By Tony Plohetski
Austin American-Statesman Staff

Austin police today are investigating an overnight accident that killed a man riding a bicycle near downtown.

Police said the man was riding westbound in the 1400 block of West Sixth Street near Lamar Boulevard when he was struck by a four-door Honda Civic that was also traveling west. The man, whose name has not been released pending family notification, died at Brackenridge Hospital a short time after the 3 a.m. incident.

The driver, Omer B. Sen, 26, left the scene, drove to MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1) and 35th Street and called 911 to report that he had possibly struck someone on Sixth Street, police said. Officers already had responded based on information from another 911 caller, police said.

Mr. Sen is in custody, and detectives anticipate charging him, police said. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor.

Don Albietz, a Las Vegas Metropolitan police officer, cycling event coordinator and serious competitor, was struck by a semi truck while riding his bicycle around Lubbock in July. Don sustained serious injuries to his spinal cord, spent several days in a coma, and died two weeks later.

Witnesses say that the semi truck that hit Don appeared to hit him on purpose. The driver stopped for a moment and then drove away leaving Don on the side of the road, and has since been arrested. A memorial ride will be held in tribute.

As Published - TBC Listserve

by Chip

I was riding South on 1128 today when a white pickup coming the opposite direction begins to slow down. I thought to myself, "Oh no...Here comes a Bubba who wants to intimidate the spindly flourescent-clothed yuppie." I almost fell off my bicycle when he rolled down the window and explained that there was a huge dog in the road ahead and to be really careful. I thanked him profusely and, believe it or not, he turned around right in the middle of 1128 and drove his truck next to me until I was past the dog. He was in a white Pearland City Dept. truck. I still can't believe it. There are nice people out here. This story should be shared with those in other areas of Houston where cyclists and drivers have known feuds. More reasons to wave to everyone. Anyone have other positive stories for a change?

On February 3rd, 2005, Bahram Daneshvar and Charles Thiele, both visiting Fredericksburg from Minnesota, set out on their bicycles to experience the fabled Texas Hill Country.

The two cyclists were touring with a group of about 50 cyclists from Minnesota that had traveled to Fredericksburg specifically to ride the roads which have made the Hill Country a national destination for bicyclists.

Bahram was struck and killed by a light pickup truck traveling along Highway 16.

Members of Fredericksburg’s cycling community have responded to this tragedy by creating a memorial fund for Bahram Daneshvar to be administered by Texas Bicycle Coalition. Their gifts will advance the Share the Road campaign, an ongoing program to make roadways safer for cyclists.

This preventable death of a visiting cyclist will not be forgotten, and will alert our legislators of the need to establish Safe Passing legislation for bicycle traffic. Donte now to the Bahram Deneshvar memorial fund.

As Published - TBC Listserve - 5-21-2005

by Guy Taylor 

One thing that really ticks me off is a cyclist that makes no effort to assist the passing of a motor vehicle but "hogs" the road. The car v. cyclist attitude that many riders have created from years of fighting traffic hinder our efforts for equal access. What ever happened to the "Drive Texas Friendly" attitude we used to have in this state.