FABB Blog

Speed is always a factor
 

At 8PM the cyclists had no lights? How is the lighting in that area? That seems more a concern to me than the lack of reflective clothing. My guess is they had some ability to be detected since bikes generally have reflectors on them to begin with. At any rate, I do worry myself that my lights will go out in winter and I'll be stuck driving home in the dark. If that's the case, these days I'm more apt to call an Uber instead of risking it in the darkness.
 

What a terrible tragedy. Two cyclists killed in our region in the same week. Historically, September is one of the worst months for bicycle accidents. We all need to redouble our efforts to protect cyclists, and ride with caution. @mybikelawyer
 

Those cheap blinky light giveaways go a long way. Much of the poor refugees/immigrants in FFX work in the hospitality industry, wear black, and bikes are there only means of transportation. Lets keep those efforts going- maybe provide lights to bike shops or restaurant establishments.
 

"We are questioning why there was mention of the cyclists not wearing reflective clothing. Is it a good idea to wear reflective clothing? Yes, but it's not a requirement. There was no comment about whether the motorist was texting or talking on the phone or otherwise distracted. Did the motorist have his lights on?"

But it is a requirement to have either red reflector or taillight after sunset (speed limit dependent).

This is a tragedy regardless of how it happened. And you are correct that we don't know more information (were the SUVs lights on? was the driver on a cell phone? were the cyclist riding single file or next to each other?).

I think that as a cycling advocacy group, you have missed an opportunity to point out to readers of this blog that they should be using lights after sunset (per Virginia code (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/46.2-1015/)).

Thanks for what you accomplish for cyclists and other users of Fairfax's roads.
 

Yes, cyclists should always use lights after sunset. Many cyclists use them during the day as well. However, blaming the cyclists for something that is not required by law, reflective clothing, is an attitude that leaves the impression that they deserved to get hit. Would you say that someone who was raped was wearing a revealing dress? Not today you wouldn't but there was a time when you could get away with such comments. Is it a stretch to compare a bike crash with a rape? I did not come up with the analogy; I read it on the Reston Now article about the crash and it was made independently by a woman friend.
 

The cyclist was actually a lifeguard who just finished his duty that day and was just on his way home.

For those who care below is the fundme page to support his family.

http://www.gofundme.com/t539ghjk
 

Thanks for posting the update. We'll do what we can to publicize the gofundme page.