The driver in the WI bike accident that killed a cyclist has paid a fine of $114 for citations issued (after the fact). As the driver of a vehicle involved in a fatality, he will also have his license suspended for one year. Wisconsin cycling groups are pushing for stronger laws/more severe punishment for such "accidents." Public response to the fine on the Milwaukee news blog ranges from "a slap on the wrist" to "cyclists need to be banned from the roads" and "the cyclist should have been on the (nearby) trail."
Anything new on the Don Parker case, following this morning's ride?
That is really depressing. Are there any news articles you can share about this incident?
On the bright side, I think we had a very positive outcome on this morning's ride and the subsequent meeting with a spokesperson for the DA. I wrote up something pretty long in the other thread: http://bike-pgh.org/bbpress/topic/don-parker-memorial-ride/page/2
"cyclists need to be banned from the roads" and "the cyclist should have been on the (nearby) trail."
These only slightly worry me. Typically it is the fringe element arguing for this. Giving them any press only serves to further their plan. Ignoring them is probably the best policy.
The greater worry is when the fringe gets some traction, such as in the form of a candidate for public office.
The counter to this argument was nice summarized by ieverhart (paraphrasing here): Restricting bikes to trails is like restricting cars to interstate highways.
