Bicyclist Remains On Ventilator, Driver Charged With Aggravated DUI For Madison Street Crash

Bicyclist, Frederick Johnson of the 3800 block of West Taylor Street, remains on a ventilator in critical condition after being struck by a motorist who flipped her car on Madison Street after striking a barrier on September 1st. The driver, Sheila B. Kane has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence causing great bodily harm and other charges, according to The Chicago Tribune.  She allegedly consumed six tall glasses of vodka and water at West End bar within two hours of getting behind the wheel of her 2008 Mercury Sable.

Car Flips and Strikes Bicyclist Near Chicago's United Center

A bicyclist was critically injured early this morning near the United Center when a motorist flipped her car over then crashed into the cyclist.  The incident occurred near the intersection of Madison Street and Hoyne Avenue. The Chicago Tribune and ABC News report that the driver appeared to have struck a roadway median causing the car to flip over and strike the bicyclist.  The driver was also injured.  Both the motorist and the bicyclist were taken to Stroger Hospital.  No names have been released.

Bicyclist Killed In Pilsen Was A Gifted Musician; Driver Charged With Reckless Homicide, DUI

The bicyclist killed by a hit and run driver in Pilsen on Tuesday morning was 30 year old Fredrick Kobrick of the 1700 block of South Desplaines.  A reader of this blog informs me that Mr. Kobrick was a gifted artist involved with a music project "Geometric Temples."

The name of Mr. Kobrick's alleged killed has also been released.  38 year old Ignacio Ramirez, who initially fled the scene, has been charged with reckless homicide and aggravated DUI stemming from the incident.

Bicyclist Killed By Hit and Run Driver In Pilsen

A 30 year old man was killed this morning in Pilsen when a motorist struck him as he rode his bicycle.  The bicyclist was riding near West 18th Street and South Carpenter Street just before 1:00 a.m. when he was struck.  He was on his way to meet friends when the driver allegedly veered into him, according to police.  The driver did not stop, but a suspect is in custody, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.  Neither the name of the bicyclist nor that of the driver have been published.

Six Year Old Bicyclist Killed By Backing Pickup

Six year old Ricardo Navarro was killed on Friday afternoon while riding his bicycle around the corner from his home near East 88th Street and South Buffalo Avenue, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.  The young boy sustained massive head injuries after the driver of a pickup truck, Jesus Alvarez, backed his vehicle up without properly looking for children.  He was cited for negligent driving by police at the scene.

Ricardo was often seen in the neighborhood riding his bike.  The driver lived just a few doors down from the boy's family.

Few Facts Revealed Regarding Crash Between Chicago Police Vehicle and 10 Year Old Bicyclist

A 10 year old child was taken to Loretto Hospital last night after sustaining injuries when he was involved in a crash with a police car while riding his bicycle, according to the Chicago Tribune.  The incident occurred at around 5 p.m. along the 5500 block of West Van Buren Street, a residential area close to Columbus Park.  Very few details of this incident have been reported.  Neither the extent of the child's injuries, nor how the crash occurred have so far been revealed.  Even the child's gender is apparently unknown to the media.

Bicyclist Crushed By Dump Truck Was No Wobbly Rider

I.A.M. Wellness

The gruesome death of 25 year old Jacqueline Marie Michon is an especially vivid reminder of the dangers faced by even experienced bicyclists on our city's streets.  Miss Michon fell underneath a dump truck allegedly stopped at a red light at 227 North Wabash Avenue and was crushed to death after the light changed, according to the Chicago Tribune.  Reportedly, she rode her bike between a car stopped next to the truck then lost her balance.  Miss Michon was no wobbly newcomer to cycling.  She's been described as a passionate cyclist and was a spinning instructor.  Her other passions included hiking and rock climbing.  She grew up an avid swimmer and lacrosse player.  Miss Michon worked as a personal trainer.  In addition to spinning, she taught boot camp and kickboxing.

How or why she lost her balance on Friday night is not clear.  Speculating as to the cause of this tragedy would be foolish.  Riding in the city is dangerous, to note the obvious.  Streets designed to make cycling less dangerous will hopefully reduce the need to come so close to some of the behemoths that use our roadways.    This is already underway in Chicago; and not a moment too soon.