Aurora crash kills Harley rider

By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published July 1, 2008 at 8:34 a.m.
Updated July 1, 2008 at 8:34 a.m.

Text size

More Local News

Comments

July 1, 2008

9:20 a.m.

Suggest removal

tm3869 writes:

So sad. My prayers are with his family.....
July 1, 2008

9:26 a.m.

Suggest removal

roadstar writes:

The most frequent cause of fatal motorcycle-car accidents is the car turning left in front of the motorcycle. "Sorry, officer, I didn't see him." DRIVERS, SLOW DOWN AND LOOK CAREFULLY!

To be thrown 100 feet, the car and/or the motorcycle were going pretty fast.
July 1, 2008

9:37 a.m.

Suggest removal

ncma82 writes:

HELLO?!?!?! HE WAS NOT WEARING A HELMET!!!!! THAT COULD HAVE SAVED HIM! YOU KNOW, I PRAY THAT HIS FAMILY IS COMFORTED AND I AM SOOO SORRY THAT THIS HAPPENED TO HIM. --DOES ANYONE EVER STOP TO THINK THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT? WHAT ABOUT THE COMFORT OF THE TEEN AND THE TEENS FAMILY? THINK IF IT HAPPENED TO YOU.... ITS DARK OUT AND U DONT SEE THE MOTORCYCLE... HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF U JUST WERE THE ONE IN THAT INFINITY? HOW WOULD YOU BE COPING WITH IT? I THINK THAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO SERIOUSLY PONDER THIS. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT AND PEOPLE JUST AUTOMATICALLY JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS...
July 1, 2008

9:38 a.m.

Suggest removal

Cowboy63 writes:

Froward69 - Careless driving maybe, but definitely not vehicular homicide.

You have no way of knowing if a helmet would have made a difference or not. I've been riding and racing bikes for over 30 years and I don't even go around the block without a lid on. I can tell you - if you've been on a bike any length of time, you learn that it is up to you to look out for cars. They might well be at fault, but you're still the one who'll wind up dead or crippled for it.

Riding a motorcycle, or wearing a helmet, is a personal choice (that I have happily made for many years), but you have to accept the risks that come with it.
July 1, 2008

9:40 a.m.

Suggest removal

ncma82 writes:

Thanks Cowboy63!
July 1, 2008

9:42 a.m.

Suggest removal

FU writes:

Maybe he should have installed louder exhaust pipes? I always see stickers that say "loud pipes save lives". Maybe the pipes could have saved him...
July 1, 2008

9:50 a.m.

Suggest removal

superbad writes:

"The most frequent cause of fatal motorcycle-car accidents is"

...not wearing a helmet.
July 1, 2008

10:02 a.m.

Suggest removal

Cowboy63 writes:

FU writes: "Maybe he should have installed louder exhaust pipes? I always see stickers that say "loud pipes save lives"."

Loud pipes ain't gonna do you any good when you're doing a Superman impression flying through the air.

Some guys put their faith in loud pipes - I put mine in appropriate safety gear (and it's saved my bacon more than once).

I cringe whenever I see some guy and his girlfriend flying down I-70 in a tanktop, flip-flops, cutoffs and skinny little shades. "Organ-donor" waiting to happen.
July 1, 2008

10:04 a.m.

Suggest removal

FU writes:

Yeah, but what if they were REALLY LOUD??
July 1, 2008

10:05 a.m.

Suggest removal

rickg19611 writes:

Yeah... it's the motorcyle rider's fault that the idiot car driver failed to obey the law and pulled in front of him.

Gotta blame the victim.... otherwise those responsible for CAUSING the "accident" will have hurt feelings.
July 1, 2008

10:06 a.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

"Yeah, but what if they were REALLY LOUD??"

Then they would get a ticket.
July 1, 2008

10:14 a.m.

Suggest removal

ncma82 writes:

Ok, listen why are we putting blame on anybody here? Can't we just pray that both parties/families are ok? Accidents happen all the time. Yes- the driver of the car could have been more cautious, and Yes- the driver of the motorcyclist could have worn a helmet. We just all need to learn a major lesson here!! BE CAREFUL AND ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTION- ALWAYS!!!
July 1, 2008

10:17 a.m.

Suggest removal

Mtn__Gator writes:

I see it all the time, drivers not paying attention to the road. As a biker myself, you just have to assume everyone around you is stupid and out to kill you, that's just the way it is. I personally wear bright colors and probably look like a clown, but people see me, even if it is to laugh at me, which is alright, THEY SEE ME. I have always thought it is so stupid to wear the all black harley look on a black road and even at night. Why the heck would someone want to "blend in" with the road, it's never made any sense to me. But then again, I ride a BMW, we're just of a different mind set, stay alive as ooposed to looking tough and/or cool. I think life is cool enough for me....
July 1, 2008

10:17 a.m.

Suggest removal

tucker280 writes:

It's truly impossible to know if a helmet would have saved this guy but why would anyone risk it? I just moved from CA and I'm amazed by the number of fools who don't gear up. You don't want to wear a helmet? Fine but don't expect sympathy when the inevitable happens. It's not a matter of if but a matter of when.
July 1, 2008

10:22 a.m.

Suggest removal

nanbede writes:

marinegrunt - i have to agree with your name - you are just a grunt; i ride a motorcycle every day and am amazed at how many people do not pay attention when they drive - i mean, talking on the cell phone, eating, having major drama, not looking in side mirrors before changing lanes - you name it, the reasons are there for cars to hit someone on a scooter or bike. i have 2 car horns on my bike just to be heard. i'm sick and tired of hearing that the error came from the bike rider - the last news article i read stated that motorcycle accidents are NOT RIDER ERROR - BUT DRIVER ERROR - and get a better name as you dishonor the Marines.
July 1, 2008

10:28 a.m.

Suggest removal

nanbede writes:

mtn_gator - i ride a bmw 1200 LT and i have always believed that wearing black - the absence of color - has always been a pretty dumb idea - it's all about the bad boy image. I'm with you - I ride in color so much so that my helmet looks like a disco ball on the road since that is the only part of me that they see when i'm riding - if they see me, then MAYBE they won't hit me. However, it seems that it really doesn't matter what we, as riders do to stay safe, there will always be someone in their SUV or car talking on the phone, eating or not paying attention. Drivers need to understand they are not the only ones on the road - there are people who ride scooters and bicycles as well.
July 1, 2008

10:38 a.m.

Suggest removal

dcolon47 writes:

If I wasn't so use to looking over my shoulder when ever I'm changing lanes, I probably would have had many accidents with the idiots that like to ride in the blind spot then won't take the blame for for their actions.
July 1, 2008

10:42 a.m.

Suggest removal

Dick_Tater writes:

There were no tickets issued as of yet, makes me wonder if the police have not fully figured out what happened. That is a T intersection with good visibility. If the driver did not see the bike, the bike should have seen the car. On a bike you are vulnerable. Even if it the drivers fault, you lose. Being a bike rider I know that people don't often see us and pull out. I drive like I expect everyone to do this, has kept me alive so far. That and I wear a helmet.
July 1, 2008

10:46 a.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

MarineGrunt,
I knew what you meant :)
July 1, 2008

10:56 a.m.

Suggest removal

EastVail writes:

A car turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle is a very common motorcycle accident. Cars, pay attention. Motorcyclists, watch for this.

Motorcycling must be the pinnacle of defensive driving. And motorcyclists need to know the most common ways to get in accidents with cars and avoid them.
July 1, 2008

11:13 a.m.

Suggest removal

godhelpusall1 writes:

i live near by where the accident happened. I went to check it out not knowing there was a fatality. It is hard to imagine what both families are feeling. The motorcyclist was just having a great time riding their bike having fun then within 15 minutes their life is gone. I feel so bad for the family who just lost a loved one. Then I turn around and see the person who was driving the car, on their knees, crying hysterically, you could see the pain, the battle of guilt, the true remorse. I thought to myself what if that would have been me? What would I be feeling? I probably would be feeling like dying myself, feeling so responsible but can't do anything about it, you can't take it back. I am expected to go on and live through this it is like death. What I seen last night I can say I don't blame anyone. Yes we need to be more careful, think safety first, but this seemed to be so unexpected. We can do something that is right, we could pray for both families. For stregnth and comfort. I want to say "I am so sorry" for this tragedy. My prayers are for both of you.
July 1, 2008

11:17 a.m.

Suggest removal

MRSTTYLER writes:

How sad may God be with the family of both families.
July 1, 2008

11:27 a.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

Thanks, MarineGrunt. Be careful out there on the road. Especially with the holiday weekend coming up!
July 1, 2008

11:27 a.m.

Suggest removal

haloguy628 writes:

dcolon47 writes:

If I wasn't so use to looking over my shoulder when ever I'm changing lanes, I probably would have had many accidents with the idiots that like to ride in the blind spot then won't take the blame for for their actions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Sir, you are an idiot. Your screen name shoud be head up colon. Re-read your post, consult the colorado driver book and then maybe you will see that blind spot has nothing to do with assignment of guilt and responsibility.
July 1, 2008

11:32 a.m.

Suggest removal

HDGothamcat writes:

It's a matter of choice to wear that helmet. That's what people are fighting overseas for. Our freedom, our right to have choices. Denver will give a rider a fine of $500 for loud pipes. You know what the fine is for taking the right of way is? $65. That's what the driver of the car will get. Now who's right? Why should someone who does not ride think it's their right to judge if we all are to wear helmets or not? Can they promise me everyone who drives a car here in the United States has a valid drivers license and insurance?
July 1, 2008

11:36 a.m.

Suggest removal

LingLingfor_prez writes:

Well, this is pretty sad. However, even if you think you don't need a helmet and are cautious, you should probably wear one because you might not want to have the same confidence in those around you. Even though having auto insurance is the law, if it was not, you would want it for all the other clowns that end up running into you.
July 1, 2008

11:52 a.m.

Suggest removal

fmikey writes:

Nanbede takes the position of so many bike riders that its always the car driver's fault...ain't the case.
I have been an insurance adjuster for many years, and handled more motorcycle/car accidents than I could remember. The fact is that NEITHER party is more to blame than the other....we see stupidity and inattention from both....
The fact is that motorcycles provide little protection, and in an accident in whch passengers in a car would sustain minor injuries at best, bike riders might be killed....its just the way it is. The physics of the situation are pretty straight forward. Bike riders accept the risk in return for the freedom and exhiliration of riding a bike.
Helmets don't prevent trauma to the body or legs. So, until we know what blunt trauma caused this indivual's death, we won't be able to opine whether a helmet would have helped.
I agree with the posters who ride and indicate they wear bright clothing, and have louder pipes....just a little extra insurance. Bottomline, tho, all of us, bikers or car people, need to pay more attention.
And yes, the cell phone is becoming one of the major hazards on our roads.....we see increasing #s of accidents involving useage of cells, and there needs to be legislative action taken to limit their use in cars. We don't allow alcohol in cars, why cell phones, which inhibit a driver's concentration too. I realize the cell phone purveyors' lobby will fight, putting profits ahead of safety, but cells are dangerous. And, ladies, its mainly you...I know this isn't politically correct, but if you observe as you drive, the great majority of cell phone drivers are female.
Bottomline, all of us need to grow up and concentrate a little more when operating vehicles.
July 1, 2008

11:59 a.m.

Suggest removal

alwaysright writes:

Hey whats going on here ! No one has turned this into a Political, Religious, or Race issue yet.
July 1, 2008

12:02 p.m.

Suggest removal

ddv2008 writes:

I wasn't there, but I know the driver and the family of the driver very well, I can say without a doubt it was an ACCIDENT and should be treated as such. No blaming the deceased and no blaming the driver, sometimes things happen without cause or reason. When it's your time it's your time, no helmet, safe driving or amount of caution can prevent that from happening. It's unfortunate and devastating that the man died, may GOD bring peace and comfort to his family and have mercy on his soul. Instead of writing words that cut the driver down, write words of comfort for the driver and the deceased. In the end, the driver has to live with this on their heart forever, don't you think that's punishment enough? Do you think you could handle taking someone's life by accident? I believe not...
July 1, 2008

12:05 p.m.

Suggest removal

AnAngelDisgraced writes:

As the wife of a rider, and a future rider myself, I send all my support and sympathy to BOTH the families of the parties involved. Accident do happen and I only hope that the rider did not suffer before passing on.

Look twice... save a life...
a life on a bike OR in a car...
July 1, 2008

12:06 p.m.

Suggest removal

Acemon writes:

All these posts and yet nobody asked the obvious question: what did riding a HARLEY have to do with anything? The Rocky's headline read "Aurora Crash Kills Harley Rider" when it should have read "Motorist Kills Motorcyle Rider." Was this a deliberate attempt to influence readers into thinking the man was a possible criminal or menace to society? It's no different than saying the crash killed a black, asian, or gay rider.
July 1, 2008

12:17 p.m.

Suggest removal

concerned81 writes:

I think in some cases we're quick to blame the parties at hand...and really in some cases we should look at the conditions of the road. I am very familiar with this road as I used to live in this neighborhood. Time and time again i have pulled out onto this intersection and have been frightened to see a car coming that I had no idea was there. this intersection makes you stop a block before you have to pull out into traffic, so the traffic you are able to see is very different from when you actually pull out into the road. I believe that when driving you need to pay full attention in any case, but sometimes road conditions make it difficult even if you are paying attention. this road needs to be fixed as well as more lights.... ITS TOO DARK ON THIS STREET!!!!!
July 1, 2008

12:18 p.m.

Suggest removal

ncma82 writes:

Is that seriously the issue or topic u want to get into? That is a comment that has nothing to do with anything!! Stop being so petty!
July 1, 2008

12:25 p.m.

Suggest removal

Acemon writes:

ncma82 - which issue or topic are you referring to?
July 1, 2008

12:26 p.m.

Suggest removal

denvergirl80205 writes:

Marine Grunt asked earlier: Do you know why we use the term 'Grunt'? Do you know why we hold it dear?

I do not know, would you explain? Thanks in advance.
July 1, 2008

12:26 p.m.

Suggest removal

ddv2008 writes:

RickyLee: who said it was an argument, I believe that's you arguing with yourself. Were you there to know if the driver yielded or not, sometimes yielding and then proceeding with caution can still result in an accident...but I guess you're the model driver and have never ever had an infraction of any sort? YA, RIGHT!
July 1, 2008

12:32 p.m.

Suggest removal

ncma82 writes:

You are very right Concerned81, the city needs to do something about this area.... I have seen many accidents at this intersection and at the the main intersection near there (Quincy and Reservoir).
July 1, 2008

12:42 p.m.

Suggest removal

FallyBerry writes:

Everyone talks up helmets, but a helmet won't save your spine, and by the description of the crash it sounds as if the the rider would not have been saved by a helmet.
The rocky always points out Hummers and Harleys, who cares, I didn't think that meant he was a "possible criminal or menace to society" at all, in fact the majority of the harley riders are not as you have assumed, why would you think that Acemon? People use Harley as a noun, instead of motorcycle. People who have Harleys rarely refer to them as their "motorcycles" so why should everyone else? That isn't the point here. Quit nitpicking. My prayers are with these families, and if the road conditions are valid that concerned81 brought up then the Rocky should be out there tonight looking at it and asking Aurora why a dangerous intersection isn't lit properly.
July 1, 2008

12:47 p.m.

Suggest removal

FU writes:

You only need to wear a helmet if you're going to crash...

I bet this guy would have worn one if he knew his # was up today.
July 1, 2008

12:53 p.m.

Suggest removal

ncma82 writes:

FallyBerry Writes- The rocky always points out Hummers and Harleys, who cares, I didn't think that meant he was a "possible criminal or menace to society" at all, in fact the majority of the harley riders are not as you have assumed, why would you think that Acemon?...Quit nitpicking

Acemon- this is not the point of this story at all. Do you have a Harley? Is that why the headline has got your panties in a twist? Pashaw! Get over yourself, and get with the program.
July 1, 2008

1:51 p.m.

Suggest removal

ggonzo writes:

thanks for the heads up!!!!................. Grunt!!!
July 1, 2008

1:53 p.m.

Suggest removal

concerned81 writes:

i just wanna ask for all of your prayers. i just got off the phone with the driver of the vehicle and she is devistated beyond belief. please open your hearts and pray for her!
July 1, 2008

2:09 p.m.

Suggest removal

davies writes:

"Loud pipes save lives"

Not very often I dare say. If a rider is approaching an intersection, and/or sees someone ahead who looks like they may be turning left, chances are they will not be accelerating. That makes it unlikely that someone driving a car (probably with the windows up) is going to take note of the sound of their exhaust up ahead and look more carefully for a motorcycle.

Loud pipes do make you obnoxious though.
July 1, 2008

2:28 p.m.

Suggest removal

American100 writes:

Sad news. Unfortunately I know too well what his family is going through right now.

I cannot express the frustration & pain the family is experiencing.

Frustration is the unexpected part of accidental death; if only he'd worn a helmet, if only the other guy had seen him; if only we could change one split second it would all be OK.
July 1, 2008

2:54 p.m.

Suggest removal

denvergirl80205 writes:

Marine Grunt - Thank you for your explanation and for your service.
July 1, 2008

2:54 p.m.

Suggest removal

Acemon writes:

ncma82,

Clearly you're not a rider. I own three motorcycles, none of which are Harleys. The point of the story, if you'd care to go back and read it, was a rider being killed by a motorist. The fact that the rider was on a Harley had nothing to do with the tragedy, so why did the Rocky feel it necessary to make it part of the headline? Had the man been on a Honda or Yamaha, do you think it would have been in the headline? I don't.
July 1, 2008

2:58 p.m.

Suggest removal

godhelpusall1 writes:

You know "Outrider" your pretty cynical. I just called it as I seen it. I just feel for both families. Sounds like I have a heart and you don't and having a heart is pretty cool. Unharden your heart dude.
July 1, 2008

4:04 p.m.

Suggest removal

ddv2008 writes:

NCMA82: I hear you on your point made to "Acemon"! Why would the headline of the article and the noun "HARLEY" get his panties in a crumple. Acemon: for clearly being one of our STRONG MIGHTY SOLDIERS and having 3 motorcycles, you are extremely sensitive about the headline of the article. Worse things are happening than labelling someone a HARLEY rider...good grief!
July 1, 2008

4:27 p.m.

Suggest removal

ddv2008 writes:

ACEMON: OH correction and my mistake, you are not one of our kick azz soldiers, no wonder you are such a sally about the headline. Maybe you should go have a drink with Marine Grunt, Yiota, and RickyLee so they can shed some light on what really matters in the world, other than being called a Harley Rider in the newspaper.
July 1, 2008

5:48 p.m.

Suggest removal

Acemon writes:

ddv2008,

Just like ncma82, you're missing the point. The Rocky highlighted the fact the deceased was a Harley rider in order to sensational the story. Making sure the readers knew he was on a Harley, and didn't wear a helmet, was intended to show he was a reckless daredevil who felt life was cheap. It's a dirty trick, not worthy of a so-called responsible newspaper.

The rest of your blather makes no sense. Try reading my posts again. I'm not mocking Harleys or their riders. I'm mocking the Rocky for making the bike's brand an issue.
July 1, 2008

6:57 p.m.

Suggest removal

ddv2008 writes:

Acemon: my apologies if you feel misunderstood! God Bless!
July 1, 2008

8:36 p.m.

Suggest removal

spyder writes:

Hang Up the DAMN PHONE and drive! It's 10 at night. Lights are on! How many times a day I see idiots driving, or trying to, jawin' away on a damn cell phone. Oh...having a hard time making this corner, but for gawds sake don't stop talking. Sorry to the people involved but your number one priority is PAYING ATTENTION TO THE ROAD!!! Hang Up the DAMN PHONE and drive!
July 3, 2008

9:04 p.m.

Suggest removal

Jinnie writes:

I watched this happen. It was not dark out then, although the sun was beginning to set.

This is just tragic. Tragic that the kid probably ruined her life over this (she turned into him), tragic that the guy wasn't wearing a helmet. WHY would someone not wear one? Although they were going pretty fast, I don't know if it would've made a difference. But why take that chance? Look dorky and wear a helmet!
July 3, 2008

9:09 p.m.

Suggest removal

Jinnie writes:

I should also note that I was rather disappointed with the Aurora police's weird method of conducting traffic immediately after this happened. They should count themselves lucky they didn't cause multiple car accidents by needlessly blocking lanes and refusing through traffic which didn't need to be.

Post your comment

Registration is required. Click here to create your free user account, or login below.

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.

Home › News › Local News

Aurora crash kills Harley rider

By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published July 1, 2008 at 8:34 a.m.Updated July 1, 2008 at 8:34 a.m.

More Local News

Share

Comments

Post your comment

Featured

Columns & Blogs

News Tip

Know about something we should be reporting? Tell us about it.

Calendar

Upcoming events

Sponsored links

Published July 1, 2008 at 8:34 a.m.
Updated July 1, 2008 at 8:34 a.m.