Midwest Masters Cycling Team Race Events

https://www.bikereg.com/bazaar-ks-road-race. Weather looks great.

Bazaar KS Road Race Online Registration BikeReg - online cycling event registration

Nebraska Friends – I am reaching out with a plea for help. Most of you are aware that the driver who killed Matthew is only being charged with misdemeanor vehicle homicide, which carries a penalty of up to $1000 OR up to 1 year in jail (most likely a few months probation). This is a terrible injustice. Matthew was following all traffic and cycling rules and was taking even greater safety precautions than required by the law. Liability in this case is uncontested and lies solely with the distracted driver. Nevertheless, the county attorney’s office has been unwilling to pursue the stronger charge of felony motor vehicle homicide. I met with my state representative today and she indicated that public pressure is critical. Omaha is striving to be a city that welcomes and encourages cyclists and pedestrians, and this case sets an important precedent for the safety of our city and the consequences of distracted driving. Would you be willing to call the County Attorney’s office, the City Council, and/ or the Mayor’s Office to advocate for stronger charges in this case?

County Attorney: 402-444-7040 or [email protected]
Omaha City Council: 402-444-5520
Mayor’s Office: 402-444-5555

If you want more context, keep reading…

The current charge for misdemeanor vehicle homicide is noted as careless driving (60-6, 212): “Any person who drives any motor vehicle in this state carelessly or without due caution so as to endanger a person or property shall be guilty of careless driving.” To qualify for the stronger felony charge, it must be reckless driving (60-6, 213): “Any person who drives any motor vehicle in such a manner as to indicate an indifferent or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property shall be guilty of reckless driving.” Reckless driving involves violation of a traffic law. I have been told that ‘violation of a traffic law’ includes driving under the influence, excessive speeding, driving on a revoked license, driving erratically, etc., but Nebraska law also states “The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device proceeding in the same direction shall exercise due care, which shall include, but not be limited to, leaving a safe distance of no less than three feet clearance, when applicable, when passing a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device.” (60-6, 133) This law was clearly broken. The nuance between “without due caution” (careless) and “wanton disregard” (reckless) seems to me to be a matter of opinion. The felony charge can result in up to $10,000 fine, up to 3 years in prison, or both.

If you feel this driver deserves the stronger penalty, please call and feel free to share.

Great day for the Kansas Cycling Family. Steve meant alot to the state. Sorry he isn't with us anymore.

The United States Bicycling Hall of Fame will induct four legends of American cycling in ceremonies on October 7, 2023 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Congratulations to the 2023 inductees Sarah Hammer, Steve Tilford, George Chapman, and Peter Rich. 👏

Read more: https://usbhof.org/u-s-bicycling-hall-of-fame-announces-four-2023-inductees/

https://www.elliottmortuary.com/obituary/robert-helfrich

Obituary for Robert Henry Helfrich at Elliott Mortuary & Crematory Robert Henry Helfrich, 73, passed away at his home January 19, 2023, surrounded by his wife and children, after suffering complications during his treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Robert was born November 1, 1949, to Henry and Philomene Bogner Helfrich, in Spearville, Kansas. Robert graduated f...