Triathlete killed in New Jersey

Question:

This is horrible. In another horrible, but thankfully not fatal incident, Mike Lears, pool manager for Meadowbrook Aquatic Facility in Baltimore, head mechanic/manager/etc for Trispeed, Troy Jacobson’s pro shop and Troy’s, Joanna Zieger’s, Lee DiPietro’s, etc… bike mechanic – was sent to Baltimore’s Shock Trauma center two Saturdays ago after a run in with a dump truck who had swerved into the left,oncoming traffic lane to illegally go around Mike and a few others just as Mike was making a left turn. Mike will be OK, but he suffered massive trauma, including multiple fractures and contusions. Reportedly Mike was bummed that this was his second trip to Shock Trauma and he still hadn’t gotten the helicopter ride. Mike was training for Ironman Florida in November, and knowing Mike, he’ll still be there. Dump trucks always frightening as they shake the ground moving down the road alongside a cyclist. Schwing – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Chrissie D’Allesandro, a top local triathlete, was hit and killed by a dump truck yesterday afternoon while on a training ride. Chrissie had captured many overall female titles in sprint triathlons over the years. She had no identification, so it took quite a while to determine who she was. I have no other details of this tragedy. It occurred about 1.5 miles from my home, on a road I regulary use. I had done many a swim workout with Chrissie, who was a member of the Sandy Hookers Triathlon Club. This loss will hit very hard around here. Ken Lehner Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

This really does hit home. Although I never spoke with Chrissy, I always tried to keep her in my sights during biathlons, but I never could keep up with her. My thoughts are with you Phil. You don’t know me but I too was at the West Point race and saw your name as winning our age group. "LIFE IS LIKE A ROSE, IT LASTS JUST A SHORT WHILE, BUT IT’S MEMORY LIVES FOREVER" All my best to you Phil, Mickey Syrop – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Chrissie D’Allesandro, a top local triathlete, was hit and killed by a dump truck yesterday afternoon while on a training ride. Chrissie had captured many overall female titles in sprint triathlons over the years. She had no identification, so it took quite a while to determine who she was. I have no other details of this tragedy. It occurred about 1.5 miles from my home, on a road I regulary use. I had done many a swim workout with Chrissie, who was a member of the Sandy Hookers Triathlon Club. This loss will hit very hard around here. Ken Lehner Before you buy.

Response:

Chrissie D’Allesandro, a top local triathlete, was hit and killed by a dump truck yesterday afternoon while on a training ride. Chrissie had captured many overall female titles in sprint triathlons over the years. She had no identification, so it took quite a while to determine who she was. I have no other details of this tragedy. It occurred about 1.5 miles from my home, on a road I regulary use. I had done many a swim workout with Chrissie, who was a member of the Sandy Hookers Triathlon Club. This loss will hit very hard around here. Ken Lehner Before you buy.

this is extravagantly saddening. i used to live in n.j. and remember her always doing well. i never really knew her, but my thoughts will be with her loved ones. mark linenberg

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Chrissie D’Allesandro, a top local triathlete, was hit and killed by a dump truck yesterday afternoon while on a training ride. Chrissie had captured many overall female titles in sprint triathlons over the years. She had no identification, so it took quite a while to determine who she was. I have no other details of this tragedy. It occurred about 1.5 miles from my home, on a road I regulary use. I had done many a swim workout with Chrissie, who was a member of the Sandy Hookers Triathlon Club. This loss will hit very hard around here. Ken Lehner Before you buy. this is extravagantly saddening.

sorry for the typo- should read extraordinarily saddening (spell check goof) -mark

Response:

this is just happening to frequently everywhere in the world. I got hit by a car yesterday morning when doing a last race pace workout before Rydges Capricorn Half IM next sunday when some idiot tried to overtake me in a roundabout and hit my back wheel! I finished going through the round about on my skin…luckily for me the only thing I left there was some skin and a lot of anger! the guy didn’t stop went around the RA to make sure I could not read the plate probably…then a police car came by on the other side when I was still lying on the ground, was very careful to avoid hitting me again and went on without stopping!!! thank you mr cop! I’ll be racing sunday anyway, and after reading the previous posts, I think I was just very lucky! FRancois – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Chrissie D’Allesandro, a top local triathlete, was hit and killed by a dump truck yesterday afternoon while on a training ride. Chrissie had captured many overall female titles in sprint triathlons over the years. She had no identification, so it took quite a while to determine who she was. I have no other details of this tragedy. It occurred about 1.5 miles from my home, on a road I regulary use. I had done many a swim workout with Chrissie, who was a member of the Sandy Hookers Triathlon Club. This loss will hit very hard around here. Ken Lehner Before you buy. this is extravagantly saddening. sorry for the typo- should read extraordinarily saddening (spell check goof) -mark

Before you buy.

Response:

Glad you’re OK. Ride with a buddy – someone who can get the license number, and more importantly, seek help if you’re injured. Ideally, a whole group who can catch the driver at the next stop light, drag them from the car, and beat them within an inch of their life.

Response:

The cop probably thought, when he was seeing you on the ground: Another idiot who is not able to ride his bike, only causing trouble on the road. trInIc (who b.t.w. did a race last weekend, where a cop was supposed to secure a dangerous intersection but instead preferred to sit in a local coffee-shop one block down the road—- I do not want to know what the race-director had to pay for this kind of service) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – this is just happening to frequently everywhere in the world. I got hit by a car yesterday morning when doing a last race pace workout before Rydges Capricorn Half IM next sunday when some idiot tried to overtake me in a roundabout and hit my back wheel! I finished going through the round about on my skin…luckily for me the only thing I left there was some skin and a lot of anger! the guy didn’t stop went around the RA to make sure I could not read the plate probably…then a police car came by on the other side when I was still lying on the ground, was very careful to avoid hitting me again and went on without stopping!!! thank you mr cop! I’ll be racing sunday anyway, and after reading the previous posts, I think I was just very lucky! FRancois Chrissie D’Allesandro, a top local triathlete, was hit and killed by a dump truck yesterday afternoon while on a training ride. Chrissie had captured many overall female titles in sprint triathlons over the years. She had no identification, so it took quite a while to determine who she was. I have no other details of this tragedy. It occurred about 1.5 miles from my home, on a road I regulary use. I had done many a swim workout with Chrissie, who was a member of the Sandy Hookers Triathlon Club. This loss will hit very hard around here. Ken Lehner Before you buy. this is extravagantly saddening. sorry for the typo- should read extraordinarily saddening (spell check goof) -mark Before you buy.

Response:

(who b.t.w. did a race last weekend, where a cop was supposed to secure a dangerous intersection but instead preferred to sit in a local coffee-shop one block down the road—- I do not want to know what the race-director had to pay for this kind of service)

Hopefully nothing. Did you tell the RD and give him info in case he needs you as a witness in alleging breach of contract?

Response:

Go metric – make it a millimeter. TriathRon ‘grrrrrr’ Gilcreast Before you buy.

Response:

this is just happening to frequently everywhere in the world. I got hit by a car yesterday morning

<snip I was hit (again) this afternoon. I was heading south on a straight, flat road when a 79 year old man heading north turned left about 5 feet in front of me. I was doing about 20-25 mph and had NO chance to use my brakes. The man said he didn’t see me (a 200 pound man on a bright yellow bike with a bright yellow helmet-which saved my life again). There is no way this man should have a license, he actually told me and the officer at the scene that he had "8 points" already and would he be able to take a traffic course for the ticket he recieved (failure to yield). Though my injury’s are not bad they may keep me from being able to compete in the Great Floridian in Oct. as planned. Also my $3000 bike is not well. There really needs to be a special class or something for awarness of cyclists and also old folks should have to retake a driving skills class regularely. I am sick and tired of myself and others getting run over like bugs on a sidewalk! My heart goes out to Chrissie and her friends and family. tim(dogspot1) buaidh no bas

Response:

"There really needs to be a special class or something for awarness of cyclists and also old folks should have to retake a driving skills class regularly. " Amen, brother. The guy who hit me back in ‘94 was 80 years old. IMHO, geriatric drivers pose a danger nearly as great as drunk drivers. But just try convincing the AARP (and their lobbying group) of that… Hope you heal quickly and completely. Before you buy.

Response:

I was hit (again) this afternoon. I was heading south on a straight, flat road when a 79 year old man heading north turned left about 5 feet in front of me. I was doing about 20-25 mph and had NO chance to use my brakes. The man said he didn’t see me (a 200 pound man on a bright yellow bike with a bright yellow helmet-which saved my life again). There is no way this man should have a license, he actually told me and the officer at the scene that he had "8 points" already and would he be able to take a traffic course for the ticket he recieved (failure to yield).

He should be off the road. In Ohio, anyone with that record would be required to go to court (no mail-in waiver) on the citation. Call the prosecutor for the jurisdiction and see if you can address the court when this one comes up – maybe you can give the judge a reason to pull his license, since he’d probably have to retake the test to regain it. Though my injury’s are not bad they may keep me from being able to compete in the Great Floridian in Oct. as planned. Also my $3000 bike is not well.

Is he insured? If not, most states will pull his license for that. You have a valid claim if he is. Talk to Jimmy Strebler the totalling of his Litespeed by a Ford Explorer. Press for ALL your rights here; it’s the only way to raise awareness. There really needs to be a special class or something for awarness of cyclists and also old folks should have to retake a driving skills class regularely.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has worked for years to get driver education to emphasize sharing the road, but it doesn’t seem to sink in. Maybe everyone should be limited to 2 wheeled vehicles from age 16 to 18; that way, anyone who hadn’t experienced that degree of vulnerabillity on the road would have a son, daughter, neice, nephew or grandchild who had or was in the process of it. There is a movie on sharing the road we saw in driver’s ed; find out if it’s in the curriculum where you live and if not, press for it.

Response:

Amen, brother. The guy who hit me back in ‘94 was 80 years old. IMHO, geriatric drivers pose a danger nearly as great as drunk drivers.

C’mon now. I’ll take a "blue-hair special" any day over a 17 year-old kid in mini pickup truck or a "soccer mom" type in a SUV/minivan with two kids and a cell phone. Y’see, stereotyping by age or class can lead to incorrect solutions. It’s soley a matter of how much the driver is engaged in their driving and how much they are distracted from it. Anyone behind the wheel who acts as though driving the vehicle is their second (or third) priority is a danger. – Bruce in Atlanta Before you buy.

Response:

C’mon now. I’ll take a "blue-hair special" any day over a 17 year-old kid in mini pickup truck or a "soccer mom" type in a SUV/minivan with two kids and a cell phone.

You choose your poison, I’ll choose mine. I’ve never had a close call with a soccer mom or a lowrider. I have had many, many close calls with elderly folks backing out of driveways, pulling out in front of me, etc in my years of driving. In my experience, a drunk or distracted individual is usually more capable than an elderly individual with poor hearing, poor vision, slow reflexes, etc. Sorry to stereotype, but on this issue I call ‘em like I see ‘em. Before you buy.

Response:

Amen, brother. The guy who hit me back in ‘94 was 80 years old. IMHO, geriatric drivers pose a danger nearly as great as drunk drivers. But just try convincing the AARP (and their lobbying group) of that…

That’s another dimension of the problem. There ARE old folks who are competent drivers, but they don’t realize that by supporting groups that lobby not to get the bad ones off the road, they cast their lot with those lousy drivers, and set themselves up to be caught under the stereotype they unsittingly helped to encourage

Response:

Beg to differ. Half blind or not looking are pretty much the same. Slow reflexes with slow driving are no worse than a wild teenager pushing the limits of his quick reflexes, especially when inexperience is factored in. Drunks are simulating the reflexes they’ll have in forty years. Ask Jimmy Strebler about the soccer mom who ‘just didn’t see him.’ Insurance rates are lower for the elderly, and those are based on pure statistical evidence. Bad drivers come in all ages and vehicle types – at least old people are seldom malicious. I’ll take grandma who doesn’t see me any day over some laid off 20-something autoworker who wants to run me off the road for riding a ‘riceburner.’

Response:

I’ll take grandma who doesn’t see me any day over some laid off 20-something autoworker who wants to run me off the road for riding a ‘riceburner.’

Perhaps you should lay off the jumbo burritos before your training rides. Before you buy.

Response:

I’m fairly new at triathlon and biking, and the idea of riding on the street/roads scared the bejeebers out of me at first. I still hold onto my first rule: Assume every car contains a bad/blind/incompetent/drunk/guy-with-a-grudge-against-bikers driver. I’ve seen a couple of incredible accidents that seemed totally avoidable to me and the pictures won’t leave my head. Also, in the state parks where I ride, I assume everyone passing me is hauling a horse trailer or boat– And I make a point of waving, smiling, or nodding to everyone that gives me a wide berth when they pass.

Response:

I still hold onto my first rule: Assume every car contains a bad/blind/incompetent/drunk/guy-with-a-grudge-against-bikers driver

DINGDINGDING! We have a winnah . . . to quote Neal Stephenson, ‘if you’re riding in such a manner that to stay alive you need a driver to Before you buy.

Response:

I’ll take grandma who doesn’t see me any day over some laid off 20-something autoworker who wants to run me off the road for riding a ‘riceburner.’ Perhaps you should lay off the jumbo burritos before your training rides.

How else can I use a Bic lighter to get afterburners to get away from them?

Response:

I love my Computrainer…I go on the road 1x/week maximum and always with a group…actually, my best ever bike split was done in the spring with absolutely NO road riding at all throughout the lousy winter… I was hit in 1984 by a "19th-holer" who had a bad round I guess…in the trial we were able to prove that he was trying to see how close he could get to hitting me, without hitting me…but he hit me…still have the scars from being dragged through the gravel shoulder for 40 yards. Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – this is just happening to frequently everywhere in the world. I got hit by a car yesterday morning <snip I was hit (again) this afternoon. I was heading south on a straight, flat road when a 79 year old man heading north turned left about 5 feet in front of me. I was doing about 20-25 mph and had NO chance to use my brakes. The man said he didn’t see me (a 200 pound man on a bright yellow bike with a bright yellow helmet-which saved my life again). There is no way this man should have a license, he actually told me and the officer at the scene that he had "8 points" already and would he be able to take a traffic course for the ticket he recieved (failure to yield). Though my injury’s are not bad they may keep me from being able to compete in the Great Floridian in Oct. as planned. Also my $3000 bike is not well. There really needs to be a special class or something for awarness of cyclists and also old folks should have to retake a driving skills class regularely. I am sick and tired of myself and others getting run over like bugs on a sidewalk! My heart goes out to Chrissie and her friends and family. tim(dogspot1) buaidh no bas

Response:

Excellent advice! I was taught early on by a long-time motorcyclist (a REAL biker!) the two rules by which to stay alive: 1) Assume that any driver cannot judge your speed accurately, if he/she can judge it at all. 2) Assume that any driver cannot see you well, if he/she can see you at all. Maybe not a defiant statement, but rules to (bike and) live by. -Bruce in Atlanta Before you buy.

Response:

And woo Tricia with such charms in the process. What a man, Tricia! How can you resist? — Stacy Hills Reston, VA

Response:

And another thing.. When I’m the driver and am approaching or see a biker, I try to convey to them that I see them and will pass them safely. Or when a bike path crosses the street, I always give bikers the right of way, if I can do it safely. Cars still rule here, but it’s changing. So, what’s my prize?

Response:

Filed under: Lobbying

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