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Beloved cyclist struck and killed by drunk driver

A popular advocate for cycling safety, who was struck and killed by a drunk driver earlier this year, will be honored by a street that bears his name. The 26-year-old victim was biking in the North Clybourn corridor near Larabee when he was struck by a speeding vehicle. According to reporters, Chicago alderman voted to rename the street following a proposal at a city council meeting.

The cyclist’s mother released a statement last Thursday, in which she stated she was was happy to hear the news of efforts to memorialize her son. In a phone conversation from New Hampshire, she expressed her approval of the city’s efforts to construct bike lanes, a positve effect of the tragedy.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the victim was charged with reckless homicide, aggravated and misdemeanor DUI, and failure to stay in his lane. According to reports, the 28- year-old operator of the vehicle had a blood alcohol level of .127 and was driving along Clybourn at 50 mph in a 30 mph zone.

While the cycling community grieves the young man’s death, safety advocates have initiated efforts for protected bike lanes and overall cycling safety. Following reaction surrounding the accident, efforts were renewed to overturn a February department of transportation ruling to block the formation of bike lanes. The victim’s employer conducted a city-wide fundraiser to further this cause.

The intoxicated driver causing the incident is scheduled to appear in court in mid-September. It is anticipated the event will be well-attended by the cyclist’s friends and family.

Legal advisors for the cyclist’s family have issued a statement underscoring the need to enforce legislation designed to protect victims of a fatal car accident, especially on busy streets where motor vehicles are expected to safely share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists.

Source:  huffingtonpost.com, “Bobby Cann, Young Cyclist Killed By Drunk Driver, Remembered With Honorary Street Along Clybourn” No author given, Sep. 13, 2013

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