Memorial of a Deadly Bicycle Accident
It happened yesterday in this fair city, El Paso, Texas. A cyclist was killed while on an early morning ride, a time when the roads are still sleepy and a time when there is not much concern for safety. Mr. Heinz Duerkop, 67 years old was taken from life on earth by a car which hit him from behind. I went to the spot this morning to see that the cyclist had been hit from behind by an automobile who had not applied brakes, leaving fairly deep scrape marks in the asphalt for a distance of about 20 feet. According to the El Paso Times newspaper the rider was thrown a distance. The driver is being sought for hit and run. From what I could see by the remnant marks on the street, the rider was about 15 inches from the curb riding on a street(Georg Deiter) that had a wide inside lane. someone had to be veering extremely far left of the dashed lane stripe to have hit this cyclist.
I don't want to exploit the unfortunate, but I feel like doing something to memorialize this man and this event, perhaps something like "Ghost Bike". this is a program I've seen in Austin, in fact have a picture and an article someplace back in the this blog site.
The opportunity is hear to start some sort of advocacy efforts here. I think, and pardon me if you are an El Paso Bicycle Club member who is totally satisfied with the clubs function, the local bicycle club is lame on this sort of thing. If you have a $3600.00 or more bike and you like to ride on the West side of town on weekend mornings with the like minded, that is the club for you. As far as encouraging commuting and lobbying for safer streets.... well there is a wide open field for someone to start playing in. Today, I feel a stronger urge to get off my duff on this.
Mr Duerkop, my condolences to your family. May you rest in peace. I ask in your absence the permissiont to not let your passing slip out of memory as quick as a flash, by writing more and talking more and doing more to help make our roads a safer place.
And a note to the coward who fled the scene. You will not go with peace until you get yourself right with your mistake.
I don't want to exploit the unfortunate, but I feel like doing something to memorialize this man and this event, perhaps something like "Ghost Bike". this is a program I've seen in Austin, in fact have a picture and an article someplace back in the this blog site.
The opportunity is hear to start some sort of advocacy efforts here. I think, and pardon me if you are an El Paso Bicycle Club member who is totally satisfied with the clubs function, the local bicycle club is lame on this sort of thing. If you have a $3600.00 or more bike and you like to ride on the West side of town on weekend mornings with the like minded, that is the club for you. As far as encouraging commuting and lobbying for safer streets.... well there is a wide open field for someone to start playing in. Today, I feel a stronger urge to get off my duff on this.
Mr Duerkop, my condolences to your family. May you rest in peace. I ask in your absence the permissiont to not let your passing slip out of memory as quick as a flash, by writing more and talking more and doing more to help make our roads a safer place.
And a note to the coward who fled the scene. You will not go with peace until you get yourself right with your mistake.
Comments
Regards,
Fred Carpenter
915-309-1607
I am also an EPBC member, who lives in the northeast and bike commutes to work in the central area of El Paso. EPBC leads rides all over the city, and I have found EPBC rides a great way to learn about El Paso. So, I disagree that EPBC is just for folks who live on the Westside and have 3,600.00 dollar bikes (you could buy four of my bikes for that price). However, I do agree with you that EPBC should be more proactive about advocating for cyclist. I am interested in learning more about how we can be more of a voice for cyclist.
Becky
Thank you for doing all you can to bring this death to the public eye. My husband and I are angry this happened to our wonderful neighbor. He was an incredible neighbor....always a wave....always a smile...always working on something. His wife, Margot, will be at a loss. Our street will never be the same. I have driven the area, just down the road from our home, over and over again. I have looked through nearby neighborhoods for hours for the "damaged white car" that left Heinz to die. My theories are many. I believe the driver lives in a nearby neighborhood. Our hearts are broken. I have asked a lot of people about the chances of starting a reward fund for information leading to the arrest and conviction of this driver. It seems no one knows how to go about it. If you or anyone you are associated with would be interested in creating a legitimate fund, I would love to help. Thanks again.
Arlene
I have an old old Road Bike that I would gladly donate it for the "Ghost Bike" memorial if it becomes a reality. let me know if you decide or know of someone here in El Paso that can make this happen. My address is : rault49@hotmail.com
I know our city ordinance may prohibit such a thing but its worth a try. Its an effective method to raise awareness, it may be a first for El Paso.
R.T.