He may not have been the greatest philosopher of our time, but
Rodney King did get one thing right when he asked,
”
Can’t we all just get along?’ That’s the goal motorists and
bicyclists should aim to achieve. We need to get along on the roads
of South County.
Two recent deaths highlight the need for motorists and bicyclists to be safe
He may not have been the greatest philosopher of our time, but Rodney King did get one thing right when he asked, “Can’t we all just get along?’
That’s the goal motorists and bicyclists should aim to achieve. We need to get along on the roads of South County.
Although the deaths of Rory Tomasello and Bruce Finch were not the result of aggressive motorists, they do highlight the need for cooperation, understanding and compassion between motorists and the many bicyclists who use South County roads.
Both women charged with vehicular manslaughter, face a year in jail
Sandra Arlia, charged with vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence in the death of Tomasello, and Rita Campos, facing the same charge in connection with the death of Finch, face a year in jail.
Police said the motorists were at fault in both accidents. The trial of Campos, 61, was scheduled to begin Monday, but was continued to Feb. 18. Arlia, 66, has pleaded not guilty.
Police say Arlia drove through the midblock crosswalk on W. Edmundson Avenue even though another motorist in the adjacent westbound lane had stopped. She collided with Tomasello, who was illegally riding his bike through the crosswalk. Campos and Finch collided on Uvas Road as she inched her way into traffic after stopping at a stop sign, according to police.
We all share the roads, so let’s share them safely
Bicyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws that motorists are subject to, according to Morgan Hill Police Sgt. Jerry Neumayer. That includes staying in the bicycle lane on the right shoulder, if there is one, and being illuminated with both front and rear lights at night.
Could the fate of all four have been altered with better cycling and driving habits? Perhaps. It does give reason to pause.
The lesson we all need to learn from these two tragic accidents is one of respect. Motorists need to respect bicyclists – and pedestrians for that matter – and bicyclists need to do the same. We all share the same roads. Let’s share them safely.
