Another Tragedy.

This is Matt Peterson, photo taken last Saturday as he celebrated winning the 2008 Merco Merced downtown GP criterium. For Matt, winning this race was the realization of a dream. In fact, he had a background image of the trophy on his computer, to help him visualize the win. This is how is teammates and sponsors at Roaring Mouse Cycles in SF would like him to be remembered.

Joining Matt for today’s' ride was Kristy Gough, 30 years old, of Oakland. Gough won in her age group in the 2004 Ironman Hawaii triathlon. She was an awesome and accomplished triathlete who had recently began to pursue road racing. Kristy won every race this year, and was planning to attend the Olympic trials later this year.
On this beautiful Sunday morning, at 10:25 on a popular local route, a deputy sheriff drove his patrol car across the center divide into the oncoming lane, striking three accomplished bay area cyclists. Matt Peterson died at the scene. Kristy Gough, and another rider (not named) were airlifted to Stanford Medical Center. Apparently Kristy's injuries were so severe, that she died within an hour. The third rider remains in critical condition. A fourth rider in the group was not struck by the patrol car.

Based on the photos I have viewed of the accident, and after reading all of the initial news reports, the deputy either dozed off for an instant while rounding the corner, or somehow totally lost control of his vehicle. His vehicle ended up entire off road beyond the shoulder on the embankment, with the back half of a road bike clearly visible sticking out from the front of the car.

What bothers me is Stevens Canyon road is wide, with plenty of room on both sides for cyclists. Compared to other roads I ride, like Skyline Blvd, this one seems quite safe. Please be careful out there, drivers and cyclists alike. Sharing the road is a huge responsibility and there are serious consequences for inattention. Whoever is a fault, the cyclist always loses. We all want to be able to enjoy cycling, without our friends and families having reason to worry.