another opportunity to vote ......for cyclists!

Does Oregon need a vehicular homicide law to protect cyclists? Local TV station KOIN has a poll asking this very question right now. On the main page, right side, 3/4 of the way down. KATU is also conducting a poll. Let them know what you think also.

I should be riding today, but I'm not. :-( Tomorrow, rain or shine I'm out there. I need to be finished by mid afternoon, but if anyone cares to join me give a shout. Likely route to be Cornelius Pass Roadhouse to Hwy 30 and back unless it's wet, then longer distance but less hills. (maybe Butteville to Salem and back?)

Here's some interesting data from ODOT (Thanks to KATU.com for compiling)

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Raw data came from the Oregon Department of Transportation and covers crashes that occurred in the Portland Metro Area from 2002 to 2006.

Overall Fault

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41.5 percent - bicyclist at fault
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51.8 percent - driver at fault
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6.7 percent - blamed on both drivers and cyclists, or were inconclusive

Fatal Crashes

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73.7 percent - driver at fault
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26.3 percent - bicyclist at fault

Driver Errors

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79.5 percent - driver fails to yield to the bicyclist
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3 percent - driver makes an improper lane change
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2.8 percent - driver disregards signals
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1.35 percent - driver's inattention
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1.03 percent - driver turns into oncoming traffic

Cyclist Errors

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26.85 percent - bicyclist does not have the right of way
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19.9 percent - bicyclist is riding while facing traffic
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13.45 percent - bicyclist disregards signals
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3 percent - bicyclist's inattention

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So ride and drive safely out there!