; I particularly like Lyle's last point. Would someone be able to take a lead on getting a shirt or two together? I, unfortunately, have meetings from 8am until possibly as late as 8pm tomorrow, so I can't guarantee I'll have time myself.
WPW will be sending word around and hopefully some will join us. I'm still waiting to hear back from the other groups and media outlets. Feel free to contact anyone else you may know who would be interested in joining or covering the ride.
I haven't been very active throughout this (mainly because I knew I would not be in town).
I think the best thing is for one person to take charge (Jon) and do what you think is best. Collaboration is good, but too much input makes everything a mess. Everyone who is going to participate is there for the same reason, so if you think out your plan, most people will have no problem following you.
As far as media coverage goes, I have contacted some people, and I will PM Jon some info on people to contact.
If anyone want to make a professional looking sign, I could do it later tonight (after 10p or so). I could make one large banner (2'x4') if someone knows what they want it to say.
I believe there were no charges filed against the driver that killed my brother either. I am glad you are doing something to voice your outrage!!
Voices that speak up!!
Also, I was told by a knowledgable friend that the DA's office is have a company picnic in Schenley Park this weekend...
Thanks Nick, I just messaged you about a sign and the contact info.
A few logistical things: I've updated the meeting points list, copied below. I'll join the Dippy crowd as it's closer to me and seems to be a smaller group. Would someone from the Oval group please message me their contact info so that we have a way of coordinating the two groups on Friday if necessary?
At Point State Park, let's meet at the outline of Fort Duquesne at 8:30 (just to sit a consistent meeting point.)
List of meeting points and people there. Please copy and add you name to the list.
DIPPY - MEET AT 7:45, DEPART 8:00
-Mick
-Rob
-salty
-HoffmannJ
WASHINGTON BLVD. OVAL - MEET 7:30, DEPART 7:45
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-EJWME
-Tabby
-Dbacklover
-StuInMcCandless
-ALMKLM
since i'm the only south person, I'll meet you at dippy
DIPPY - MEET AT 7:45, DEPART 8:00
-Mick
-Rob
-salty
-HoffmannJ
-marko
WASHINGTON BLVD. OVAL - MEET 7:30, DEPART 7:45
-Bikeygirl (lawrenceville)
-EJWME
-Tabby
-Dbacklover
-StuInMcCandless
-ALMKLM
These facts that you brought up just infuriate me
so much that I would put this on MY T- shirt if I were there...
American Justice
Pass a School Bus $250.00 fine
Tossed candy wrapper $300.00 fine
Death by Auto $500.00 fine
Good news - the Trib should have a reporter meeting us downtown. Still waiting on other organizations though.
Thanks to all who have volunteered contact info. If you haven't yet heard from me I'll respond asap.
Kathi, I think it's worse than that. I'd put:
Pass a School Bus $250.00 fine
Tossed candy wrapper $300.00 fine
Death by Auto NOTHING!
I did talk to Don's mother last week or so... I believe there is a $500.00 fine and a few points being given. The investigation just ended. You can check to be sure I got that right, but I believe that is what she told me.
Kathi
That's rude.
It is cheaper to get caught avoidably killing a cyclist and admit full fault than it is to get caught throwing trash out the window while passing a school bus.
So basically if somebody wants somebody dead, all they have to do is wait until the victim gets on a bicycle, claim "flip flop malfunction", pay $500 (and maybe another $500 deductible for repairs to car) and the story ends. (edited to add: assuming nobody finds out about the malice of forethought, where maybe they'd lose their license?)
I apologize, I'm not normally one to swear in public forums, but that is fucking bullshit.
How does Vehicular Manslaughter not come into play? In fact, if the kid attended a driver's ed course, where the words "distracted driving can kill" were uttered, that's murder (requiring apriori knowledge that one's actions could result in death). Heck, if the DA is going to play so willy-nilly with interpreting the law, so can we.
When there is no perceived criminal intent it is a horse of a different color......... EJWME... you are absolutely right in what you say. No one would know if you maliciously intended to kill someone. That is why there has to be something like a drug and alcohol test, which they didn't do in my brother's case, to get a more severe penalty. Now you can understand why I am so fired up about the Sandy township police NOT DOING THEIR JOB.
That is really troubling news. I guess this eliminates the argument that nothing was done, but with that penalty it might as well have been nothing.
Nonetheless, it's still a systemic issue, and to me, it doesn't change much about tomorrow. We'll still ride in memory of Don, and we'll still take issue with the response by authorities - except that rather than just inaction, it is the inappropriateness of the penalties at issue.
I'm going to try to find a way to get some shirts together tonight, by the way, if I can.
Please all of you who are riding be safe, Our family wouldn't want to have anyone hurt honoring Don.
Whoa - did I miss something?
"I did talk to Don's mother last week or so... I believe there is a $500.00 fine and a few points being given. The investigation just ended. You can check to be sure I got that right, but I believe that is what she told me."
Is Kathi saying the Don Parker investigation is complete, and the result is flip-flop boy is getting a $500 fine and some points on his license?
ALMKLM, I'm afraid that's exactly the conclusion to be drawn from this thread thus far. I wouldn't blame his family for either suing or not suing in civil court, but it appears the criminal investigation is over. I'll wait to hear the DA say it (or to see it verified/published by an additional reputable source) before I provide the most public and cutting verbal and written "what for" I can muster, but yeah.
$500 and some points for killing an experienced man on a bike who was doing everything right. Everything but driving a car, that is.
the fine won't do anything but maybe get the kid grounded. Parents usually end up paying fines. at the very least, this kid should have to do community service, perhaps doing what one of my coworkers did as a full time job: riding a bike through the city to work with homeless people.
So, for the group meeting at the oval, will the route from there be via the east end or Butler Street - I can't leave until 7:30, so I might need to catch-up or meet you en route.
The route for the oval group is Butler Street to Penn Ave through the Strip - dbacklover will be leading the group. It should be visible enough and easy to find along the way. If not, I'm sure you can always just meet us at Point State Park.
I may or may not be able to make it (dippy) tomorrow am so please don't wait for me.
I think the bikes will be pretty visible. Ill be the giant guy in orange on an orange bike.
We Rode.
About 15 gathered at the point. We talked to newsmen. We rode to the DA's office.
We talked to the DA's public relations guy, Mike Manko (sp?). Nice guy (but that's his job), bike rider.
"At Least My Kids Love Me" did a great job of gently and politely, but firmly articulating our concerns.
The DA's office got the file from the county police 10 days ago. They have not made a decision about bringing charges or not. Manko said that to move slow was standard on a case like this. There is no statute of limitations that could run out.
If our goal was to get some kind of justice for Don Parker, then we accomplished (perhaps) a little. Maybe or maybe not.
If our goal was to let our elected officials know that a dead cyclist will not go unnoticed, then we succeeded.
I'm glad we did it.
Thanks again to everyone who came out. We ended up having around 15-16 riders as well as reporters from the Trib and WPXI. I was interviewed for the 12:00 WPXI news, and several of us were interviewed for the Trib.
We did ride to the County Courthouse, and five of us (ALMKLM, Lolly, Stu, Mick and myself) went in and met with Mike Manko, a spokesperson for the DA's office. ALMKLM was a great voice for our group, and we learned some interesting things.
- The DA's office only received the case in the last "10 days or two weeks or so", and is still investigating. The local LEO and County police may have completed their investigations, but the DA's office has only begun looking into it. He emphasized how slow the legal process works.
- If the driver was issued a ticket, that is a summary offense issued by the local LEO's and has no bearing on the DA's investigation.
- He could not comment on the status of the investigation, but he said that when the decision to press charges or not is made, it probably won't be well publicized. He did invite the community to check in every few weeks or so for a status update. There is a feedback link on the DA's office's website that will go directly to Mr. Manko.
I hope that sums it up well - did I miss anything? The outcome of the interaction was very positive and non-confrontational. I think there is reason for guarded optimism, but we will see how things unfold over the next few months.
There's no reason to break out the torches and pitchforks - at least, not yet. That said, I would encourage people to check in (in a non-confrontational way) and show that their is public interest in the case.
Mick, it seems we were writing at the same time. Sorry for the repetition.
Thank you HoffmanJ and all who participated in the ride.
Sorry I had to sneak away earlier but work was calling....
@Mike - good point. Personally, my goals were to let our elected officials know that a dead cyclist -specially a dead one due to such an irresponsible accident that could have been avoided- will not go unnoticed. And that by all of us cycling to Downtown, on a morning with rush-traffic around, will hopefully show and make at least some people/drivers more careful on the road.
One thing though -and I'll just be honest- since this was a sort of 'memorial' Ride of Silence, I was slightly bothered for some of the lively chattering going-on in parts of the ride... it was good to put some faces w/avatars in here, but the occasion wasn't a joyful one to be catching up (maybe afterwards?).
Just my 2cents for a ride of silence (hopefully NOT) next time...... no more dead cyclists, please!
It was such a lovely morning ride down Fifth Ave from Oakland with my friends (some new, some older), that I did find myself grinning and wondered about the appropriateness.
Joy in cycling is a good memorial, though, I think.
When I go, I would hope to leave mirth and laughter in my wake.
@Mick... I agree with the mirth & laughter (the FOC can attest to that!!!), but this (Don Parker/dead cyclists) is in my view a serious issue, where I want fellow drivers / officials to see that we/I'm serious about my dedication to this matter, and to no misinterpret the demeanor as one of lack of magnitude-that's all.
@JHoffman & Mick - I think you got everything. Mr. Manko introduced himself as a regular cyclist who commutes in from the Crafton area, not daily, but appeared to be amenable to our concerns. (Heck, even I don't ride daily.) He looked like a cyclist: 50s maybe, athletic build.
We made it known we care. We expressed our lack of knowledge of the process, which went over well, and I think caused him to give us more the answer we wanted: We haven't heard anything b/c it's too soon to hear anything from the DA, but we now know how to find out information in the future.
Thumbs up to everyone who made the ride in!
Just a note to add; Individual emails to the DA showing public concern for this case would probably help alot right now. The DA is a political position, and pol's will usually do what the people want if it helps them get reelected. I suggest not sounding too radical because he hasn't made a decision yet, but let him know how you feel about the 'accident'.
I'll confess, I was lighthearted on the ride, and though I successfully avoided singing constantly (like I do when on my own), I did get carried away by the sunshine and sing a few times, and talk with the neighbors on occasion. Every time I did I thought about Don, wondered about whether it was appropriate, and stifled feelings of guilt (I'm riding, he's not, more cyclists than anybody would like are similarly not riding).
I tend to struggle in my "regular" life with the misinterpretation of my general (ok, flakey) demeanor as reflecting a lack of seriousness, lack of gravity, lack of will power, lack of ability, so I completely understand and agree with the point you've made. I don't have the opportunity to politely but firmly explain to passing motorists that while I'm smiling, singing, waving, and laughing, I will not surrender my lane, get off the road, buy a car, shrug off our system's apparent disregard for cyclists' rights, or calmly and passively accept motorists' "right" to kill us off one by one with little to no repercussions.
My goals for the ride, though they may not be everyone's goals, were to ride in Don Parker's memory with positive energy, get out in rush hour and in general be seen as a cyclist by motorists, go find out what's up with the DA, and let other cyclists know their numbers include one more. On all accounts, check.
I can promise not to sing or talk on a Ride of Silence, though it may take a mouth guard and duct tape. But while I have breath in my lungs, two working legs, and a bicycle to ride, I refuse under any circumstances for anybody or anything to stifle my joy of riding, especially motorists who may misinterpret my joy for silliness to be dismissed.
Sorry I couldn't ride with you. Bad time (is there ever a good one) for the common cold.
To me, this ride was mostly about awareness. Awareness of cyclists, of Don's death by a careless driver, and the cycling community. I felt, especially since it was a small group of us that there was a lot of value in talking and sharing and getting to know each other or know each other better.
I never forgot what we were there for, or the signs I had attached to my bike. Also, we took a moment of silence for Don before the few went into the DAs office that was serious and appropriate.
I'm sorry.... ejweme & tabby, I did not mean to offend you or anyone elses feelings, or assume what their intentions were for the ride. It was just my -a- point of view regarding what my meaning of the ride was. Both of you were so nice.... didn't meant to offend you.
One of my problems sometimes is that I take things too seriously sometimes. Perhaps it was the fact that it was such a wonderful morning that made me extra-sensitive to the fact that, instead of riding our bikes just for the fun, joy, and independence that it brings; that we were doing it to bring attention to someone who died in relation to it -that's all!
Peace.... and let us plan instead a 'joy if riding' ride! Anyone with a straight-face will be severely harrased until they loosen up 
hey bikeygirl, no offense taken. I just wanted to offer my perspective as well. Also for those that were not there I didn't want to leave the impression that we as a group had been flippant.
Hey guys, I am really happy that I was able to join you on this ride. From what I heard and read of Don I have to imagine that the idea of getting people out riding would be a happy thought for him. (it is what I believe) Ejweme I am sorry that I didnt ride home with you, and I wanted to thank you for waiting up for me when I got behind, Thank you all of you for waiting for me that one time.
I am still trying to digest what I saw, and felt, and understood.
I will say that I am really happy I got to meet all of you. I have been a lone rider for along time and it is really something to find out there are others out there.
One of the things I got to notice from riding in the back of the pack was I noticed the reactions of those who saw us on the ride.
+++ To everything everyone has said about the ride this morning. And huge thanks to John especially for taking on the heavy lifting of pushing the organization of the thing.
For everyone who came, I am certain there are many more who were there in spirit. The ride was a success not only measured by the media attention and the interaction we were able to have with the DA's office, but also as a tribute to Don Parker and everyone else who has lost their ability to ride.
Some of us ride because we want to, some because we have to, but we all ride because we love to. It was a great day to be on a bike.
Thanks again to everybody (especially to Mick for wearing a tie).
bikeygirl - no offense taken! And none meant in my reply! I take my joy very seriously, and tend to be very protective of it 
dback - what were people's reactions that you noticed? No worries on not coming back to PH, and any time you want a riding companion, count me in! (and thank you to ALMKLM for joining me on the ride home, nice bonus for the morning!)
One other thing I noticed was how many cyclists there were that had nothing to do with us. It's not that I think Bike Pgh is the center of the world, and maybe it's my suburban location that limits my vision, but I was utterly amazed at the number of people on bicycles just going about their business. Granted it's been about 10 years since I was daily urban in this area, but 10 years ago there just weren't the sheer numbers I saw today.
Gives me hope that the good vibes and concern picked up from the DA today are legit, and progress will be made in general.
Ejwme
the reactions were mostly what you think. a lot staring and few people trying to read the signs. and a couple of "What the?" Looks, my favorite was Lolly when rode past here heading into town.
she had that. I know I should know what is going on but... look.
classic.
WPXI just ran a story at 6pm showing us riding downtown, and had a good clip showing the interview with John.
It seems like your day was fruitful!! I am so glad!!
What a wonderful thing you did for the family, as well as for yourselves!! Congratulations for pulling this off and bringing recognition to the cyclists world
I am in the Dubois area as I write......
Kathi
It sounds like you all did an excellent thing, nice work. I was not able to be there.
Glad of this! And I'm serious about having a 'joyride' before the weather gets too cold! Who is in!?
Does anyone have a link for the news coverage?
Here's some interview footage from the Trib with ALMKLM and Mick: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid9113557001?bclid=5982073001&bctid=596633832001
I didn't see anything on WPXI's website yet, though.
added video to post on fatguyorangebike
http://fatguyorangebike.blogspot.com/2010/08/don-parker-ride.html
Also @tabby
Great photos! (even I make everyone else look so tiny, I felt like i should talk you all out for ice cream afterwards!)
Thank you for what you have done, it means a lot to me that you have taken the time and effort to honor my son. It breaks my heart though knowing that he can no longer enjoy the sun on his back the breeze on his face joining you on a ride. You are a great group of people.
The Saturday Trib had a story about our ride to the DA. There was a photo in the Paper but its not in the online issue. (scanned image)
Bikeygirl - does Flocking count as a Joy ride? What did you have in mind?
The farther from Friday I get, the better I feel about it (I went in pretty darn defensive, as you could probably tell from my earlier posts). All my car loving coworkers who scoff at me when they see me with a helmet or when I talk about riding (they LOVE the vest) all agreed with me, in a completely serious way, that this story can't be over, and all gave support that continued the vibes from Friday morning - that the DA has to (and will) handle this appropriately.
Might be interesting to make an annual ride, a "Don't Drive or Bike Distracted" ride. Not sure how that would work.
I still have my "Distracted Drivers Kill" sign, now sitting on my desk at work. The way I look at it, every time I get on the bike to travel somewhere, it's a "Don't Drive Distracted" ride, as I *do* plan on getting home. If I had a milk crate on my bike, it'd be posted there permanently.
Here is how long it takes to file charges in a case like this, if the authorities are at all interested in it:
Stanley Sabin, 74, of Wellesley, a retired pulmonologist at MetroWest Medical Center and director of the MetroWest Free Medical Program, was traveling north on Rte. 115 at 1:07 p.m. when a Nissan Sentra driven by Andrea Daley, 62, of Holliston, struck him, Millis Police Chief Peter McGowan said.
The Sentra was traveling in the same direction as the bicyclist, McGowan said.
Daley was charged with one count of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation. She was issued a summons to appear in Wrentham District Court on a date to be set by the court, police said.
24 hours.
[Millis Police Chief Peter McGowan said... The Sentra was traveling in the same direction as the bicyclist, ... on a straight stretch of road with few sight obstructions. ...That stretch of roadway is not a high-incident roadway.]
How do we convince this guy to take the top job in Pittsburgh?
Move Pittsburgh closer to the beach.
