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A 43-year-old bicyclist was killed this morning when she was struck from behind by a Toyota van, Metro Police say.
Evidence at the scene and witness statements indicate that the unidentified female bicyclist was riding at the edge of the right lane north on Durango near Dorrell Lane in the northwest valley, police said.
Gary Garnese, 54, was driving north and drifted right, striking the bicyclist from behind, police said. His Toyota then struck a palm tree.
The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The Toyota's driver was treated and released at the scene, police said.
This is the 54th traffic fatality in Metro's jurisdiction this year.
I was always told to ride my bike toward traffic so i could see what was coming in my direction so i could get out of the way if needed, my wife says no you are to ride with traffic flow which way is the correct way?
Technically you're supposed to ride your bike in the travel lane unless there is a bike lane. Then you ride with traffic.
Bicycles are a VEHICLE in traffic for all purposes. That means you have a RIGHT and RESPONSIBILITY to ride with traffic, on the road, but NEVER on the sidewalk, and ABSOLUTELY NEVER against traffic. Riding against traffic is a great way to get hit by people coming out of driveways into traffic. If there is a bike lane, you must use it. I can't believe the driver was released at the scene. Are charges forthcoming? "I didn't see her" is the oldest trick in the book for avoiding responsibility for murder by car. Did you hear the one about the girl who killed a cyclist she "didn't see" because she was busy downloading ringtones on her cell phone? She got a fine and probation. Her name is Jennifer Stark. See http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2...
Here's the law:
NRS 484.503 Traffic laws apply to person riding bicycle. Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway has all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle except as otherwise provided in NRS 484.504 to 484.513, inclusive, and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
I run/jog frequently on the streets of Las Vegas and I run against the flow of traffic for the simple reason that people are careless on the roads and I do believe we should take a defensive stance when running in the streets. My heart goes out to the loss of the family of this woman and hope that others out there will take heed from this tragic accident about the dangers of cycling in the Vegas streets. My opinion of the bicycle law makes sense and I don't believe riding against traffic would prevent a similar tragic situation due to little to no reaction time a biker would have to a drifting vehicle at speeds of 35 to 50plus MPH.
A memorial for Mrs. Barbara Tronnier will be held at Cadwallader Middle School on Monday, June 9, from 8 to 11 am. Students and their family are invited to participate in activities to honor our beloved teacher, colleague, and friend.
Her family will host a special service and celebration of her life on Saturday, June 14, at their home.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to her family at BANK OF NEVADA, ACCT #7500765703, checks payable to "Tronnier family."
Thank you for helping us celebrate a dedicated educator who believed in helping children understand the importance of creativity, self-esteem, and responsibility to the Earth. Her legacy will live on in her two children, Bryar and McCray, and in the lives of the hundreds of students she touched along her way....
The driver should have been treated and ARRESTED not released. Take the driver away from their job, family, and haul him to jail to await trial for manslaughter.
There is no excuse for rear ending a cyclist when you are driving a gasoline powered vehicle. If he couldn't see the cyclist, then he should not be driving in the first place.
Do you think that because your vehicle is bigger, you have the right of way? Do you think that extending a moment of respect for the life of a cyclist is going to make you late to work? You, sir, are an abomination.
Citizens of Nevada need to support tougher penalties for automobile abuse and aggressive driving. Penalties should be doubled if the driver was talking on a cellphone or otherwise impaired.
We need more mandatory vision tests for older citizens as well.
At some point, everyone must realize that you are not entitled to drive a car.
I don't understand why the driver was not charged. His negligence resulted in the death of another human being who was simply in the right place (legally) at the wrong time (when Mr. Garnese happened to be on the road). Why is nothing being done?
We will be seeing more and more cyclists on the road as gas prices get higher and higher. Motorists must learn to pay attention and respect the rights of all who use the roads.
Put the driver in jail now.
He must at least be charged with vehicular manslaughter.
I'm baffled as to how and why a police officer can "release" and allow to walk away, this person after conducting an "interview" with him.... if he was being treated for some sort of medical condition, if he was on some sort of medication that caused his "blackout" then that perscription, that treatment is just as deadly as a drunk driver.
In theory, this person could simply jump into another vehicle drive anywhere kill anyone, again, and walk away... how the hell does our system work?
how the hell can this be acceptable in our society?
Damn him, and damn the system that allows anyone like that to operate a vehicle! Dave.