Comments on: “Share the Road”; Frank’s Ride

By: Mark Dieterich

Mark Dieterich — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:01:42 +0000

Received via Providence Bicycle:

Dear Cyclists,

I want to Express how grateful I am to each and everyone of you. You made Franks Ride possible. I know that Franks spirit and love took the ride with you on September 13th. Frank Always said, “All I want to do is make a difference in every life I come in contact with.” I must do this for him, and ultimately for you, by trying to pass a law giving cyclist the rights that they deserve. Thank you for keeping Franks memory alive. I felt it, and was overwhelmed when all the bikes set out. Hopefully we can all look forward to ride next year!

Lori M. DiBiasio Inncreeper@aol.com

(UPDATE) “Franks Lane” On October 15, 2008 at 5:30 pm at the Warwick City Hall a Council meeting will be held. At that time, Council Woman Helen Taylor will present the bill, “Franks Lane.” Anyone is welcome to attend and share their views or just listen in. Please check http://www.franksride.com for any changes in the schedule.

By: Joannie Figueira

Joannie Figueira — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:22:40 +0000

I don’t understand how a person can be charged with vehicular manslauter, with an eye witness at the scene, and the AG’s office did not prosecute . There was not enough compelling effidence.
I have not lived in R.I in almost 30yrs.When did the law change that other then an emergency you can drive in the break down lane? I am sure when she started out that day she did not intend to kill Frank but she did. Why is there no consequence for her actions?
I didn’t know the story when I signed up for this ride. I am doing it because I am fearful when I ride on main roads because many motorist do not watch out for you.
I hope this ride brings attention to this very sad situation and when these accidents happen the person involved is made accountable. It is the right thing to do.

By: Mark Dieterich

Mark Dieterich — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:33:26 +0000

The Projo finally ran a story about this ride over the weekend, you can read it here.

By: Bike Providence » Another Death, No Criminal Charges

Bike Providence » Another Death, No Criminal Charges — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:59:43 +0000

[...] weeks before Frank’s Ride is due to roll out, we get word that the driver responsible for another senseless death will not be [...]

By: Mark Dieterich

Mark Dieterich — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:08:35 +0000

Tom,

Check out http://franksride.com.

Mark

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:51:57 +0000

Is there a registration form for the ride? If so, is there a link available for the form?

Thanks very much.

By: Mark Dieterich

Mark Dieterich — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:30:07 +0000

I really wish we had a lawyer in our midst, do we?

Right, CRIMINALLY, you have to do something illegal behind the wheel (commiting a felony, DUI, etc.) to make it vehicular manslaughter.

To be found guilty of vehicular manslaughter, does the prosecution have to prove there was criminal intent or is negligence enough?

I once had a lawyer tell me outright, that should someone ever want to commit a murder, they should do so with their car. This and other cases sure do bring this point to light, the criminal punishments, if any, sure do seem pretty minimal.

By: Alan Barta

Alan Barta — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:13:22 +0000

Motorists in every states are held CIVILLY liable for whatever losses they cause to the estate or family of their victims. That’s why bond or insurance is mandatory in RI.

Right, CRIMINALLY, you have to do something illegal behind the wheel (commiting a felony, DUI, etc.) to make it vehicular manslaughter. Like I said before, statutes only allow small fines and license revocation. But you can sue for negligence and recover loss of potential income prorated by age. So you might be talking millions depending upon who you run over. Insurance companies routinely settle these cases.

If you don’t sue, you get nothing. Any reasonable astute lawyer would take such a case on contingency, especially when the court has already ruled wrongful behavior, whether suspended or time served.

By: Mark Dieterich

Mark Dieterich — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:09:40 +0000

So my question still remains, who holds the responsibility here, who will be held accountable for such a high degree of negligence? What is the penalty,a slap on the wrist?

I think the truth of the matter is that nobody will be held accountable for this negligence. I’m not a lawyer, but my understanding is that civil litigation can only award monetary verdicts. In my mind, this does little to hold the driver accountable.

As I said before, I really think the punishment should reflect the crime and the best punishment I’ve thought of is the loss of a drivers license. Unfortunately, it sounds like this driver does not have high enough moral standards to take personal responsibility for their actions and do this voluntarily.

In some ways, I think this all reflects what a car-centric culture we have become. I for one am in favor of a more European approach to driving. Make the driver education process rigorous and expensive. Force people to understand the responsibility they are taking on by getting behind the wheel of a car, rather than the “god given right” it appears to be in the US.

By: Linda Rossi

Linda Rossi — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:06:40 +0000

Lori,
It has been almost 1 year since Frank was taken so suddenly from this earth. I want you to know, that through these past months I have watched you slowly heal. You turned your tears into STRENGTH. You have organized what will be, a wonderful tribute to Frank on September 13, 2008. Franks Ride will celebrate his life, his journey and his spirit that still lives, as we watch the many cyclist ride in his honor. Your strength & courage is an inspiration. Your journey will never be over.

Linda Rossi