This news is a few days old, but as the Fairfax Times reported, a cyclist in Fairfax was killed in a hit and run accident shortly after midnight last Wednesday.
It seems the reporter (and probably the police) wanted to emphasize that this cyclist was riding at night, dressed all in black, on a black bike. Why? Is it to send a message of how dangerous this is, and to convince people not to do it? Or is it to imply that the incident was the cyclist’s own fault, just for being out there?
Note that amid the discussion of black clothing, there’s no mention of whether the cyclist had lights or reflectors. (I would guess not too, but bear with me.) This is important. Was the cyclist really “hit from behind” by a motorist who “just didn’t see” him? Or was he mowed down by an impatient motorist who made an unsafe pass when he shouldn’t have? Without all the evidence, we’ll never know.
This is why we need to push for standards for complete and uniform reporting of bike crashes.
This is not to criticize the police in Fairfax: they’re still investigating this fatal hit and run, and are putting out an appeal for help. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers anonymously by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, secure email, or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637, or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
The vehicle involved may have damage to its right front area.
Update: ABC news also covered the Fairfax hit and run, with photos, but still no mention of lights or reflectors.
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