Slog
News & ArtsMonday, September 12, 2011
City The Cyclist Who Was Killed in a Car Collision on Saturday Evening
Posted by Dominic Holden on Mon, Sep 12, 2011 at 10:54 AM
His name was Robert "Storm" Townsend, a 23-year-old delivery rider for Jimmy John's subs in the University District, and the circumstances around the fatal accident are "still under investigation," says Seattle Police Department sergeant Sean Whitcomb. The driver was not cited at the scene, no blame is immediately pending, and the final disposition could take months. "For us, this is as serious as a murder," Whitcomb says. "About the same amount of care and detail goes into this type of investigation."
Townsend's Facebook page includes links to several YouTube videos of what appears to be Townsend barreling fast down hills, cutting across lanes of traffic, and riding around the city (without a helmet, it appears), including this video described on Facebook as, "Robert doing skid stops in the Tubs parking lot":
Questions about whether he was occasionally a daredevil—or sometimes wore a helmet and sometimes didn't—are typical elements of the heated discussions that ensue after accidents like this one. But for now, the SPD is examining the facts immediately surrounding Saturday's accident. Was the light green for the cyclist? Did he have the right of way? "These are very serious investigations," says Whitcomb, "so we are not going to rush to one outcome until we have gathered as much information as possible."
"What people really need to do is drive carefully," he says. "And anyone who has been on the road knows that doesn't always happen—it doesn't matter if you're in a car or on a bike."
UPDATE: The cyclist likely had right of way southbound on University Way NE. We sent news intern Paul Holmes up to the intersection a few minutes ago to confirm that there are no "green arrow" lights that would give the Hyundai driver a free left turn onto Campus Parkway. Whitcomb confirms what most road users already know: "When two vehicles going the opposite direction have a green light, typically the one that is making a turn must yield to oncoming traffic." That said, Whitcomb continues, "We look at every situation as unique and independent and all the variable factors.
3
People are always so ready to assign blame to the cyclist, "oh, I see careless fixie riders running stop lights all the time". Well you know what, I see careless drivers yakking on their phones all the time, and I have definitely come very close to being plowed down, in the crosswalk , as a pedestrian, with my kid, by a careless young lady turning left onto the Ave while gabbing on her cell phone. Between careless teenage drivers and careless teenage bikers I'll take the bikes, thanks, it hurts less when they bump into you.
5
Can't wait to see his latest video: Robert cracks skull open!
Clearly the only thing we lost on Saturday was one less hipsta asshole on the roads.
BTW, I'm still waiting for my fucking sandwich.
Clearly the only thing we lost on Saturday was one less hipsta asshole on the roads.
BTW, I'm still waiting for my fucking sandwich.
6
Let's see. Wearing all black, no lights, no brakes, fixie, no helmet, skinny jeans, riding like an asshole, violating traffic laws left and right.
The World of Assholes mourns the loss of one of their own.
The World of Assholes mourns the loss of one of their own.
7
Although I've gotten used to it over the years, I am always extra, extra-cautious when driving or walking in the U-District (I'm not a cyclist). I've had more close calls than I can count in that neighborhood. No shortage of inexperienced drivers there.
8
I think we need to stop grouping all cyclists together. There are safe cyclists who abide by the laws of the road and are respectful, and then there are reckless cyclists who don't wear a helmet or reflective gear, act like they own the road, and are dangerous to themselves and others. What we need is a cyclist license. That way we can fine, suspend, or revoke a license and get the bad ones off the road.
9
@3 It's not blaming bicyclists, it's blaming one guy for being careless in this case. ;)
I'm an exclusive pedestrian, I walk 90% of the time no matter where I'm going, urban hiker (since forest land costs too much money to use the trails these days) .... I don't like bikers much more than I like motorists, honestly, I see little difference between the two other than cars hurt more when you get hit by them. But here's the thing, pedestrians are also reckless lately as well. This will sound like a broken record, but as our population increases people do need to pay more attention to the lights, there are more people on the roads and sidewalks, period. It's not going to fix anything if only one part of the equation is focused on.
I'm an exclusive pedestrian, I walk 90% of the time no matter where I'm going, urban hiker (since forest land costs too much money to use the trails these days) .... I don't like bikers much more than I like motorists, honestly, I see little difference between the two other than cars hurt more when you get hit by them. But here's the thing, pedestrians are also reckless lately as well. This will sound like a broken record, but as our population increases people do need to pay more attention to the lights, there are more people on the roads and sidewalks, period. It's not going to fix anything if only one part of the equation is focused on.
10
A perfect illustration of why all cyclists like this dumb-fuck should be licensed and pay a tab fee. All you need to do to enforce it is seize bikes. If a car driver was this unsafe they'd be subject to losing their driving privileges. This is sad but Darwin always wins.
11
While I haven't ridden it, that particular block of the ave looks like it could be a little tricky to ride in. Cars, bikes, and pedestrians all need to be careful in that spot. This seems like one of those times where my suspicions lean more towards the cyclist being at fault (which doesn't ease my distaste for the anti-cyclist commentators, who are mostly anonymous trolls anyway).
12
@11: Don't forget buses. Many many buses make turns at that corner.
I actually don't see a ton of bikes at that intersection. Most seem to prefer Brooklyn (if one is linking up with/from B-G Trail), Roosevelt (if one is headed across the bridge), or 15th (if one is headed towards UWMC). Obviously a delivery person may take some non-standard routes.
I actually don't see a ton of bikes at that intersection. Most seem to prefer Brooklyn (if one is linking up with/from B-G Trail), Roosevelt (if one is headed across the bridge), or 15th (if one is headed towards UWMC). Obviously a delivery person may take some non-standard routes.
13
You can divide the comments in this thread into several buckets:
1. Logical
2. Funny
3. Angry
4. Dumbest fucking thing I've ever read in my entire life. (Oh, BTW, I'm referring to you @10.)
1. Logical
2. Funny
3. Angry
4. Dumbest fucking thing I've ever read in my entire life. (Oh, BTW, I'm referring to you @10.)
14
Haters are bikers are going to have a field day with that facebook page.
posting: thankful to be alive:) December 21, 2010 at 2:21pm
posted reply: i heard what happened!!! damn bro you gotta be careful.
posting: thankful to be alive:) December 21, 2010 at 2:21pm
posted reply: i heard what happened!!! damn bro you gotta be careful.
16
@11 That intersection is kinda weird to begin with, and it's hard to tell when the cars are able to turn left.
18
I was a bicycle commuter for a long time (I'm currently a pedestrian commuter), and I have nothing but disdain for the hotshots who zoom around violating traffic laws and showing no concern for their safety. Judging from the description of the videos he posted, on most days I would have considered Mr. Townshend to be an asshole cyclist, the sort of person whose riding would likely eventually get them killed.
But today isn't one of "most days": today, he's left a hole in the lives of his friends and family. The comments celebrating and mocking his death are completely inappropriate.
But today isn't one of "most days": today, he's left a hole in the lives of his friends and family. The comments celebrating and mocking his death are completely inappropriate.
19
serious question: how much bearing does a person's driving/riding (bike OR car) style or history have on investigations like this?
For example, say two cars get into a serious car accident where fault was debatable, and one driver has a history of street racing. Would that history be considered when determining fault?
For example, say two cars get into a serious car accident where fault was debatable, and one driver has a history of street racing. Would that history be considered when determining fault?
20
Sorry, Robert Townsend is a punchline. In fact, whenever a helmetless fixie moron bites it, we should call it 'doing a Townsend'.
I'm still waiting for my slamwich.
I'm still waiting for my slamwich.
21
@19- One's history has absolutely no bearing on events like this. It's what happened in that accident that matters in law and in any other context of assigning blame.
@2- There's video tape of this accident?
@2- There's video tape of this accident?
22
I wish our city would lead on safety for cyclists. There should be PSA's telling drivers to look and listen for cyclists. There should be PSA's telling cyclists to use a bike bell to alert drivers to their existence. There needs to be a whole lot more conversation about the reality for cyclists on the road. An unaware cyclist will annoy you, but an unaware driver will kill you.
23
I'm dead careful when bikes are near my car because I assume they're not paying attention and I don't want the guilt of hurting/killing them. Assuming this was not a closed movie set with traffic blocked off we can look at the evidence.
A) wearing all black at night
B) darting across lanes at high speed without signaling or looking
C) darting in and out of parking lots without stopping/looking
D) no light on his bike (you can't ride a motorcycle at night
without a light, why the fuck is this any different?)
It's really sad that a 23yo ended up like this but I'd bet this behavior wasn't limited to his "x-treme" YouTube videos.
A) wearing all black at night
B) darting across lanes at high speed without signaling or looking
C) darting in and out of parking lots without stopping/looking
D) no light on his bike (you can't ride a motorcycle at night
without a light, why the fuck is this any different?)
It's really sad that a 23yo ended up like this but I'd bet this behavior wasn't limited to his "x-treme" YouTube videos.
24
Jesus people, was he dressed provocatively too? Like the sergeant said, each situation needs to be thoroughly investigated.
While I'm not too keen on the aggro messenger thing either, the local bike-hating lynch mob should probably keep in mind the stereotypes associated with Washington drivers.
While I'm not too keen on the aggro messenger thing either, the local bike-hating lynch mob should probably keep in mind the stereotypes associated with Washington drivers.
25
I think I'm as safe an urban bicyclist as they come - I ride reasonably slowly, use lights, always use hand signals, always follow traffic laws, have a brightly colored upright bike. Yet twice in the past month drivers have taken left turns nearly into me without slowing down when I had a green light - once at Broadway & E John, once at Broadway & E Union. If I wasn't extra cautious at these intersections I could have been hit at a fairly high speed.
Regardless, it's not the "fault" of drivers or bikers. It's the "fault" of the city for having terrible, unsafe cycling infrastructure. The city needs an overhaul of our city streets, starting with the dense neighborhoods where we keep having pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities - Capitol Hill, U District, Belltown, SLU.
The SPD is right in treating these investigations as seriously as homicide. The city council needs to do the same - it's not an "accident" if it keeps happening, it's intentional on the part of the city council for doing nothing to prevent it.
Regardless, it's not the "fault" of drivers or bikers. It's the "fault" of the city for having terrible, unsafe cycling infrastructure. The city needs an overhaul of our city streets, starting with the dense neighborhoods where we keep having pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities - Capitol Hill, U District, Belltown, SLU.
The SPD is right in treating these investigations as seriously as homicide. The city council needs to do the same - it's not an "accident" if it keeps happening, it's intentional on the part of the city council for doing nothing to prevent it.
26
My guess is that the driver looked left to see if it was clear and was temporarily blinded by the afternoon/early evening sun, which has been low on the horizon and has made driving westbound at that time of day extremely difficult for the last week because it's been so nice out.
That said, if they both had the green, she's still at fault....
That said, if they both had the green, she's still at fault....
27
" use a bike bell to alert drivers",
Mr. Townsend needed more than a bell. He needed brakes, helmet and an IQ above 90.
Mr. Townsend needed more than a bell. He needed brakes, helmet and an IQ above 90.
28
Cyclists have got to be extra careful on any road shared with cars. No matter whose fault it is, they will always be on the losing side of an accident. It is a simple matter of mass and physics. Heck, I even think when I see those Smart cars on the highway they are taking a huge risk because any accident at that speed and they will be crushed
29
Regarding the facts in the Update:
According to the original article posted by Chris, the car made a left turn from (not onto) Campus Pkwy onto University. Looking at Google Streetview, it appears that Campus Pkwy does have a left turn arrow for making a turn onto Northbound University.
According to the original article posted by Chris, the car made a left turn from (not onto) Campus Pkwy onto University. Looking at Google Streetview, it appears that Campus Pkwy does have a left turn arrow for making a turn onto Northbound University.
30
@25: It's also the fault of vehicular cycling advocates, who spent a generation advocating for cyclists to ride like they were cars instead of demanding more appropriate infrastructure for all of us.
31
While I don't have patience for aggressive bicyclists, I don't think I can spit without hitting an incompetent driver in this town, especially where an uncontrolled left turn is involved. "I didn't see you" should be Seattle's motto.
@12,
Jimmy John's is actually on the Ave, which explains why Townsend was riding down it.
@12,
Jimmy John's is actually on the Ave, which explains why Townsend was riding down it.
32
@29,
The police blotter disputes that article. The driver was turning left from the Ave onto Campus Parkway.
The police blotter disputes that article. The driver was turning left from the Ave onto Campus Parkway.
33
After the update i have some temptation to retract my previous post. It's starting to look like the drivers fault (possibly due to the sun). Too bad. It's just a lesson for cyclists to pay attention to traffic while riding. Look at the faces behind the wheels, watch the front wheels of cars in oncoming lanes, in a nutshell, learn to read cars body language. I have saved myself from many accidents (on bike, foor, and even behind the wheel) by simply doing the above. Just because you have the right of way doesn't mean that others see you or are paying attention.
34
I agree with @9. I'll keep saying this until I run out of breath and my face turns blue; We need to keep an eye out for each other. Don't make assumptions about how others are going to use the roads. And when you're on foot, MAKE EYE CONTACT with drivers before crossing.
35
"My guess is that the driver looked left to see if it was clear and was temporarily blinded by the afternoon/early evening sun, which has been low on the horizon and has made driving westbound at that time of day extremely difficult for the last week because it's been so nice out."
I don't know about this. At the time of the accident on Saturday (about 6:18pm), the elevation of the sun was at about 10.4 degrees. And the angle of the sun was about 266 degrees (due north would be zero and then go clockwise until you get to 266 degrees). It seems that I-5 and other elements (like trees on campus pwky) would have blocked the sun from directly shining into the driver's eyes. (A few minutes earlier and Terry Hall would have been blocking even more of the sun.)
I don't know about this. At the time of the accident on Saturday (about 6:18pm), the elevation of the sun was at about 10.4 degrees. And the angle of the sun was about 266 degrees (due north would be zero and then go clockwise until you get to 266 degrees). It seems that I-5 and other elements (like trees on campus pwky) would have blocked the sun from directly shining into the driver's eyes. (A few minutes earlier and Terry Hall would have been blocking even more of the sun.)
36
For anyone interested in getting involved in safer streets for cycling in the U-District, and no more senseless deaths like this one, please visit www (dot) ugreenways (dot) org.
38
@33: Right, it's a lesson to cyclists.
Prosecute that driver for vehicular manslaughter and it'll be a lesson to drivers as well. But oddly enough, that never seems to happen in these cases.
Prosecute that driver for vehicular manslaughter and it'll be a lesson to drivers as well. But oddly enough, that never seems to happen in these cases.
39
The officers apparently stated that the car's driver did not appear impaired - but did they order a blood test? Was the woman's cell phone examined to see whether she had been talking or texting? Were her cell phone records subpoenaed?
If not, this smacks of bias against the bicyclist, who apparently had a green light as he rode downhill through the intersection. The bicyclist deserves this due diligence, if only to exonerate the car's driver or to help prevent her from doing something like this again.
If not, this smacks of bias against the bicyclist, who apparently had a green light as he rode downhill through the intersection. The bicyclist deserves this due diligence, if only to exonerate the car's driver or to help prevent her from doing something like this again.
40
"or to help prevent her from doing something like this again."
Maybe she was alredy in the intersection, light turned red, she made turn, he ran light? Judging by da' Storm's youtube hits, I'll put my money on scenario 2.
Maybe she was alredy in the intersection, light turned red, she made turn, he ran light? Judging by da' Storm's youtube hits, I'll put my money on scenario 2.
41
@39: You seem mighty eager to blame the driver without all the facts (particularly given this bike rider's flagrant disregard for safety).
They can't order a blood test if the driver doesn't show signs of impairment -- just to satisfy your thirst for revenge.
They can't order a blood test if the driver doesn't show signs of impairment -- just to satisfy your thirst for revenge.
43
"MAKE EYE CONTACT with drivers before crossing."
Which gets us into the topic of too darkly-tinted windows which sends me into fits. Shops that install that crap should be shut down. The legal tinting limit of front windows is no different than that for rear windows ("The maximum level of sunscreening material to be applied to any window, except the windshield, shall have a total reflectance of 35% or less, and a light transmittance of 24% or more"). I get that it's tough to enforce, but why the hell is it the slightest bit controversial that the driver be visible to passersby?
Which gets us into the topic of too darkly-tinted windows which sends me into fits. Shops that install that crap should be shut down. The legal tinting limit of front windows is no different than that for rear windows ("The maximum level of sunscreening material to be applied to any window, except the windshield, shall have a total reflectance of 35% or less, and a light transmittance of 24% or more"). I get that it's tough to enforce, but why the hell is it the slightest bit controversial that the driver be visible to passersby?
44
"MAKE EYE CONTACT with drivers before crossing."
Which gets us into the topic of too darkly-tinted windows which sends me into fits. Shops that install that crap should be shut down. The legal tinting limit of front windows is no different than that for rear windows ("The maximum level of sunscreening material to be applied to any window, except the windshield, shall have a total reflectance of 35% or less, and a light transmittance of 24% or more"). I get that it's tough to enforce, but why the hell is it the slightest bit controversial that the driver be visible to passersby?
Which gets us into the topic of too darkly-tinted windows which sends me into fits. Shops that install that crap should be shut down. The legal tinting limit of front windows is no different than that for rear windows ("The maximum level of sunscreening material to be applied to any window, except the windshield, shall have a total reflectance of 35% or less, and a light transmittance of 24% or more"). I get that it's tough to enforce, but why the hell is it the slightest bit controversial that the driver be visible to passersby?
45
@44 Aren't those dark windows illegal almost everywhere now? If no, they should be. Also I think there should be anti-glare on the outside, not only windows of cars, but the cars themselves. Chrome is pretty, yes, but on a ton+ machine it's also deadly.
... and of course the update here suddenly answers the questions, thanks for posting it HERE. >.< Anyhow, I concede it was the motorist's fault. ;) I was wrong with my original assumption.
... and of course the update here suddenly answers the questions, thanks for posting it HERE. >.< Anyhow, I concede it was the motorist's fault. ;) I was wrong with my original assumption.
46
@37 Police are too lenient on jaywalkers, I myself never jaywalk and I'm always on foot. ;)
@42 The only reason such an action should matter is to determine how many laws the driver did break, there is no excuse for breaking any law, and if it was the cyclists fault, yet the driver was inebriated in some way, the driver should be prosecuted for those crimes regardless. Though that seems moot at this point. However, being inebriated or impaired in any way does not immediately make the driver at fault.
The "make eye contact" recommendation works for EVERYONE, not just pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to, make sure the others out there know you're there, if not, make noise. I glare at the motorists if they don't look both ways, even if they see me I wait until they look the other way to while standing in their way. For cyclists, I'm so tempted to kick their tires when they zip past me silently, no warning, nothing, from behind me. Luckily I'm not fast enough to accomplish that or the temptation may be in danger of becoming action. Note to cyclists, if the pedestrian can not see you and you make no audible warning, we can change direction quickly, and that would be a horrible accident for ALL involved, not just us, but you would probably be hurt more as you fly over us. We have this cool advantage of being able to sidestep to avoid things (usually nasty things) on the sidewalk or each other, you NEVER know when that will happen. The key problem isn't that one is worse than the other, between motorist, cyclist, or even pedestrian, it's not even the city road problem that people want to blame, it's a lack of attention and fair warning. Pay attention to where you are going, obey the traffic laws, and for fuck's sake let slower people know you are passing them.
More...
@42 The only reason such an action should matter is to determine how many laws the driver did break, there is no excuse for breaking any law, and if it was the cyclists fault, yet the driver was inebriated in some way, the driver should be prosecuted for those crimes regardless. Though that seems moot at this point. However, being inebriated or impaired in any way does not immediately make the driver at fault.
The "make eye contact" recommendation works for EVERYONE, not just pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to, make sure the others out there know you're there, if not, make noise. I glare at the motorists if they don't look both ways, even if they see me I wait until they look the other way to while standing in their way. For cyclists, I'm so tempted to kick their tires when they zip past me silently, no warning, nothing, from behind me. Luckily I'm not fast enough to accomplish that or the temptation may be in danger of becoming action. Note to cyclists, if the pedestrian can not see you and you make no audible warning, we can change direction quickly, and that would be a horrible accident for ALL involved, not just us, but you would probably be hurt more as you fly over us. We have this cool advantage of being able to sidestep to avoid things (usually nasty things) on the sidewalk or each other, you NEVER know when that will happen. The key problem isn't that one is worse than the other, between motorist, cyclist, or even pedestrian, it's not even the city road problem that people want to blame, it's a lack of attention and fair warning. Pay attention to where you are going, obey the traffic laws, and for fuck's sake let slower people know you are passing them.
47
I've been on both sides of the argument. I live in New York and as a pedestrian have been nearly hit by a car numerous times and actually hit by a car once. It drives me absolutely nuts when drivers just barrel around not paying any attention to people crossing the street or cyclists riding near them. On the other hand, cyclists who don't wear helmets drive me equally nuts. Take some responsibility for your life please. Last weekend I was driving in Brooklyn and some asshole was riding his bike down the middle of a big four lane, two direction road near Coney Island. Not only did he not have a helmet, not only did he ignore the stop light when turning, but he actually looked me in the eye swerved as if to ride into my front bumper, then laughed. Really dude. Not fucking funny.
48
Sorry to all the people trying to put blame on someone, however this is not the time. Please remember that he WAS someones Grandson, Son, Brother, Best Friend, Boy Friend, and Neighbor so PLEASE KEEP YOUR TWO CENTS O YOURSELF!
49
Regardless of who’s at fault Storm lost his life. It’s real easy to be thoughtless, anonymous jerks on the internet, until tragedy hits your family.
50
A young man with tremendous potential - with a heart too big and an inspiration to many - why do you all want to make it make some sense - death never makes sense- you can not wrap it up with a sentence of your own self-righteousness. All you do with self-righteousness is remove yourself from the human pain that comes with a loss to the world. P.S. To all the the finger pointers on the YouTube video - you might note that it was most likely shot at 3 am or 4 am - note the lack of traffic on 50th is it?
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