A Tragedy
by Gary Shaff on Jun, 8 2016
KALAMAZOO — Five bicyclists were killed Tuesday night and four others seriously injured after a pickup plowed into a group of bicyclists north of Kalamazoo, police said.
In the minutes before the bicyclists were hit, police were actively looking for the pickup as they had gotten three separate calls from concerned citizens that the driver was driving erratically, police said.
The bicyclists were in an organized group riding north on North Westnedge Avenue in Cooper Township when they were struck from behind shortly after 6:30 p.m., authorities say. The crash appears to be the worst in memory in terms of cyclists killed in a traffic collision.
Custer Cyclery, a shop in Augusta, shared this message on their Facebook page: “Our thoughts are with those injured and those lives lost so needlessly. I’m sure there will be friends, families and customers involved and their lives will never be the same. Drunk or Distracted there is really no excuse for not paying attention and respecting human life.” The business reminded drivers to put their phones away, don’t drink and drive, and look twice before pulling out in front of a cyclist or motorcyclist. “We are not just bicyclists but Mothers, Fathers, Children, Husbands, Wives, Sisters, Brothers, Aunts, Uncles, Sons and Daughters,” the Facebook post continues. “God please embrace those injured and open your arms to those taken tonight.”
You can HELP.
Update…… Charles Pickett, the driver of the pick-up, faces five counts of second-degree murder, along with four felony counts of reckless driving causing serious impairment, when he is arraigned, possibly on Friday.
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting, at a Thursday afternoon news conference, declined to elaborate on how he arrived at the murder charges, which require intent to kill or willful disregard of the likelihood that one’s actions would cause death. Intoxication is not mentioned among the criminal charges. Getting said more evidence is being analyzed at Michigan State Police crime labs, and more charges are possible.
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Scheduled Rides
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Monday, Dec 5
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{"id":676,"title":"Monday Coffee Ride","description":"The ride includes moderate to brisk riders who travel along a fairly flat route from Phoenix to Jacksonville. The route includes mostly lower volume roads without shoulders or those with moderate traffic with moderately wide shoulders. The exception is on ODOT's OR238 (i.e. Hanley Road) where there are no shoulders and the volumes are moderate. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/ridewithgps.com\/routes\/19152561\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/ridewithgps.com\/routes\/19152561<\/a><br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\n","start_location":"Meet at <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/oNb33UeC755DmBmd8\">Colver Park in Phoenix<\/a>","unprefixed_start_location":"<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/oNb33UeC755DmBmd8\">Colver Park in Phoenix<\/a>","pace":"Moderate \/ Brisk (14 - 18+ mph)","terrain":"Some Hills","distance":"25-30","ride_leader":"Dennis Cramer","phone_number":" 541-773-5804","email":"scramer5804@charter.net","formatted_time":{"hour":"10","minutes":"30","meridiem":"am"},"time":"10:30am","date":{"timestamp":1670265000,"formatted":"Monday, Dec 5","midnightTimestamp":1670227200,"dayOfWeek":"Monday"}}
Monday Coffee Ride
10:30am: Meet at Colver Park in Phoenix
25-30 Miles, Moderate / Brisk (14 - 18+ mph), Some Hills
Contact: Dennis Cramer - 541-773-5804
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Wednesday, Dec 7
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{"id":2510,"title":"Explore the Rogue Valley Ride 12\/7","description":"Siskiyou Velo COVID-vaccinated Club Ride, Wednesday December 7th<br \/>\r\nRoute: Out to and return from Shady Cove,\u201cthe back way.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/ridewithgps.com\/routes\/41538893\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/ridewithgps.com\/routes\/41538893<\/a> 32.5 miles, 1,400\u2019 climbing;<br \/>\r\nStart time will be 11:30 am. (\ud83e\udd1ehoping for crisp and clear);<br \/>\r\nStart and Finish location: \u201cTou Velle\u201d State Park, east side entrance off Table Rock. Surprise - even in winter, a day use $5.00 parking permit is required.<br \/>\r\nMid-way rest stop: A catchy-named coffee\/food caf\u00e9, w\/picnic tables, in Shady Cove;<br \/>\r\nModerate: 10-15 mph, no serious hills this trip;<br \/>\r\nMy rides are open to COVID vaccinated club members, who want to ride togther, cooperate to regroup, and socialize when safe;<br \/>\r\nFast riders: Suggested segments will be recommended for cyclists who are not inclined to soft pedal for the whole ride;<br \/>\r\nWinter ride -- dress accordingly; I will cancel on Wednesday by 8:00 am, if unsafe weather e.g., rain, snow, ice or high winds.<br \/>\r\n","start_location":"Meet at <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=Tou+Velle+Park+in+White+City+OR\">Tou Velle Park in White City<\/a>","unprefixed_start_location":"<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=Tou+Velle+Park+in+White+City+OR\">Tou Velle Park in White City<\/a>","pace":"Mellow (11-14 mph)","terrain":"Some Hills","distance":"32.5","ride_leader":"Phil Kolczynski","phone_number":"phillipkol@earthlink.net","email":"phillipkol@earthlink.net","formatted_time":{"hour":"11","minutes":"30","meridiem":"am"},"time":"11:30am","date":{"timestamp":1670441400,"formatted":"Wednesday, Dec 7","midnightTimestamp":1670400000,"dayOfWeek":"Wednesday"},"encoded":"{\"id\":2510,\"title\":\"Explore the Rogue Valley Ride 12\\\/7\",\"description\":\"Siskiyou Velo COVID-vaccinated Club Ride, Wednesday December 7th<br \\\/>\\r\\nRoute: Out to and return from Shady Cove,\\u201cthe back way.\\u201d <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/ridewithgps.com\\\/routes\\\/41538893\\\" rel=\\\"nofollow\\\">https:\\\/\\\/ridewithgps.com\\\/routes\\\/41538893<\\\/a> 32.5 miles, 1,400\\u2019 climbing;<br \\\/>\\r\\nStart time will be 11:30 am. (\\ud83e\\udd1ehoping for crisp and clear);<br \\\/>\\r\\nStart and Finish location: \\u201cTou Velle\\u201d State Park, east side entrance off Table Rock. Surprise - even in winter, a day use $5.00 parking permit is required.<br \\\/>\\r\\nMid-way rest stop: A catchy-named coffee\\\/food caf\\u00e9, w\\\/picnic tables, in Shady Cove;<br \\\/>\\r\\nModerate: 10-15 mph, no serious hills this trip;<br \\\/>\\r\\nMy rides are open to COVID vaccinated club members, who want to ride togther, cooperate to regroup, and socialize when safe;<br \\\/>\\r\\nFast riders: Suggested segments will be recommended for cyclists who are not inclined to soft pedal for the whole ride;<br \\\/>\\r\\nWinter ride -- dress accordingly; I will cancel on Wednesday by 8:00 am, if unsafe weather e.g., rain, snow, ice or high winds.<br \\\/>\\r\\n\",\"start_location\":\"Meet at <a target=\\\"_blank\\\" href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/maps.google.com\\\/?q=Tou+Velle+Park+in+White+City+OR\\\">Tou Velle Park in White City<\\\/a>\",\"unprefixed_start_location\":\"<a target=\\\"_blank\\\" href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/maps.google.com\\\/?q=Tou+Velle+Park+in+White+City+OR\\\">Tou Velle Park in White City<\\\/a>\",\"pace\":\"Mellow (11-14 mph)\",\"terrain\":\"Some Hills\",\"distance\":\"32.5\",\"ride_leader\":\"Phil Kolczynski\",\"phone_number\":\"phillipkol@earthlink.net\",\"email\":\"phillipkol@earthlink.net\",\"formatted_time\":{\"hour\":\"11\",\"minutes\":\"30\",\"meridiem\":\"am\"},\"time\":\"11:30am\",\"date\":{\"timestamp\":1670441400,\"formatted\":\"Wednesday, Dec 7\",\"midnightTimestamp\":1670400000,\"dayOfWeek\":\"Wednesday\"}}"}
Explore the Rogue Valley Ride 12/7
11:30am: Meet at Tou Velle Park in White City
32.5 Miles, Mellow (11-14 mph), Some Hills
Contact: Phil Kolczynski - phillipkol@earthlink.net
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Thursday, Dec 8
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{"id":6916,"title":"Thursday morning Ride","description":"Tony Hayes and I are starting a regular Thursday ride for vaccinated members who like to climb hills. Routes will be 20 to 40 miles ridden at a brisk-light pace with 1500-3000 feet of elevation gain. <br \/>\r\nUnless specified, rides will start from the Parking lot across the bridge from the Jacksonville Library. The planned starting time for September 1st is 8:00 AM, however, starting times may be delayed or canceled due to poor weather or air quality conditions. I will endeavor to send an email notice by 7:00 AM when these situations occur. Although this is a \u201cshow and go\u201d ride, initially I will appreciate notification by email if you plan to participate.","start_location":"Meet at <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Jacksonville+Public+Library\/@42.3151272,-122.9694233,825m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x54cf78f236921923:0xc6d49959ea1e3a9e\">Jacksonville Library<\/a>","unprefixed_start_location":"<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Jacksonville+Public+Library\/@42.3151272,-122.9694233,825m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x54cf78f236921923:0xc6d49959ea1e3a9e\">Jacksonville Library<\/a>","pace":"Moderate \/ Brisk (14 - 18+ mph)","terrain":"Hilly","distance":"20-40","ride_leader":"John Fries","phone_number":"541-973-1586","email":"friesj@sbcglobal.net","time":"Start time Varies","date":{"timestamp":1670572740,"formatted":"Thursday, Dec 8","midnightTimestamp":1670486400,"dayOfWeek":"Thursday"}}
Thursday morning Ride
Start time Varies: Meet at Jacksonville Library
20-40 Miles, Moderate / Brisk (14 - 18+ mph), Hilly
Contact: John Fries - 541-973-1586
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Saturday, Dec 10
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{"id":6284,"title":"Velo Melo","description":"Start time and location vary. 25-30 miles, Mellow pace (11-14 mph). Some hills.","start_location":"Start Location Varies","unprefixed_start_location":"Start Location Varies","pace":"Mellow (11-14 mph)","terrain":"Some Hills","distance":"25-30","ride_leader":"Lisa Brill","phone_number":" ","email":"lisa4bikes@gmail.com","time":"Start time Varies","date":{"timestamp":1670745540,"formatted":"Saturday, Dec 10","midnightTimestamp":1670659200,"dayOfWeek":"Saturday"}}
Velo Melo
Start time Varies: Start Location Varies
25-30 Miles, Mellow (11-14 mph), Some Hills
Contact: Lisa Brill -
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{"id":674,"title":"Brisk Ride","description":"Brisk rides are for strong riders who want to ride at a brisk *average pace, with occasional sprints, and brisk climbs. The route and starting point will vary - expect some climbing and, in fact, on most days, a lot. Riders should know how to make repairs. Riders are expected to review online and understand the planned route. The Brisk group is NOT a no-drop group, slower riders are discouraged. <br \/>\r\n*Average Speeds \u2013 The speeds listed are average speeds maintained for the entire ride, not the minimum or maximum speeds. To maintain the average ride speed, riders will ride far faster and far slower at times. While not required, a cycle-computer is helpful to judge average speed. In some situations, leaders may feel the conditions justify a slower average minimum speed.","start_location":"Start Location Varies","unprefixed_start_location":"Start Location Varies","pace":"Brisk (>18 mph)","terrain":"Hilly","distance":"50+","ride_leader":"Dennis Cramer","phone_number":"541-773-5804 ","email":"scramer5804@charter.net","time":"Start time Varies","date":{"timestamp":1670745540,"formatted":"Saturday, Dec 10","midnightTimestamp":1670659200,"dayOfWeek":"Saturday"}}
Brisk Ride
Start time Varies: Start Location Varies
50+ Miles, Brisk (>18 mph), Hilly
Contact: Dennis Cramer - 541-773-5804
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Frank Lenz: The Lost Cyclist
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