Hundreds Mourn the Death of Biking Legend Ethan Boyes
Ethan Boyes, a legend in the sport of cycling, is gone at age 44. He set many important records during his career, including a world performance record for the 1,000-meter time trial in his age group and a national record for the 500-meter track time trial flying start. As of his death and this writing, both records still stand. However, some may look back on his death and feel reminded of another issue — the lack of safety for cyclists in San Francisco. This individual had been riding bikes in the city for his entire life, and eventually, it killed him. Was it only a matter of time, regardless of where he was? Or is there something inherently dangerous about cycling in San Francisco?
If you have been injured in San Francisco while riding a bicycle and you believe someone else is to blame, you may be struggling with serious injuries. These injuries may require expensive medical treatments. You might also be struggling with missed wages due to a temporary or permanent disability. Finally, you may have psychological issues like PTSD that stem directly from the crash. On the other hand, you might have lost a loved one who died during a cycling accident in San Francisco. Whatever the case may be, victims of all kinds need compensation for their damages.
Ethan Boyes Dies after Presidio Crash
On April 7, Ethan Boyes was struck and killed by a vehicle in San Francisco’s Presidio. Although the cyclist was transported to a hospital, he eventually died from his injuries. Early reports state that the approaching vehicle crossed into the oncoming lane before the impact. One witness later posted on social media, explaining:
“A speeding car heading north careened into the opposite lane and hit a cyclist. The cyclist slammed head-first into the windshield […] The driver was on the side of the road looking dazed and bloody.”
This eyewitness account would suggest that not only was the driver moving into the wrong lane, but they were also speeding.
Details are still pouring in about the accident, but it’s clear that the cycling community in San Francisco is both unhappy and grieving. About 300 people showed up to share their memories of the cyclist, speaking about his laid-back attitude and his friendly demeanor. But they also voiced concerns about the lack of safety for cyclists in San Francisco. There are two arguments here: One says that due to the amount of time Boyes spent cycling, it was only a matter of time before he was struck. Before he started competing professionally, he worked as a bicycle courier and moved to San Francisco in the early 2000s from Alaska.
Another argument says quite the opposite — that Boyes had a better chance of surviving crashes due to his experience. According to the latter argument, Boyes’ death means that the average cyclist is especially at risk in San Francisco.
Renewed Calls for Protected Bike Lanes
The world champion’s death has sparked a renewed debate about biker safety in San Francisco. Many are calling once again for protected bike lanes – something that has eluded the cycling community in the area for decades. While San Francisco has provided separate bike lanes, what cyclists really want is physical barriers that protect them from vehicles. They say that this is the only way to stop the deaths.
It is no secret that the spot where Boyes lost his life is infamously hazardous for cyclists. On these roads, there is no protection for cyclists – and drivers are known for speeding. A Presidio spokesperson has pointed to speed bumps and stop signs in the area, claiming that this is evidence that they take traffic safety seriously. But cyclists say that it’s not enough.
Cyclists are planning a “ride of silence” to honor not only Boyes, but also every single cyclist who has lost his or her life on San Francisco’s roads. This conjures up memories of the Commute Clot, a special protest that eventually spiraled into the famous “Critical Mass” event. Every year, a group of cyclists meets at Embarcadero Plaza and floods the city with thousands of cyclists riding in a single, dense formation. This sends an important message: That the cycling community is real and deserves to be heard. It is protests like this one that sparked the first changes in San Francisco’s bike safety policies – creating the first bike lanes and other features. Some are hoping that the Ride of Silence in May could have a similar effect – sparking the creation of protected bike lanes in the city for the first time.
Suing for a Bike Accident in San Francisco
For anyone who has been injured in a San Francisco bike accident, your first step should be to get medical assistance. It is almost impossible to sue unless you have suffered legitimate injuries, and the best way to prove the existence of these injuries is to simply see a medical professional. Next, you need to prove the other elements of negligence, which include causation and breach of duty. This is because California is an “at-fault” or “tort” state. A lawyer can certainly help you accomplish these goals.
Where Can I Find an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in San Francisco?
If you have been searching for a qualified personal injury attorney in San Francisco, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. We know how dangerous cycling can be in San Francisco, and we are ready to fight for the rights of anyone who has been injured in a cycling crash. If there is someone to blame for your accident, there is no sense in paying for your damages out of your own pocket. With our assistance, you can file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue a settlement. This settlement can cover medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, PTSD, and any other damages you might have incurred due to your crash. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
