We are almost there. The grand daddy of Tucson Rides. Over 8000 riders will be taking over the streets of Tucson next weekend for the Tucson Medical Center 34th El Tour de Tucson presented by Casino del Sol. For many, it’s a good week to taper. For others, like me, it might be about time to start training;-)
I’d like to THANK all who have donated to my ride for a child as well as everyone who has been riding for the other 60 beneficiaries of El Tour. I’ve been thinking that next year I’d like to ride for each and every one of them. It fuels my soul seeing so many help others doing what they love. Truly a win/win. There is still time to donate if you want to give and I’m only $300 away from my goal. Click Here to donate.
There are many activities that surround the El Tour Super Week, beginning one week prior to ride day, includes a 2-day El Tour Bike, Fitness & Health EXPO, El Tour Orientation Meetings, a Rusing, Lopez & Lizardi El Tour Dedication Dinner at Casino del Sol and an 8-day Indoor El Tour program.
Ride day begins with the Rio Nuevo 104-mile Main Event followed by the 76-Mile El Tour, the 54-Mile El Tour, the 40-Mile El Tour, the Town of Marana 28-Mile El Tour as well as the Tucson Medical Center El Tour Fun Ride presented by McDonald’s. Tune into the Cenpatico Integrated Care Ride Day Radio Show on ESPN Tucson for up-to-the-minute coverage of the front runners as well as interviews and updates from the remote starts. The HSL Properties Downtown Fiesta with kids activities, music, a Michelob ULTRA Garden, food, massages and an on-going Grand Cycling Awards Ceremony round out the day.
This list is a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to put it together. All I ask in return for the list is that you remember I’m A REALTOR. If you have a relationship with another REALTOR, I love loyalty and respect those relationships. However, if not, or if you need a second opinion, Please keep me in mind. Many agents spend money advertising for new business, others sit open houses or cold call. My business is based on referrals from past clients and friends. The less time I have to do traditional prospecting the more I can do for the cycling community. For example: this list.
Ride on,
Damion
I DID NOT CONFIRM EVERY TIME, but did get in touch with most of the ride leaders and shops. You should always verify times before you head out and remember these ride times are when the ride leaves. Please show up as early as needed to make sure you are ready to roll out at the time posted.
I’m sad to say that Miles Ahead has closed and one of the best shop rides in Tucson is no more. If you are interested in starting a Pistol Hill Ride Every week, please let me know so I can put it here. I know there is an interest, we just need someone to step up. Thanks Geoff for having such a great ride. You and Miles Ahead will be missed.
THIS WEEKS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES ^^^^Road rides are above^^^^
What
Location
Date
Time
Time Distance
Speed
Contact- More Info
Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists(SDMB) and Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA Tucson off-road Cyclists and Activists. (TORCA) have a calendars. Check them out at.
ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES – WANT BETTER BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE? GET INVOLVED. Feel free to e-mail damion@damionalexander.com if you want to get involved in the Velodrome Committee, CASA- Cycling Advocates of Southern Arizona, GABA – Greater Arizona Bicycle Association, SDMB -Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike, TORCA – Tucson Off Road Cyclist & Activists, El Grupo Youth Cycling, Tu Nidito Ride For A Child, Tour De Cure with The American Diabetes Association…. Added bonus, I’ll be there and the pictures are free;-)
RIDE AND EVENT DISCLAIMER
These rides are not mine. I am only sharing the data. The Damion Alexander Team cannot guarantee anybody’s safety. There are unknown and unforeseen potential hazards in every ride so you should pay attention and take reasonable precautions. I always use a helmet. I think that Helmets are required when riding. If you choose to listen to music during rides you should only use the headset in the right ear and keep the headset out of the left ear. Better yet, buy a FarEnd Gear earbud. Communication is essential during all rides and having the ability to hear is a part of your responsibility to others. Please also ride within your limitations. You are not racing the Tour de France. If you see someone that is not riding within their limitations or are becoming a hazard to others we should politely bring this to their your attention Dothis for your and everybody’s safety.
Also, it is everybody’s responsibility to follow all traffic laws. We are not lemmings. Just because somebody does something foolish does not mean you need to follow. Use your head and enjoy your ride.
THE DAMION ALEXANDER TEAM, DAMION ALEXANDER, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO CONTRIBUTES TO THIS LIST SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ACCIDENT OR INJURY THAT OCCURS ON THSES RIDES. EVERY PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AROUND THEM
WHERE DO ALL THE RIDES COME FROM? These links and shops and clubs and teams and facebook and YOU. See a ride that is missing. Please let me know Damion@DamionAlexadner.com. Thanks
This list is a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to put it together. All I ask in return for the list is that you remember I’m A REALTOR. If you have a relationship with another REALTOR, I love loyalty and respect those relationships. However, if not, or if you need a second opinion, Please keep me in mind. Many agents spend money advertising for new business, others sit open houses or cold call. My business is based on referrals from past clients and friends. The less time I have to do traditional prospecting the more I can do for the cycling community. For example: this list.
Early voting started this week for the Pima County Bond Election.
Speaking from the “Bike” prospective, there are many reasons to vote yes on all 7 bond propositions. I have gone through every item and broken down what is good for cycling. It has funding for roads, the loop, bmx tracks, trailheads, new trails, open space and more. If you want the detailed list please email Damion@damionalexander.com and say Bonds and Bikes in the subject. No matter how you feel or vote, remember, our Democracy only serves those that show up on election day.
This list is a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to put it together. All I ask in return for the list is that you remember I’m A REALTOR. If you have a relationship with another REALTOR, I love loyalty and respect those relationships. However, if not, or if you need a second opinion, Please keep me in mind. Many agents spend money advertising for new business, others sit open houses or cold call. My business is based on referrals from past clients and friends. The less time I have to do traditional prospecting the more I can do for the cycling community. For example: this list.
Damion
I DID NOT CONFIRM EVERY TIME, but did get in touch with most of the ride leaders and shops. You should always verify times before you head out and remember these ride times are when the ride leaves. Please show up as early as needed to make sure you are ready to roll out at the time posted.
I’m sad to say that Miles Ahead has closed and one of the best shop rides in Tucson is no more. If you are interested in starting a Pistol Hill Ride Every week, please let me know so I can put it here. I know there is an interest, we just need someone to step up. Thanks Geoff for having such a great ride. You and Miles Ahead will be missed.
October 30th – November 1st The Godfather of Mountain Biking Gary Fisher will be in Tucson.
Friday night will have a dinner at a restaurant to be determined for 20-25 people ($40-50). If interested in reserving a spot please call or text 520-977-5664 (Damion Alexander)
Halloween – Saturday Morning – Ride on the AZ Trail from Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead and Costume contest
Halloween – Saturday Night – Central ride from Trek Bicycles to TBD destination – Costume contest
Sunday – Possible start of the El Grupo Fall Fondo and definitely at Cyclovia
EVENTS AND VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
What
Location
Date
Contact
Seeking BICYCLE-THEMED ART donations to benefit BICAS. Art will be displayed at the 20th Annual Art Auction in December.
44 W. 6th St.
NOW-11.28.15
Tues-Sun
11-6pm.
http://bicas.org/art-auction/
TORCA October Prison Camp Work Day
We will be brushing, doing tread work, and working on some water bars.
Saturday 10.10.15 8AM
https://www.facebook.com/events/985435014840118/
Bicycle Advocacy Committee Public meeting
Himmel Park Library 1035 N Treat Ave,
Wednesday 10.14.15 6:00PM
Open to all. Call to the audience if you have something to say.
Get Air – a Fundraiser for JDRF
Get Air Tucson 330 S Toole Ave Suite 300,
Thursday 10.15.15
Mention JDRF when you sign in and 20% of your admission will be donated to my JDRF Ride team! Or go on Monday the 12th for the same dea
The Damion Alexander Team is proud to sponsor
Habitat for Humanity Bike to Build Day
3 ride options, road and MTB, all finishing with a build day for habitat for humanity. Volunteers are needed. Riders are needed. You are neededJ
Saturday
10.17.15
6:30am Ride starts with brief welcome, then staggered start
PIMA COUNTY BOND ELECTION. If the bond passes it will have a huge impact on the cycling community. The projects that will benefit the cyclist include the Velodrome, 2 BMX parks, The Loop (and other non-mechanized trails), repaving roads, open space for MTB trails, and new trailheads. The cost for the average home owner will be less than $18.00 a year. Have questions. Please call me, Damion, at 520-977-5664. I’ve spent hundreds of hours working on this and have facts. If you have a concern, I’m here to answer them or direct you to the sources that are available to help you make an informed decision.
RIDE ON THE CAPITAL. January 19th 2016.
For years we have been attempting to pass legislation in Arizona for the safety of all cyclist. The time has come for all riders to unite and pay our elected officials a visit. The vision is for all bikes: Road, Mountain Bikes, Commuters, recumbent, Trikes, Unicycles and anything else you can pedal or ride to attend.
Bike shops and cycle supportive businesses from around the state will participate and have prizes for those who ride the farthest to get to the capital, those who bring the largest groups, and just random prizes for participating.
Open to all. Call to the audience if you have something to say.
The Sandbox Showdown
Perhaps the greatest collections of misfits, deviants, dissenters, oddballs, outsiders, and eccentric riders all in one sandy place, riding Fatbikes in a wash to be named.
Parts, Bikes, accessories, friends, the swap meet has it all. It also has a new day. Same as The Urban Assault. My recommendation, sign up for the UAR as it will have a stop near the Bike Swap. Stop, shop, enjoy, let the other guy win the UA, they beer will still be there when you finish at the bike swap.
Beer, Bikes and Big Wheels. It’s hard to have as much fun on a bike as this ride. It’s been away for a few years and it’s time for the Old Pueblo to welcome them back
The Ride 430 Challenge is a non-profit cycling event that helps give America’s injured military service people and their families hope and assistance as they travel the road to recovery.
A 53 mile tour around the valley stopping at 7 Bosa Donut locations along the way!
10.18.15
6:30AM
7113 E 1st Ave Scottsdale, AZ
bicyclehaus.com
7th Annual 100: A Ride for Jim Stenholm
The 100 celebrates Jim Stenholm and the everyday heroes that do it all The 100 gives back to the children and families of fallen first responders through the 100 Club of Arizona.
Ride 104, 75,55 40 Mile Events or 11 mile, 5 mile and ¼ mile Fun Rides.
Want a free registration, a cycling jersey, training rides? Sign up for Tu Nidito’s Ride for a child (https://www.tunidito.org/sponsored-event/ride-for-a-child/
ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES – WANT BETTER BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE? GET INVOLVED. Feel free to e-mail damion@damionalexander.com if you want to get involved in the Velodrome Committee, CASA- Cycling Advocates of Southern Arizona, GABA – Greater Arizona Bicycle Association, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike SDMB, Tucson Off Road Cyclist & Activists TORCA, El Grupo Youth Cycling, Tu Nidito Ride For A Child. Added bonus, I’ll be there and the pictures are free;-)
RIDE AND EVENT DISCLAIMER
These rides are not mine. I am only sharing the data. The Damion Alexander Team cannot guarantee anybody’s safety. There are unknown and unforeseen potential hazards in every ride so you should pay attention and take reasonable precautions. I always use a helmet. I think that Helmets are required when riding. If you choose to listen to music during rides you should only use the headset in the right ear and keep the headset out of the left ear. Better yet, buy a FarEnd Gear earbud. Communication is essential during all rides and having the ability to hear is a part of your responsibility to others. Please also ride within your limitations. You are not racing the Tour de France. If you see someone that is not riding within their limitations or are becoming a hazard to others we should politely bring this to their your attention Dothis for your and everybody’s safety.
Also, it is everybody’s responsibility to follow all traffic laws. We are not lemmings. Just because somebody does something foolish does not mean you need to follow. Use your head and enjoy your ride.
THE DAMION ALEXANDER TEAM, DAMION ALEXANDER, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO CONTRIBUTES TO THIS LIST SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ACCIDENT OR INJURY THAT OCCURS ON THSES RIDES. EVERY PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AROUND THEM
WHERE DO ALL THE RIDES COME FROM? These links and shops and clubs and teams and facebook and YOU. See a ride that is missing. Please let me know Damion@DamionAlexadner.com. Thanks
This list is a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to put it together. All I ask in return for the list is that you remember I’m A REALTOR. If you have a relationship with another REALTOR, I love loyalty and respect those relationships. However, if not, or if you need a second opinion, Please keep me in mind. Many agents spend money advertising for new business, others sit open houses or cold call. My business is based on referrals from past clients and friends. The less time I have to do traditional prospecting the more I can do for the cycling community. For example: this list.
THIS LIST IS PROVIDED AT A COURTESY OF THE DAMION ALEXANDER TEAM. THIS LIST IS DEEMED RELIABLE, BUT NOT GUARANTEED. WHEN POSSIBLE, CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE GROUP RIDERS ARE PROVIDED. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND DOUBLE CHECK OR GO TO THE RIDE AND IF NO ONE IS THERE, GO RIDE BY YOURSELD.
Did you miss registering for 24 hours I the Old Pueblo? The CONSIDER YOURSELF CHALLENGED! AN INSPIRATIONAL COMMUNITY EVENT FOR CAF has a solo or tandem entry up for grabs. Check out more details below in the events section. Do you have an event you would like to share? Let me know.
This list is a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to put it together. All I ask in return for the list is that you remember I’m A REALTOR. If you have a relationship with another REALTOR, I love loyalty and respect those relationships. However, if not, or if you need a second opinion, Please keep me in mind. Many agents spend money advertising for new business, some door knock and others cold call. My business is based on referrals from past clients and friends. The less time I have to do traditional prospecting the more I can do for the clients and friends you refer my team AND for the cycling community. For example: This list.
This list is a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to put it together. All I ask in return for the list is that you remember I’m A REALTOR. If you have a relationship with another REALTOR, I love loyalty and respect those relationships. However, if not, or if you need a second opinion, Please keep me in mind. Many agents spend money advertising for new business, others sit open houses or cold call. My business is based on referrals from past clients and friends. The less time I have to do traditional prospecting the more I can do for the cycling community. For example: this list.
There is a big change to the list this week. The Mountain Bike and Road Rides have been separated into different sections.
This Sunday there are 13 rides. One for everyone. The biggest challenge is deciding what bike and where to ride.
I’ll be at the El Grupo Fall Fondo. They still have room for a few more. I’m told that the swag bag is real nice. Add in a meal with Local beer from Iron Johns and it’s going to make for a great day.
At the same time for the downhill Mountain Bikers TORCA has a poker ride on Mt. Lemmon and the prizes include a trip to Whistler. You ride, you get cards, best hand wins.
At the same time the Sandbox Showdown will be riding through the washes of Tucson on Fatbikes. This ride brings out the most colorful characters in the bike world.
At the same time Old Pueblo MTB will be at Sweetwater Preserve to congratulate the OV MTB athletes on an incredible year at the High School Mountain Bike season.
At the same time GABA has 5 rides. At the same time…
This list is a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to put it together. All I ask in return for the list is that you remember I’m A REALTOR. If you have a relationship with another REALTOR, I love loyalty and respect those relationships. However, if not, or if you need a second opinion, Please keep me in mind. Many agents spend money advertising for new business, others sit open houses or cold call. My business is based on referrals from past clients and friends. The less time I have to do traditional prospecting the more I can do for the cycling community. For example: this list.
This list is provided as a courtesy. It is all public information that is put here to make life easier for those looking for a bike ride. Biking can be dangerous. People crash, they break bones, get bloody, have road rash, destroy bikes and even worse. The Damion Alexander Team is not responsible for any of these rides or anything that happens on these rides. By going on a bike ride you are choosing to make a choice in your life, one that will most likely lead to a healthy and happy life. However, if the unfortunate does happen, it was your choice to go and not Damion Alexander, The Damion Alexander Team or anyone else that made you do it.
Lorena Evans, Brendan Lyons, Rep. Ethan Orr and Senator Steve Farley meeting with Deputy Gutierrez to discuss bike safety laws.
50 weeks ago I went to UAMC- Diamonds Children center to see Brendan Lyons after he was in a collision on his bike while riding his bike on East Sunrise. A few days later I orchestrated the media and a meeting in Brendan’s hospital room with Senator Steve Farley and Representative Ethan Orr to discuss laws for cyclist safety. As a result, we introduced 4 bills in the state legislature last year. Unfortunately, not even one made it out of committee. Brendan and I have spent hundreds of hours in the past year trying to find ways to make cycling safer. Yesterday, El Tour de Tucson announced that Brendan and his girlfriend, Lorena Evans, who was also in the collision, are the honoree for the 2014 El Tour De Tucson. Wednesday night, at 9:30 Brendan called me and told me that he had met with Office Art Gutierrez, who was struck from behind this week and at UAMC. After burning the midnight oil, Thursday morning, life came full circle and I found myself at UAMC with the media, Rep Orr, Senator Farley, Brendan and Lorena. This time in the hospital room we also had Pima County Sherriff Deputy Art Gutierrez, his daughter, Cynthia, girlfriend, Delia, as well as some of the Sherriff Department brass.
Brendan asked the Deputy if he would like his story shared. Like so many people who serve our country, Art was willing to put his personal suffering aside if it might help save someone else.
His daughter Cynthia and son Alex are also cyclist. They recently rode in El Tour De Mesa as a family and finished in about 3 and a half hours. Cynthia was the first member of the family to get into cycling 7 years ago. Art got on the bike because of her 5 years ago. She recalled with a smile that in the first El Tour she rode with her Dad that it took them 8 hours. In 2013 they had shaved over an hour and a half off that time. Alex got on the bike last year and this year they were expecting to be even faster. Delia also caught the bike fever and recently bought a bicycle.
The details of the accident are only too familiar. A driver came up behind the Deputy and struck his Bike from Behind. Statistically, this type of collision is the most common to result in a death. All things considered, it looks as if Deputy Gutierrez got off with only “minor” injuries ( If spending days in the hospital and not knowing when you will be released are minor) He has no recollection of the actual collision and woke up in the hospital.
The following is from the interviews Deputy Gutierrez:
Deputy Gutierrez, much like Brendan after his accident talked a lot about how safety is every ones responsibility. Both the cyclist and the motorist.
He said it was “surprising” waking up at UAMC, he had no clue what had happened.
He is “hurting, sore, his body hurts, feeling down, but feels fortunate that he is here. Fortunate to be alive. To know he will recover. Thankful for his family and his co-workers. “
He has no broken bones, but possibly had a small stroke that has led to a lack of feeling on the right side of his body. He has road rash all over his body.
When asked if he was going to get back on his bike he replied “as soon as I can, It is something I really enjoy, I want to go back”.
Asked about the accident and who was at fault and how the Sherriff Department would investigate he said that the Dept. will do a full investigation but that he has no recollection of what happened. A full investigation will be conducted to determine who was at fault. He stated again that sometimes it is the cyclist, but that the investigation will determine the fault.
The driver did stick around after the collision.
The collision was on Tanque Verde between Houghton and Tanque Verde Loop. He was on his way to ride up Mt. Lemmon to mile 4 or 5. He had only gone about 3 miles on his ride.
When asked about stricter laws for motorist he said “there is a lot of impatience with todays drivers and not just with cyclist but with pedestrians … and with social media, people distracted constantly talking on the phone, texting, doing whatever they do… I see it every day as a patrol officer, I see it every day, but I also see the bikes making the same mistakes being dangerous and the pedestrians J walking and can’t wait,… we need to be more patient. What the drivers need to understand is they are in a 4000 pound piece of moving machinery, if you hit a person they lose.”
He would like to see something done for the texting and the cell phone use for drivers. Personally he finds it annoying and sees it all the time. “Driving is a privilege, not a right.”
One thing that was very clear during the interview was how level headed and patient he is. He understands that the solution is patients and understanding with efforts from everyone who uses the roads. Perhaps if everyone can have a mindset like that, we could truly create an environment that is safer for everyone. I’m so thankful that Deputy Art Gutierrez will make a full recovery and hope his spirit and ideas will spread throughout the Pima County Sherriff Dept.
This is a more of a mini novel than a blog. It contains the interview with Brendan Lyons and Lorena Evans about a collision with a car on October 4, 2013 . Also, interviews with Senator Farley and Representative Orr about what bike laws we might be able to create in the next legislative session.. My break down on why this all came together. Having been there for the entire time and seeing the final news reports, it is incredible how 45 minutes is condensed into a 2 minute segment. I tried to omit nothing to give a more in depth perspective (perhaps too much).
My good friend Brendan Lyons was hit by a car while riding his bike last week with his girlfriend Lorena Evans. Lorena got off easy with a broken wrist (at least that’s all that I know she hurt). Brendan on the other hand ended up In the Hospital and is still there.
Brendan is a fire fighter with rural metro and the founder of Look!Save a life/ Arizona This is what Brendon says s the purpose of Look! “Look! Save a Life / Arizona is a campaign to promote cycling safety and awareness. Many cyclists are unaware of, or choose not to ride according to the laws which govern the use of public roads. Most drivers only expect to see other cars on the road, or even deny the right of cyclists to be on the road at all. (Or worse yet, feel cyclists should not be on the roads at all.) That creates a disconnection between what drivers expect and what cyclists do on the road. These problems culminate in at best, apathy towards cyclists, and at worst, deliberate, hostile, unsafe, and possibly fatal confrontations between drivers and cyclists. My hope is to “Realize that we can not change personalities, but to help in better changing the “attitudes” drivers and cyclists have for one another.”
I went to visit Brendan at UAMC Diamond’s Children in his hospital room. For some time I have helped him manage the facebook page for Look! Save a Life. I have known many cyclist who have spent time in ER and the hospital, but this is the first time I went down to see if I could help (I’ve never been a huge fan of hospitals, I was told as a kid the best way to stay healthy was to avoid hospitals and I have been living that lifestyle).
Even with the pain meds, I could see the grimace on his face every few sentences, but his mind was clear and we had a very long conversation. We talked about what he remembered from the crash, nothing. My favorite topic after a bike crash. How was his bike? Shattered in 13 plus pieces. Where it happened? Sunrise heading East before Kolb. One point was very clear. He wanted to find a way to make this into a positive experience. The question he wanted to know was how could he help save even one life or prevent one collision as a result of his current situation. The conversation went to how Look! Save a Life could get recognition and use his misfortune for the benefit of the community. We went over the downside to being public, but he was set on doing anything that could to save someone from the anguish he was going through.
Together we discussed what he wanted to see. Laws that really protect cyclist! A state wide no texting while driving law! A hands free law!!!!! Expanding the 3 foot to a 5 foot wide passing law and more teeth and penalties for cars who hit a cyclist.
After we had the idea the rest fell on me. Fortunately, I have great political connections on both sides of the isle in the state legislator and know the Representatives and Senators who believe in protecting the safety of cyclist. ( If anyone has 1ooK and want’s to support me for a year I’ll become a full time bike lobbyist for the state of Arizona) Both Senator Steve Farley and Representative Ethan Orr were willing to shuffle their schedules to meet with Brendan to talk about the laws we discussed.
With the assistance of Katie Riley from UAMC and Grant Cesarck from Rural metro we were able to coordinate the logistics of bringing news crews in the hospital and to get a press release out. THANK YOU Katie and Grant!
Everything went very well and KVOA and KGUN both sent crews out. KOLD was not able to make it, but we might do another interview in a few days. AZ Daily Star sent a reporter as well. Senator Farley, Representative Orr, Karen Mlawsky, CEO of UAMC, Andy Theodorou, MD, Chief Medical Officer of UAMC all attended the meeting.
Senator Farley, Representative Orr, Lorena Evans, Brendan Lyons, Karen Mlawsky, Andy Theodorou, MD.
Prior to the media being allowed in Brendan had an opportunity to talk to the others about what he wanted to accomplish. What hit me was that everyone in the room except Dr. Theodorou ride bikes on a regular basis. The conversation was really preaching to the choir and it seemed that not only was everyone in agreement but that it was more of a brainstorming session. Dr. Theodorou had many points to ad from his prospective in the hospital and seeing so many patients who were in collisions. One point everyone really agreed on, WEAR A HELMET! Brendan would be dead, no question, if he was not wearing his lid.
Even before the actual interview began it appeared that Brendan would grimace in pain while talking. I thought, What type of a person is willing to expose themselves to this when they are hurting so much? My answer is, a public servant of the highest caliber. He is the fire fighter through and through. A man who is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the many. I cried a few times listening to his passionate speech.
The interview: Surrounded by Farley and Orr with Lorena next to him on the bed the news crews took turns interviewing Brendan. I TOOK THE BEST NOTES I COULD. I DID NOT EMBELISH AT ALL, BUT I’M NOT A GOOD SECRETARY AND EXACT WORDING MIGHT BE OFF.
Brendan Lyons: On Friday, We were on a training ride for El Tour de Tucson in the bike lane, a very wide bike lane, Lorena was on the left of the lane and we were struck from behind. That is all I remember.
KVOA :A picture tells a thousand words, How are you doing with all of this?(she pointed at the bike)
BL: As you can see I suffered some serious injury and I’m very fortunate to be here to talk to you. Because I was wearing a helmet I’m here today.
KVOA: You mentioned you were a fire Fighter.
BL: It puts taking care of people on a whole. I need to take care of myself and my girlfriend now. Hopefully, by talking to you today, I can help save lives and I can help people.
KVOA: What do you want cyclist and drivers to take form this?
BL: If I was not wearing a helmet, hands down, I would be dead. My helmet was crushed in and I would be dead. Follow the rules of the road. Don’t oppose traffic. Ride in the bike lane. Ride with the flow of traffic. For drivers, Most important, keep your hands on the wheel and pay attention. Get off the phone, don’t text , two seconds with your hands off the wheel can kill someone.
KGUN: You said you advocate for riders safety with Look! Save a Life, did you ever think you would be in this position?
BL: I never believed this. I hoped that I could help share the mission of keeping people safe. This is a two way street. This is not an attack on drivers. I want drivers to pay attention. Give a little extra space. Even if it is a 3 foot law, give five feet. There is no reason not to give space. To have a big truck blow by you in a bike lane is hard to comprehend if you are not a cyclist.
KGUN: Why are you doing this?
BL:I’m doing this to potentially save lives. I’m a fire fighter. I care about people. I genuinely care about people. I don’t want to see anyone else hurt or killed. I’m doing this to save lives.
KVOA: Anything else you want to say?
When I see my bicycle I do not know why I am here. I should be dead. I keep thinking that over and over. We are both incredibly lucky to still be alive.
KGUN: Fellow riders are they offering support?
BL: Fellow riders, fellow fire fighters, people I don’t even know have been coming forward. Put a smile on your face and pay attention to the road.
KVOA: You have been working with some local leaders. Can you talk about this?
BL: People don’t understand why there are so many cyclist here. We have the weather, we have the infrastructure. There are hundreds of mile of roads in Tucson and Pima county with adequate bike lanes, but there needs to be more, there is a 55 mile loop being built, if we don’t have the laws that support this we are doing a disservice to not only cyclist, not only to cyclist but to Firefighters, Doctors, Police offices, Mothers, Fathers, sons and daughters, we are doing disservice to your family members. There is a law that if you hit a cyclist in a bike lane that it is a $500 fine, if you kill him it is a $1000 fine, but in part of Arizona you can be fined $2500 for feeding a wild animal. Where is the human element? It is really disheartening.
KVOA: And this is something you are going to work on changing?
BL: Absolutely. Perhaps Arizona can adopt the California law on no texting and hands free devices only? There is no reason not to be paying attention to the road
KVOA: So what are you going to do now? You obviously focus on recovery
BL: I’m going to focus on my recovery, and advocacy. Focusing on helping people and getting better. Focus on Tucson being better. We don’t need to follow other states. We can step up. We are a huge cycling Mecca. We can set the example for other states. Take care of your brother. Pay attention to drivers as well.
KVOA: Lorena, Do you want to say anything on your experience or hearing him say he should not be here?
LE: It’s hard, I remember everything and he does not. I saw him on the ground and honestly thought he was dead. I’m thankful we are both alive and here and able to heal to move forward from this.
KVOA: I’m getting the impression from listening to you that this is not going to stop you from getting on the bike?
BL: Still going to get on a bicycle! Still going to ride! Still going to be safe! Still going to look out for traffic! I’m a driver as well. I pay taxes. I helped pay for these bike lanes. It’s wonderful to have a means to be healthy and ride to work, It’s good on the economy. Absolutely, I’m still going to ride a bike.
KVOA: Anything else you want to ad?
BL: I’d also like to see any laws that are implemented to be added into the driver education test. Many people just don’t know the laws. It needs to start in the high school.
END BL Interview. Start Steve Farley Interview.
KVOA: Tell me what brought you here with us today?
SF: Traffic safety has been one of the top priorities in the legislator. Jan 2007 I was the first legislator in the country to introduce a bill to ban driving while texting for anyone, Here in Arizona we are now one of the last state in the county that has no law for texting while driving for anybody, but we also collect no data on our accident reports. I’m tireless on this because over the course of my seven years in the legislator I’ve had many families and people who were hurt, injured, killed, come to my office and tell me about inattentive driving. We have to stop this. We have to save lives.
KVOA: What does Brendan and Lorena’s story show us?
SF: There is a huge problem. If you talk to anyone in the ER here ,firefighters, first responders, they have seen countless examples of the carnage that happens when people indulge in distracted driving. There is nothing that says you can’t stop distracted drivers right now, and that is one thing I want to emphasis. Every time you are doing a story out here about these types of things, you are saving lives, But when you put a law in place against certain practices that are dangerous then you strengthen that little cop in our head that says “don’t do it.” You put in in the driver education curriculum, So that every kid and every person who learns to drive understands it is unacceptable to do and we need a law, we need everyone to look at the road ahead of you. We have to get that message to everyone we need a law, we need education and we need enforcement.
KVOA: And those will be the basis of laws as we see going into the next legislative session?
SF: I will never stop that effort. I have seen the type of pain you have seen here today. It is so preventable. It does not need to happen.
KGUN: Tucson is one of the best cycling community, isn’t it ironic our laws don’t reflect it?
SF: It is ironic. Too often you have seen peoples ideology, partisan stuff get injected into this, this is not a Republican or Democrat thing, this is a life saving thing, The distracted driver does not look at your political ideology when he runs you over.
End Steve Farley Interview
KVOA You mentioned you are a cyclist yourself. This must have hit close to home for you.
EO: You are incredibly vulnerable out there and what a lot of drivers don’t understand is a bump or tap that might scratch their paint may kill someone.
KVOA: So what are you hoping to accomplish here by getting Brendans story out there?
EO: We have been working in a bi-partisanship way with the South West Community on a series of bike safety protection laws. Had these laws been in place, now, we might not be here today.
KVOA: And what sort of laws are we talking about here?
EO: The laws we need to look at are expanding the 3 foot rule passing law to 5 foot rule, allow helmet cams to be used as evidence, looking at how cyclist start and stop at 4 way stop signs to make sure you don’t create wrecks among groups of cyclist (A very nice way of saying Idaho stop- way to sneak that one in there Ethan. Love the way you worded it.)
KVOA: Is that what you will be focusing on come the next session
OE: I will. But the other thing I want to do is meet with cyclist around the state to work on platinum recognition and international standards and to get other cyclist ideas to incorporate them into legislation.
KVOA: And you said this is a joint effort and it does not matter on the party. Are you in this together?
EO: It does not matter what party you are in. Doing the right thing, that knows no partisanship. And when it comes to saving a life, when it comes to protecting our community, and enhancing our quality of life, It’s just common sense.
KVOA: Have you had any close calls when you are on the bike?
EO: Certainly. I have had cars that will literally pass within a few inches of me and then go around a pot hole 10 feet in front of me., if a pot hole is more valuable than a human life, something is wrong.
KVOA: We talked about drivers. Do you feel there is some improvement that can be made on the cyclist side as well?
EO: I think it is about communication. If we are building all of these bike lanes. We need to connect all the bike lanes. We have the infrastructure. There has to be an understanding of what cyclist bring to the economy and what we bring to the quality of life.
KVOA: And when you said economy, we have el tour coming up, it’s a huge community here.
EO: When you think of it, all of our resorts, they need amenities that bring people here and cycling is big business. We need to understand what the cyclist bring to the economy.
End of Ethan Orr Interview.
Some of the video was not as clear as I would have likes. I tried to be as accurate as possible, but omitted some points that I could not make out or were overly redundant. It has been a long day, both pulling this off as well as selling real estate. I do appreciate any feedback, especially if you read everything and made it this far;-)
