Another cyclist struck and killed by automobile driver

We are incredibly saddened by this week's most recent bicyclist struck and killed by an automobile driver. According to a press release from University City Police, "On Friday 2/3/12, at approximately 11:20 p.m., officers and medical personnel responded to the 7500 block of Delmar for a bicyclist hit by a vehicle. The bicyclist struck is identified as Samuel Scott (19 years of age), of the 7400 block of Delmar. Samuel Scott was conveyed by paramedics to an area hospital for treatment, where he later died of his injuries.

The driver of the striking vehicle, a female age 29, remained at the scene with the victim until police arrived. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The investigation into the incident continues and the case will be presented to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s office today for consideration."

Trailnet has requested the police report and will continue to provide updates to our readers. In the meantime, we are working hard to build our partnerships with this end: reduced fatalities as a result of a comprehensive, well-funded safety campaign. It is time. It is beyond time. It is too many lives beyond time.

We hope to organize monthly events/rides to raise awareness. Please mark your calendars for May 16, 2012 for the National Ride of Silence after work, starting at the Missouri History Museum at 6:30 p.m.

Until all information is made available, we cannot respond to the specifics of this fatal accident but want to reiterate that 14% of trips are made on foot and bicycle, 12% of fatalities are cyclists and pedestrians and yet, historically less than 1.5% of federal transportation funds are dedicated for bike/ped projects.

And now, both the House and the Senate have a majority of our elected officials gunning to gut, if not eliminate these funds. We have clear evidence that designing and building roads for the SAFE travel of ALL modal types increases the number of people on foot and bicycle – it gets people out of their cars for at least a portion of their journey. Studies show that the more people on bikes, the safer each cyclist is. Walking and bicycling are not only healthy for the individual, the environment and the communities we live in, they reduce our expensive and dangerous reliance on oil.

Please drive with special attention to those on foot and bicycle. They are the most vulnerable road users.

Ann Mack
Executive Director

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