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September 1, 2008
West Virginia first lady hit by car (news photo)
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Chris Dorst
Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008 - Members of the Charleston Police Department compare notes at the scene where a car struck West Virginia first lady Gayle Manchin on Sunday morning as she and Gov. Joe Manchin rode their bicycles. She was not seriously injured in the accident, which happened just before 11 a.m. in the 2100 block of Kanawha Boulevard, said Lara Ramsburg, the governor's spokeswoman.

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Posted By: BAW (2:33pm 09-04-2008)
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The West Virginia State Code (Chapter 17C, Article 11) states that bicycles are vehicles and have as much right to use the road as cars; it also states that cyclists are also bound by the same rules of the road as cars. This means that cyclists should ride with traffic, not against it, and should not ride on sidewalks that are not specifically designated as bikeways (the Charleston City Code forbids cyclists on sidewalks not so designated; so, I believe, do the Codes of St. Albans & S. Charleston.) It also means that motorists have no business harassing us for exercising our right/privilidge under that law. I think it is wonderful that the Manchins are promoting cycling; it would be even more wonderful if they set a good example by cycling in a proper, lawful, vehicular manner.

Posted By: luckylouie (4:36pm 09-03-2008)
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@J J are you willing to pay more taxes for your bike lanes. or do you expect me to pay for it, for you. For your info, charleston is not the only place where nut jobs ride bicycles on the highways. People ride on rt. 60, where it is 2 lane, and vehicles going 55 mph. and they ride on the outer white line, If you have on coming traffic on a two lane, it is very dangerous to go over in front of on coming traffic to avoid a bicycle, I will do anything I can to keep from hitting a human being with my car, but in the situation, surely you, yes even you can see a hazard.

Posted By: blvd rider (8:43am 09-03-2008)
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That area around the Union building is a death trap waiting to happen. the only way to get around it is by using a 3 foot wide sidewalk so close to traffic that you can smell the cigarette smoke from the car whizzing by. How 'bout a boardwalk around the river side so people don't have to risk the traffic?

Posted By: bike commuter (8:40am 09-03-2008)
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Three things that all cyclists need to know to stay safe.
1. Follow the rules of the road. obey traffic laws.
2. Ride in a predictable manner. no weaving in and out of traffic.
3. WEAR A HELMET. 65% of bike related injuries are head injuries and 85% of those could be avoided with a helmet.

I think that cyclist and drivers nee to be educated on safety related to cyclists on the road (yes, we do have the RIGHT to be there according to the WV vehicular code) and the law enforcement SHOULD stop errant cyclists. A few poor bike riding fools make it hard on us cyclists to enjoy our choice of transportation and recreation.

Just like the signs on the road say, "Share the road"

P.S. Dont wear haedphones while riding a bike. You cant hear what you need to hear (traffic) to stay safe.

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