By Ona Golonka
The fatal collision between a cyclist and two cars right at the University of Portland's doorstep was a sobering reminder that collisions occur, even in a bike-friendly city.
Bicyclist Kipp Crawford, 31, died after two cars hit him near the intersection of Willamette Boulevard and North Haven Avenue Nov. 4.
Police arrested two drivers and charged them with DUII.
The cyclist was already off his bike in the roadway when the cars struck him, according to Detective Mary Wheat of the Portland Police Bureau.
Police are still investigating how Kipp ended up in the street.
Though the incident made headlines around the region, cyclist collisions are rare occurrences around UP.
"We don't have too many of those accidents, fortunately," Harold Burke-Sivers, director of Public Safety, said.
According to Burke-Sivers, there was one incident last year in which bicyclists were riding two abreast in the bike lane when one was clipped by a car, which caused one bike to collide with the other.
So far this year, one collision has been reported to Public Safety.
It occurred while freshman Hayley Skelton was biking.
A bag, which hung on her bike's handlebars hit the front wheel and stopped the tire from moving. Skelton flew over the handlebars and fractured her wrist.
"Don't ride with things hanging on your handlebars," Skelton said.
Carrying items in a backpack or a bicycle basket or saddle bag are safer options.
Junior Alex Wentz, the President of the UP Cycling Club, formerly known as UP Velo, rides his bike almost every day.
"Riding is inherently dangerous, but as long as everyone is mindful and respectful of everyone else, everyone gets along fine," Wentz said.
According to Wentz, the most likely crash possibility would occur with a bike not stopping at a stop sign.
The bicyclist thinks the cars will wait or watch out for him or her, but drivers often do not see or may even ignore a bicyclist.
"Don't assume that if there's a bike lane, drivers are going to be aware of your position," freshman Julia Evans said.
While Oregon bike laws don't prohibit riding on sidewalks, Wentz believes bikes should primarily be in bike lanes.
"A bike is a vehicle, so it needs to be in the road," said Wentz. "If it's so dangerous, get off the bike and walk it on the sidewalk."
While Oregon law requires anyone under the age of sixteen to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, even many adults would not ride without one.
"It's an inconvenience, but it also saves your life," Wentz said. "If it's you versus the car, who's going to win?"
Having a helmet in the right size is important, according to Evans. Bicycle stores can help find and fit rider's with appropriate helmets.
During this time of year, with days becoming shorter, riding in the dark is more common, and visibility can be a problem.
"I think it's too scary," Evans said. "It's too easy to get into an accident."
"Make sure you are definitely seen by motorists," Burke-Sivers said.
According to Officer Robert Pickett of the Portland Police Bureau, wearing brightly colored clothing is important.
Reflective clothing is even better.
Not only is it essential for everyone who rides at night to have a front and rear light, it is also the law in Oregon.
Front lights must be white and must be visible from at least 500 feet away.
Rear lights need to be visible from 600 feet away.
Violating these rules could lead to a $75 fine.
Being careful during these fall days is important as well.
"Just be cautious, especially with the wet leaves this time of year," Wentz said. "The bike lanes are getting slippery."
Burke-Sivers also recommends planning routes ahead of time, having an alternate route and making sure that someone else knows your intended route.
It is also important to carry personal identification information when riding, in case of an accident.
Portland is widely considered to be the most bike-friendly city in the United States, with numerous bike lanes and specially designed green bike "boxes" at intersections, which help prevent collisions.
"Fortunately, it's (bike collisions) not too common," Pickett said. "I don't have a concern that it is an epidemic in the North Portland area."
However, according to Jonathan Maus, publisher and editor-in-chief of bikeportland.org, the roads near UP could be safer than they are.
"Motor vehicle speeds are high, but there are bike lanes in most sections," Maus said. "The bike lanes at least provide some space, but with such close high speed traffic, it's not the most comfortable place to ride."
