New Haven Independent

Posted by: david streever | May 2, 2008 9:01 PM

What the hell.

A cyclist is run down by an illegally turning driver on Orange street & the driver is given a verbal warning. The driver admits seeing the cyclist & simply expecting him to get out of his way.

The guy is in the hospital for over 6 weeks, numerous broken bones. No tickets of any sort.

We really need to evaluate the way that tickets are given out: sometimes, officer's discretion is far from adequate.

Posted by: Sally Tamarkin | May 3, 2008 12:36 AM

I agree. This city is downright scary for pedestrians and cyclists. Heck, even other drivers should beware. The combo of some drivers being hurried, distracted and discourteous makes for some dangerous traveling.

Posted by: Nancy | May 4, 2008 1:17 PM

The city should reduce the speed limit on Orange Street - commuters think this two lane road is a highway!

Posted by: david streever | May 4, 2008 9:02 PM

It's a good point, Nancy.

Fatalities are a 45% chance at 30 mph or higher: but 3% at 20 mph.

It is just so frustrating--I unicycle commute at roughly 10 miles per hour, and see the same cars OVER AND OVER AGAIN at every red light.

When will people wake up & realize that doing 45 miles per hour block to block, catching every red light, costs them more money, creates more pollution, and increases their odds of killing someone?

Fortunately, if they run over a cyclist, they won't have to worry about a ticket--not in New Haven! We allow officers to exercise demonstrably bad judgement in issuing tickets, here.